The Five Indy Pride Moments We Can’t Wait For

1. Dogs in Pearls

Kicking off Pride’s week of events is Saturday’s Pet Pride. This is a chance for proud owners to show off their favorite four-legged friends in beautiful Riverside Park. Contests include Pet/Owner Look-a-Like, A Face Only a Parent Could Love, Most Couture Costume, and My Pet’s Got Talent. Even if competition isn’t Fluffy’s thing, bring her out your pet to this free and open-to-the-public event. 2420 E Riverside Dr. 2 p.m. June 4.

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-03 at 1.29.49 PM2. A Movie Under the Stars

For classic Hollywood glamour, come to the Kruse Family Stardust Terrace at the Eugene and Mary Glick Indiana History Center to enjoy a screening of the 1953 film Kiss Me Kate. On June 10, celebrate the 125th birthday of Indiana’s most famous composer, Cole Porter, by enjoying a film based on his 1948 Tony Award–winning Broadway play. The seating is first come, first served, but there will be space for chairs brought in, and refreshments will be available for purchase. 450 W. Ohio St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; film starts at 9 p.m. June 10.

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-03 at 1.34.28 PM3. A Massive Sing-Along During “Free Your Mind”

Pride Festival has always been known as a party, but this year’s will be better than ever, with performances from headliner En Vogue, countless DJs, and a wide mix of music from the likes of rapper Oreo Jones, folk- and bluegrass-tinged stompers Bigfoot Yancey, and Prince cover band Royalty. The Indiana Men’s Choir and the Indy Pride Bag Ladies are, of course, returning to the all-day festival. With so many music choices and three stages, Indy Pride Festival promises to keep everyone entertained. 700 N Pennsylvania St. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. June 11. Suggested $5 donation.

Screen Shot 2016-06-03 at 1.40.05 PM4. A Bunch of Drag Queens, Plus Two Oily Men

The best time to see drag queens is undoubtedly during Pride Fest. Performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race are coming to grace the stage in Indianapolis. Fan favorites Jujubee and Trixie Mattel will be strutting for all to see on the main stage; also on view will be two members of RuPaul’s Pit Crew. 700 N. Pennsylvania St. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. June 11. Suggested $5 donation.

For even more drag, race over to Gregs on Thursday to catch local queens and the Indy Bag Ladies. 231 E 16th St., 21-and-over only. Doors open at 9 p.m. June 9. Suggested $5 donation.

 

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5. Liberace Levels of Glamour

If there is one thing about Indy Pride that everyone knows, it’s the parade. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Last year, the parade saw its biggest turnout ever, with more than 150 vehicles, floats, and walking groups. It’s called the Cadillac Barbie IN Pride Parade in honor of parade founder Gary Brackett’s drag name. The parade will start at the corner of College and Mass Ave and head south down to Vermont Street, then head north up Pennsylvania Street to St. Clair, where the festival will be just beginning in the American Legion Mall. 9:30 a.m. June 11.