A poster in the Student Union commemorating Pride Month with a quote from LGBTQ activist Harvey Milk. Photo by Matthew Schmitz.
Correction June 19, 2024, 5:42 p.m. A previous edition of this article listed the date of the Underground Pride at the Alaska State Fair Grounds as June 20. The correct date for the event is July 20.
Yikes, we’re already mostly through June and I haven’t been to any fun pride events yet!”
I understand, June is busy for Alaskans. Our first “real” month of summer is usually a time of travel, both in-state or out of state. Many of us will be fishing, hunting and jetting off to wherever those Alaska Airlines Cards are able to take us. Not to mention summer jobs that may take up a large chunk of time for us youngsters.
Fear not! Most of the fun of Anchorage Pride is piled on at the end of the month.
June 22, 1 to 8:59 p.m. — The Anchorage PrideFest Official Pride Bar Crawl at the Avenue Bar
At only $10 a ticket, this crawl starting at 4th Avenue’s Avenue Bar gives participants an opportunity to don festive clothing and explore the city’s 21-plus scene with an entourage of fellow residents.
June 24, 8 — “But I’m a Cheerleader” Screening at Bear Tooth Theatrepub by Anchorage PrideFest
The 1999 queer-cult-classic starring Natasha Lyonne tells the tale of a high school girl sent to a gay-conversion-camp after her homophobic parents suspect she may be a lesbian. This teen romantic comedy is an exploration of same-sex love amidst the backdrop of the ineffectuality of gay conversion practices still present in parts of the United States.
June 25, 8 to 11:59 p.m. — Snow City Rainbow Run 5K at Snow City Café
Downtown Anchorage brunch-mainstay Snow City Cafe is inviting participants of all ages and speeds to run — or walk — a 5K in the heart of Anchorage’s downtown. Pride garb is encouraged and booths will be set up by local businesses to add a dash of commerce to Anchoragites’ exercise.
June 29, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — The Anchorage PrideFest and Parade at the Delaney Park Strip
According to Alaska Public Media, the Park Strip’s annual LGBTQ extravaganza includes a parade tradition that began in 1977 — when LGBTQ residents of Anchorage would march with bags over their faces to avoid being fired or ridiculed.
Today, the parade is a celebration of the community’s strength and resilience in supporting diversity and acceptance, and even includes an open-air market and live performances that go into the evening. The parade itself returned last year after being put on a pandemic-long pause, and it starts at 11:30 a.m., ending at noon.
June 29, 12 to 7 p.m. — Pride Block Party at The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe
There’s another big open air celebration on the 29th! A book-themed café in Anchorage’s art-oriented Spenard neighborhood – the Writer’s Block – has hosted Pride Events for a number of years in its parking lot with vendor booths, food and live DJs. The all-ages event will be hosted by UAA-alum M.C. MoHogani Magnetek and features DJs Ms. Mixx, KE and also-UAA-alum Aud Pleas Spin.
Disclaimer: Aud Pleas is a member of the media board that oversees The Northern Light.
June 29-30, 7:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. — Anchorage PrideFest official afterparty at Williwaw Social
Not tired enough after all of that celebrating on the 29th? Williwaw Social — one of Anchorage’s most popular night clubs — will be housing a past-midnight 21-plus celebration.
The “Viva Pride Doom Haus” drag show will require ticketed admission and features headliner Gigi Monroe as well as Anchorage drag performers Krustyna Clown, Lamia Monroe, Elle Emerald and Misty May. Frankie Doom will be hosting the live show. After the show, DJ Fan Service will play a set for a live dance party.
July 20, 12 to 7 p.m. — Underground Pride at the Alaska State Fair Grounds
As a bonus, who says the fun needs to stop in June? Palmer may be a 48-minute drive from Anchorage, but the lengthy commute ends with a market boasting food, locally-made wares and live drag performances. Underground Pride is organized by LGBTQ advocacy organization the Queen’s Guard.
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