On June 29, 1969, the Stonewall riots took place. Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, and riots ensued all in service to gay liberation. On the 1st anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, the first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
We’ve come a long way since then (and in the same breath, we have a long way to go). Indianapolis’s history of celebration has grown, too. Our first Pride parade featured one float and lasted 15 minutes. These days, we feature 140 floats, and the parade is 2 hours long. But the city celebrates all month long, not just for a singular parade. You have a lot to look forward to in the month of June, and it’s listed below.
Golf OUTing
June 2, 2:00-9:00 p.m.
Smock Golf Course
A golf scramble followed by an after-party you won’t want to miss, featuring giveaways, drag queens, entertainers and the Pride Court! All proceeds will go directly to supporting queer youth and young adults through IYG’s programs, services and resources.
Indy Pride Pet Pride
June 3, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Riverside Park
Pet parents, local vendors and the community gather for an afternoon of play and music centered around our loving animals.
Indy Pride Interfaith Celebration
June 4, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Riverside Park
Holding space for all LGBTQ+ folks of all faiths to celebrate the journey of our current or former faith tradition. This event absolutely includes people who identify as agnostic or atheist.
Drag Night at The Vogue
June 4, 6:00p.m
The Vogue
Enjoy a night of entertainment with a star-studded cast of performers, including Chablis Onassis, Vanessa Ryan, Ana Crusis, Stacia Onassis, Eric Rainbow, Heather Bea, and Sizzlin’ Sandra.
Indy Pride Deaf Pride
June 5, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Hi-Fi
LUNA Language Services will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at the event for the hearing community. Join us to enjoy Deafies in Drag and more!
Indy Pride Bi and Pan Pride
June 6, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Tinker House
DJ Annie D will be kicking off the event with some killer music at 7. Dance with us until 10! In between dances, you can shop from a few local artists and vendors or enjoy a cocktail from the cash bar (for guests 21+).
Youth Pride Carnival
June 7, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Indiana Youth Group
A carnival to celebrate Pride month with their peers in a safe space as they enjoy carnival food, snow cones, face painting, dunk tanks and more while playing a variety of carnival games.
Music Night
June 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Athenaeum
Each year, this family-friendly event serves as their Anniversary Concert, and they pull out all the stops.
Beyond the Binary
June 8th, 7:00-11:00 p.m.
The Vogue
Celebrating the femme spirit, with a magical lineup of talented artists across the entire femme/gender spectrum consisting of burlesque, aerial burlesque, drag and spoken word.
Mass Ave Pride Patio Party
June 10, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Peace Water Winery
Come spend an afternoon in good company on Peace Water Winery’s patio to watch the Pride Parade. A ticket includes entrance to the patio and a glass of wine of your choosing.
Indy Pride Parade
June 10, 10:00 a.m -12:00 p.m.
Mass Ave.
Indy’s first Pride Parade featured one float, an antique truck, a few drag queens, some antique cars and a handful of walking groups. Back then, the parade barely lasted 15 minutes. Since then, it has grown to include well over 140 floats, vehicles and walking groups, lasting nearly 2 hours!
Indy Pride Festival
June 10, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Military Park
A host of exciting events in store will highlight and uplight Indy’s LGBTQ+ community. Last year’s Festival attendance was around 35,000!
“Love Revolution” ft. Millennial
June 10, 9:00 p.m.
The Vogue
A dance Party to overthrow negativity, featuring Millenial with special guests J Warren and Joe Pacheco.
Olympia
June 11, 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
Almost Famous on Mass Ave.
Presented by Indy Pride and Crispy Critters Productions, this is an eight hour drag experience that features all different types of drag. Free and must be 21+ to attend.
Drive-In Movie Night
June 16, 8:00-11:30 p.m.
Tibbs Drive-In Theatre
A family-friendly double-feature evening of movies and celebration.
LeBall En Couleur
June 18, 8:00 p.m.
The Vogue
A time to affirm, reconcile, and celebrate experiencing the intersectionality of being black and LGBTQ+ in Indianapolis. A 21+ event.
aAPI of Indiana Pride celebration
June 23, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Tinker House
This celebration provides a safe space to represent and celebrate the intersectionality of Asian American Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ+ communities. As these communities face negativity from so many angles, it is imperative to come together to provide a life-giving and loving response to CELEBRATE joys and wins.
Latinx Pride – Generacion Orgullo
June 24, 7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
The Vogue
This year’s theme? Generacion Orgullo. Early bird tickets and VIP tables available. General admission tickets available regardless.
Irvington Pride
June 24, Kickoff @ 11:00 a.m.
Pennsy Trail
Over 20 participating businesses throughout the neighborhood. Kickoff starts at 11AM with a pet parade down the Pennsy Trail. Live music, bands, DJs, vendor village, beer garden, theatre, face painting, live entertainment, drag show & more!
But the celebrations and events don’t end there. Be sure to regularly check out Indy Pride’s Events Page for year-round programming.
All of our content—including this article—is completely free. However, we’d love if you would please consider supporting our journalism with an Indy Maven membership.
