By the time you read this, Pride will have been going strong in OKC for nigh on a fortnight and in the metro for more than a month thanks to Norman Pride in May. But whether you’re just getting started or getting your second (or third) wind, there are still plenty of loud and proud events scheduled for this month. It’s also worth noting that some of the events listed below occur regularly throughout the year, so there’s no need to ever put those rainbow tutus back in the closet.
Oklahoma Pridefest
Basically guaranteed to be OKC’s largest Pride event in terms of attendance, square footage and decibel level, Pridefest closes out the month in style Friday, June 27-Sunday, June 29 at Scissortail Park, 300 SW Seventh St. See works by queer artists on display in the Community Zone 4-10 p.m. Friday, read our interview with headliner David Archuleta in this issue’s Music section and don’t miss the parade beginning 11 a.m. Sunday. Visit okpridealliance.org/pridefest for more information.
Factory Obscura
Automobile Alley’s immersive art space Factory Obscura, 25 NW Ninth St., hosts events for all age ranges this month. Pride on 9th 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, is a free event featuring an artist market with more than two dozen vendors and outdoor performances by Pluto Rouge and 3li3lielieli. Youth Pride Night 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, includes a friendship bracelet-making station and a lip-sync showcase. (Performers should sign up by June 18 to guarantee a spot.) This event is free with an RSVP and meant for teens, so solo adults will not be allowed entry, but children of all ages are welcome with accompanying adults as needed. But don’t get jealous: The 18-plus crowd will get the chance to make bracelets and lip-sync into Factory’s bedazzled hairbrush the following night at Mix-Tape After Hours: Pride Party! 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 26. This event will cost you $22-$24 if you aren’t a Mix-Tape member. Visit factoryobscura.com.
Pride! on the Plaza
On Friday, June 13, First Friday in the Plaza District, 1745 NW 16th St., becomes, in the words of its promotional materials, “one of the fiercest block parties of the year” in “celebration of love, diversity and unapologetic self-expression.” Enjoy drag performances, live music, an artist vendor market and more at this free, family-friendly event. Visit plazadistrict.org.
Herland Pride Celebration
Join local nonprofit Herland Sister Resources at Church of the Open Arms, 3131 N. Pennsylvania Ave., for a potluck meal and live musical performances starting 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Visit herlandokc.org.
Metropolitan Library System
See works created by LGBTQ+ artists on display at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave., throughout the month of June, and create your own zine at the Who Am I? A Zine for Me! workshop 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 30, at Patience S. Latting Northwest Library, 5600 NW 122nd St. Teens can meet up with other LGBTQ+ youth and allies at this month’s Pink Pony Club social club 2-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, also at Northwest Library. If you’d rather work from home, you can pick up a Pride-themed chapbook full of creative writing exercises from the Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63rd St., through Wednesday, June 18. Visit metrolibrary.org to register for events.
Out in Oklahoma
An exhibition of artworks about coming out, Out in Oklahoma celebrates its opening 7-9 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Mycelium Gallery, 2816 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Tickets are pay-what-you-will with a minimum of $10. $5 from each ticket will go to the gallery, and the rest will be donated to Sisu Youth Services, a self-described “low-barrier, identity-affirming emergency overnight shelter and drop-in resource hub for unhoused and at-risk youth.” Following the opening, artworks will be on display at the gallery through July 13. Visit myceliumgallery.com and sisuyouth.org.
Frankie’s
As the motto “If you don’t have a home, you do at Frankie’s!” suggests, “OKC’s top Lesbian Dive Bar,” 3200 N. May Ave., is hosting prideful events year round, but drop in this month for Open Talent Night beginning 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 to see drag kings, queens and nonbinary royalty werking out new routines (or arrive by 8:30 p.m. for a chance to sign up yourself). For something a bit more polished and planned, check out Oh! So Y’all Wanted An Asian Host? with Yakisoba Zay Brooks Michaels 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14 (Get there early for karaoke, also hosted by Yakisoba, starting at 7 p.m.) and It’s Poppin’ with Paprika Cherry 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Shows are free, but bring dollars for the dancers. Visit facebook.com/frankiesokc for more information.
It’s Brunch B*tch!
Comic and drag queen Olivia Lycan hosts this monthly show, which features a rotating cast of performers 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22 at Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California Ave. Check out the special brunch offerings on the menu because you literally have to — the standard comedy club two-item minimum applies in addition to the $10-$15 tickets, which often sell out. Visit bricktowncomedy.com for more information.
The Boom!
One of OKC’s biggest sources for drag shows since it opened in 2009, The Boom!, 2218 NW 39th St., doesn’t disappoint this month with Y2GAAAAY Pride Anthems Brunch at noon Saturday, June 14 ($12); the weekly Sunday Gospel Brunch at noon on June 15, 22 and 29 ($10); and Drag-sic Park, a dragged-out parody of everyone’s favorite film featuring gender-swapping dinosaurs running Friday, June 27-Saturday, Aug. 2 ($30), because drag, much like life, uh, finds a way. Visit facebook.com/theboomokc.
Related events
It’s Poppin’ With Paprika Cherry
Fourth Saturday of every month, 10 p.m.-12 a.m.
Location: Frankie’s, 3200 N May Ave, Oklahoma City
This article appears in deadCenter Film Festival 2025.