Pride Month is here and numerous events are being held around the city before the main Pride weekend festivities and parade scheduled for June 25 and 26. See our cover story in the next Oklahoma Gazette for details about that, but in the meantime, check these out.

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Toke ‘n Drag Benefit
June 19, Relax Park, 500 S. Western Ave.

More than two dozen cannabis personalities from around the state will appear in drag to raise funds for displaced LGBTQ youth with an educational twist that deeply respects the significance of the show’s date by elevating BIPOC voices within our communities. The pre-show begins at 7 p.m. with a supply drive for a grand prize along with swag and raffle items from more than 40 brands.  The event on the main stage begins at 9 p.m. There will be a Brazilian churrascaria food court and craft non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. The onsite Hub Bar offers alcoholic drinks and Garden of Weeden is an attached dispensary. Tickets are $10 before and $15 day of show.

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Phillip Danner

Pride! on the Plaza

The return of Live! on the Plaza begins with Pride! on the Plaza June 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. This is the return of the block party held in the Plaza the second Friday of each month. Below are some of the participating businesses and what they have already announced for the event. 

Velvet Monkey: hair show at 8 p.m.

Magic Tree: aerial silk show at  7 p.m. (will perform throughout night)

DNA Galleries: poetry & chill from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Pie Junkie: Cosmic Whoopie Pies

Plaza Walls: hosted by OKC Pride Alliance plus an interactive mural

Dig It: Bedtime performance at 6 p.m. (@bedtimetheband)

- vogue class at 7:15 p.m.

- drag performance at 7:30 p.m.

Thrive Mama: rainbow headbands for kids

OKC Improv: Shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. featuring community members who identify as LGBTQIA+

Bad Granny’s: dance performances

Empire: Pride Slice

The Press: Second drag show at 9:30 p.m. 

By.Elyjah + Aurora (Plaza Backyard): Live music from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Chelsea Days + Granpa Vern 

Lyric Courtyard: Friends of the Plaza reception from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.


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Phillip Danner

Pride Night with the Oklahoma City Energy

The Energy FC will host Pride Night on June 12 when the Greens face Birmingham Legion FC at Taft Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for Pride Night can be purchased at energyfctix.com/pride with $2 from each going directly to the OKC Pride Alliance. In addition, Energy FC Pride shirts and scarves will be available for sale with 20 percent of proceeds also benefiting the OKC Pride Alliance.

Matchday celebrations will include a special rendition of the national anthem, Pride-themed décor, rainbow smoke bombs for the supporters and more from the 2SLGBTQ+ supporters group, the Main Street Greens. The Energy will also participate in the OKC Pride Fest.

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OKC Zoo Pride Sip & Stroll

Leading into the main OKC Pridefest, the Pride Sip & Stroll will be held June 23 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Up to 1,200 people ages 21 and up will be able to wander on an outdoor path to adventure through the zoo and guests will experience wildlife from around the world as well as featured drinks inspired by Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Belize and others. While most of the 100-acre zoo will be open for exploration, giraffe loop and Oklahoma Trails will be closed for guest safety. VIP admission is $40 per person, which includes early entry to the event with check-in times from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., a special sea lion presentation at 7 p.m., and access to Dino Safari, Stingray Bay, and lorikeets. Limited to 300 guests per night. General Admission is $25 per person and includes entry between 6:15-7:45 p.m. and access to Dino Safari. A Drink Passport is $30 per person and includes six $5 drink tickets to be used for a 5 oz. sample of each specialty drink. Guests can purchase tickets to Flamingo Mingle, Stingray Bay, lorikeets, and carousel during ticket purchase or on-site. Entry times are spaced every 15 minutes to allow for maximum social distancing. After scheduled check-in, guests are free to stay throughout the duration of the event.

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