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Philly Black Pride
Visitors come from far and wide for Philly Black Pride, an annual four-day Pride event that emphasizes the strength and resilience of Philly’s community of LGBTQ+ people of color.
Held each year during the week of the historic Penn Relays, Philly Black Pride brings together between 3,000 and 5,000 people for a long weekend of celebrations and community building.
A host of citywide events center on the idea of “partying with a purpose,” uplifting the community while highlighting available services, including physical- and mental-health resources.
This year’s festivities take place from April 25 to 28, 2024.
The Club Quarters Hotel in Rittenhouse Square is the official hotel for Philly Black Pride 2024, with events popping up in surrounding neighborhoods and throughout the city.
Here’s a sampling of what to expect for the 25th iteration of the event:
One Night Stand Poetry Slam
Kick off a whirlwind weekend of festivities with a bang: Philly Black Pride’s signature open mic night and poetry slam is back.
Hosted by two-time One Night Stand Poetry Slam champion Queen Phierce, this event invites poets and wordsmiths to take the stage at the Velvet Whip Philly and make their voices heard — loudly and proudly. At the end of the night, one open mic poet will be crowned this year’s winner, leaving with a cash prize and bragging rights.
VIP and general admission tickets are available, and open mic performers are encouraged to sign up in advance.
Opening Reception: Welcome to Pride 25
Cheers to 25 years! Philly Black Pride and its esteemed 25th Anniversary Honorary Board invite you to celebrate the event’s milestone anniversary at the weekend’s Welcome to Pride opening reception at the Club Quarters Hotel.
Admission is free. Just come ready to mix, mingle and enjoy light bites and great performances. There will even be an appearance from a special guest.
Black Joy Summit
The Colours Organization, a local group dedicated to impacting, improving and empowering the lives of LGBTQ+ communities of color, especially those of the African diaspora, joins Philly Black Pride for a day of healing. Black Joy Summit attendees can expect insightful conversations about all things health and holistic healing over brunch at the Club Quarters Hotel. Admission is free, but a reservation is required.
Pride Cinema: POSSE Ball 2024 Philly’s ballroom community always shows up and shows out, so be prepared to be stunned by jaw-dropping performances and style.
Philly Black Pride and the POSSE Project team up to host a cinema-themed ballroom event with categories inspired by iconic films and TV shows like Paris is Burning, Philadelphia, Moonlight and P-Valley.
The event also encourages house members and Philly’s LGBTQ+ community to take care of their health. The house with the most members to get tested will win a prize.
Deviant X Philly Black Gay Pride Presents: Jock Philly Black Pride meets the Penn Relays at Cockatoo Philadelphia in the Gayborhood.
There are very few times when a night out on the town calls for sports gear and gym wear, but this is one of them. The dress code for this party is athletic-chic: Jerseys, jocks, shoulder pads and basketball shorts are not just allowed but encouraged.
DJs keep the vibes high and music going until 2 a.m., so come ready for a great time.
The Philly Black Pride Legends Showcase
The grand finale to an iconic weekend, The Philly Black Pride Legends Showcase is unlike any other drag brunch you’ve ever been to.
To toast to 25 years of Philly Black Pride, organizers enlisted the help of a few familiar faces. The Miss Philly Black Pride Queens Courts from 2012-2015 unite at the Club Quarters Hotel for one afternoon only. The legendary queens treat brunchers to some incredible performances (over mimosas, of course).
What better way to celebrate Philly Black Pride’s past, present and future?
More Events Info
Events are open to the public, though some require individual tickets or cover charges.
For more information about the complete lineup of events, including The Night Is Still Young: The 25th Anniversary Legends Event celebrating leaders in Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community, as well as additional partner events, click the button below.
Philadelphia Black Pride’s mission is to improve the living and social environments of LGBTQ+ people of color in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection through public advocacy and quality social events.
In addition to the annual Philly Black Pride festival, the organization hosts year-round programming to support community development.
For more information about Philly Black Pride, click the button below.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
Historic sites, popular neighborhoods, and LGBTQ+-owned bars and restaurants in Philadelphia's...