Entertainment
From nightlife to entertainment to attractions, celebrate Pride Month across Las Vegas
A tipping point for the gay liberation movement, the June 28, 1969, police raid of the Stonewall Inn sparked six days of rebellion that became a catalyst for change for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Brave individuals like Black, transgender gay liberationist Marsha P. Johnson fought for equality for queer individuals, and we honor those efforts and the work of activists ever since by celebrating Pride Month each June. Unfortunately, it’s a touch warm in Las Vegas for an outdoor Pride festival during June, so we save that for LGBT History Month in October (all the more reason to come back), but there’s still plenty of ways to celebrate while you’re in town.
“It’s important that people celebrate Pride in June because it’s happening nationally,” said Anthony DeFelice, a representative for Gipsy Nightclub. “It’s a lot of eyes and awareness that are happening around this month, and I think joining in that national, and even global, effort around Pride month is super-important … because there’s so much recognition, so much activity, (and) so much movement.”
Obviously, you can expect some poppin’ parties from the Valley’s queer nightlife scene. Catch shows and specials like Parranda Latin Tuesdays and $5 well cocktails until midnight on Thursdays at Piranha. Sister property Gipsy Nightclub offers plenty more to enjoy, like Cosmic Cabaret on Thursdays which features aerialists, acrobats, drink specials and more.
If you’d rather have your fun in the sun, dive into Temptation Sundays at Luxor, Las Vegas’ longest-running LGBTQ+ pool party happening—you guessed it—every Sunday. Hosted by well-known nightlife host Eduardo Cordova, this iconic daytime bash always features bumpin’ beats and refreshing cocktails.
Speaking of daytime digs, stop by Cordova’s Queen Las Vegas at noon on Saturdays and Sundays for Drag Party Brunch, featuring some of the most talented drag queens in Vegas, delicious food and bottomless mimosas. Creatures of the night will appreciate Queen’s sister club, Qarma Nightclub, with fun like Wasted Karaoke Thursdays, the only queer Karaoke night on the Strip.
If partying isn’t your preference, snag tickets for RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! at Flamingo, where talented queens from the production’s namesake competition-reality TV show give it their all in a bit of a competition of their own. The cast changes from time to time, but recently has included fan favorites like Thai drag icon Pangina Heels, Scottish superstar Lawrence Cheney, “dancing diva of Texas” Kennedy Davenport, the relatable and hilarious Asia O’Hara, and “chunky yet funky” Latrice Royale.
You can also support LGBTQ+ organizations in Pride Month when you visit Omega Mart at AREA15. Purchase a Rainbow Wash pin or a specialty sip from the attraction’s speakeasy, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to four nonprofits—Silver State Equality, Human Rights Campaign, Our Center and Pride Tree. As an added bonus, your beverage comes in a commemorative cup.
Support the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada when you order a PRIDE cocktail, made with Empress Gin, Ketel One grapefruit rose, hibiscus, lemon and egg white, or a slice of rainbow cake at Flight Club at The Venetian. All proceeds from sales of these specialty items will be donated.
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