The month of June marks an International Pride Month, but because Nashville is just now waking up from its COVID-19 slumber, the Nashville Pride Festival and Parade is actually slated for September 18-19, 2021 at Bicentennial Capitol Mall and Park. (Here is a complete listing of the festivities.) But you don’t have to wait until September to join in a hearty “y’all means all” rally cry. You can support Nashville’s local LGBTQ+ community by giving business to any one of the numerous queer-owned businesses in the city, and by visiting its queer bars, spaces, and drag venues.
On the drag front, Nashville celebrates its talented queens at some of the hottest shows in town. See how drag has evolved into the art form it is today over brunch on Second Avenue’s Illusions: The Drag Queen Show. The BYOB wheels go round and round on The Big Drag Bus departing Church Street for a 90-minute excursion around town filled with performances, laughs, games, and a chance to get to know someone maybe you wouldn’t have otherwise. Located in Printer’s Alley, Dragville Brunch Party features local food, drink specials, drag bingo, performances, and karaoke with the Queen.
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For the month of June only, Bobby Hotel celebrates Nashville Pride with Sunday Drag Brunch on The Rooftop Lounge at Bobby Hotel complete with family-style food and a show by local drag performers, as well as special surprise headliners each show, including some big names from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Tickets are priced at $65 per person and include entrance, prix-fixe family-style menu, and one mimosa. Get your tickets on EventBrite.
There’s also a sold out Drag Brunch this weekend at CBD, coffee, and cocktail hang Anzie Blue — stay tuned for future related brunches in the area.
Even if you don’t deeply understand how Dolly transcends all musical genres, know that at the core of this celebration is the acceptance of all humans. And if you want to eat, drink and be Mary, these Nashville essentials should do the trick.
Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
