Memphis LGBTQ+ Resource Guide

LGBTQ+ travelers to Memphis can find travel resources here, including details on the Mid-South's biggest Pride event (Memphis Pride Fest Weekend), Tri-State Black Pride and curated entertainment, nightlife and resource recommendations.

2023 dates & details for memphis LGBTQ+ FESTIVALS 

MID-SOUTH PRIDE FESTIVAL
June 1-4, 2023

The festival is just one feature of the four-day Memphis Pride Fest Weekend, the largest gathering of its kind in the region, and the "most colorful weekend of the year." Kick off the weekend with Drag N Drive (June 1), a showing of Legally Blond accompanied by a drag show at Memphis' classic Summer Drive-In. Friday, June 2, get down at the Big Gay Dance Party at New Daisy Theatre on iconic Beale Street. Then, get ready for Saturday's Pride Fest & Parade, with two stages of music, a marketplace with hundreds of vendors, a car show, VIP lounge, kids area and more just off the parade route in Robert Church Park (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $1 entry). The parade, featuring more than 100 displays and thousands of participants, rolls out at 1 p.m. on June 3 from Beale Street and South 4th Street for a colorful procession through the Beale Street Entertainment District. Then, celebrate at the Memphis Pride Fest after party that night at New Daisy Theatre. Unwind Sunday, June 5 with a drag brunch (location TBD). 
 
TRI-STATE BLACK PRIDE
June 15-18, 2023 
For four days this summer, the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis will host Tri-State Black Pride. Start off with the Thursday night keynote reception and two full days (Friday and Saturday) of educational sessions, workshops and author chats. Saturday and Sunday bring the party with a drag brunch and comedy show (June 17) and the 3rd Annual Pride Music Festival (June 18) at Midtown's Overton Park Shell.
rainbow crosswalk in overton squrae
Alex Shansky

Nightlife & Entertainment

Whether you want to get down on the dance floor, enjoy a show, or just relax at the bar, Memphis has a spot just for you.

ATOMIC ROSE

Just a few steps from Beale Street, Atomic Rose nightclub is downtown’s weekend hot spot for drag shows, competitions, Sunday brunch, bingo and late-night dancing. Atomic Rose is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and we recommend arriving early to get a good seat! Check their schedule for performance times and brunch info.

DRU’S BAR

Dru’s Bar in Midtown prides themselves on their friendly atmosphere. So sit back, grab a PBR and pick out a song on the jukebox, or grab a few more as liquid courage to get on stage for karaoke. Check their schedule for Drag Shows, karaoke comedy shows and other events. The bar is non-smoking and has a brand new patio as of summer 2021.

THE PUMPING STATION

Located in the heart of the Crosstown neighborhood, the Pumping Station has been open since 2001. Get your leather out because Wednesday night is Leather Kilt, Kink and More (or Less!). Check out the Pumping Station site or social for all upcoming events.

FRIENDS OF GEORGE’S

This volunteer community theater organization creates alternative performances for the LGBTQ+ community. Check Friends of George's events line-up for performances of the first show they ever produced, "George's Truck Stop and Drag Bar," at Midtown Memphis-area theatres.

pride crosswalks in memphis

COOPER-YOUNG RAINBOW CROSSWALK

Memphis made history when local citizens installed the state of Tennessee's first rainbow crosswalk across Young Avenue in the Cooper Young Historic District in November 2019. 

OVERTON SQUARE CROSSWALKS

In spring 2021, local activist groups, citizens, and businesses came together to install two new crosswalks in the Overton Square Entertainment District. The Inclusive Rainbow Crosswalk is a colorful representation the entire LGBTQA+ community and the Black Lives Matter Crosswalk shows solidarity and support for the African-American community.

Both crosswalks span Cooper Street in front of the black repertory theater Hattiloo.

LGBTQ+ Media OUTLETS in memphis

Before or during your visit, check out these local media outlets focused on serving the LGBTQ+ community in Memphis.

FOCUS MID-SOUTH

A Memphis-based magazine dedicated to the LGBTQ community and its allies, featuring in-depth profiles, an events calendar, and stories focused on arts, theater, culture and travel. Virtual magazine issues are also available in addition to print. 

RE: FOCUS PODCAST

Equal parts irreverent and classy, this podcast brings you up to speed on important news and timely topics in the Bluff City’s LGBTQ community.

MEMPHIS GAYDAR

The Memphis Flyer’s blog focused on local and regional LGBTQ events, happenings and news. 

THE UNLEASHED VOICE

A Memphis-based publication amplifying the voices of the multicultural LGBTQ community, and featuring community news, artist features, fashion, relationships and more.

MEMPHIS Nonprofits SERVING THE LGBTQ+ COmmunity

CHOICES MEMPHIS CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Choices provides comprehensive, non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health for the LGBTQ+ community.
FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Friends For Life helps those affected by HIV/AIDS live well. Their goal is to eliminate new transmissions of HIV in Memphis and the Mid-South and empower those living with HIV to become their healthiest, happiest selves.
OUT MEMPHIS
This Midtown-based organization is one of the largest resource providers for the Memphis LGBTQ community, offering everything from advocacy to youth services to social activities. 
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Provides health and health education services to LGBTQ individuals the Greater Memphis Area. You can book an appointment directly on their website.
Get Memphis travel inspo In Your Inbox