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.
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.
2026 dates & details for Memphis LGBTQ+ FESTIVALS
MEMPHIS PRIDE FESTIVAL
June 4–7, 2026
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."
Friday, get down at the Big Gay Dance Party at Crosstown Theater. Then, get ready for Saturday's Pride Festival and 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 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $1 entry). The parade, featuring more than 100 displays and thousands of participants, rolls out at 11 a.m. on June 6 from Beale Street and South 4th Street for a colorful procession through the Beale Street Entertainment District. Unwind Sunday, June 7, with a drag brunch (location TBD).
TRI-STATE BLACK PRIDE
June 18–21, 2026
Don't miss Tri-State Black Pride. Start off with the Thursday night opening ceremony at the Aloft Memphis, followed by a full day Friday of educational sessions, workshops and author chats. Saturday and Sunday bring the party with the Drag & Brunch at Renasant Convention Center (June 20), followed by the 6th Annual TSB Pride Music Festival (June 21) at The Coronet.
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.
DRU’S BAR
Dru’s Bar in Midtown prides itself 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 but features a patio.
THE PUMPING STATION
Located in the heart of the Crosstown neighborhood, the Pumping Station has been open since 2001. Every night of the week is a different event or theme. 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.
Get hotel and attraction deals, special packages and freebies when you're visiting Memphis for an upcoming fest.
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 of the entire LGBTQIA+ 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.
WELCOMING PLACES OF WORSHIP
Check websites for virtual, in-person and schedule information.
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.
