It’s all about PRIDE this weekend in Hartford and New Haven. With tons of activities and good weather on tap, let’s get started.
Dance The Night Away
Rainbow Night At The Russian Lady
Friday, September 13, 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
191 Ann Uccello St., Hartford
Drink, dance, and party the night away at Hartford’s infamous Russian Lady on Rainbow Night. The Russian Lady offers three floors of entertainment provided by the state’s best DJs and entertainers. There are also six bars and two outdoor patios.
For more information: https://www.hartfordpride.org/index.php/component/eventbooking/annual-pride-festival/happy-4
Takin’ It To The Street
Hartford PrideFest 2019
Saturday, September 14, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Pratt St., Hartford
Hartford Capital City Pride invites you to 2019 PrideFest week, celebrating the diversity and achievements of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community across Connecticut.
The main event occurs Saturday on Hartford’s historic Pratt Street and includes entertainment, giveaways, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Admission is free.
For more information: https://www.hartfordpride.org/index.php/component/eventbooking/annual-pride-festival/pridefest2019
Divine Divas
Cabaret: Cocktails & Divas (PrideFest After-Party)
Saturday, September 14, 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Hartford City Hall, 550 Main St., Hartford
Join the PrideFest after party at Hartford’s City Hall when Robin S. and some of Connecticut’s best drag queens perform at Cabaret: Cocktails & Divas.
Tickets are $10 online (early bird) and $20 at the door. One complimentary Pride drink comes with admission. Event is for guests 18+
For more information: https://allevents.in/hartford/cabaret-cocktails-and-divas-pridefest-after-party/200017906082237
The Beat Goes On
Hartford Pride After Party
Saturday, September 14, 8:00 p.m.
Chez Est, 458 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford
The Chez & The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut present the Hartford Pride After Party with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Hosted by Kiki Lucia and music by DJ Mike Nyce, the event features fan favorite, Laila McQueen from Season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The 21+ event features a meet and greet for VIP ticket holders which includes a photo taken by a professional photographer.
General admission is $10.99, VIP tickets are $15.
For more information: https://chezest.com/events-calender
Cinema Sunday
Queer Movie: The Blond One (Un Rubio)
Sunday, September 15, 2:00 p.m.
Spotlight Theater, 39 Front St., Hartford
Hartford’s Pride Week wraps up with a showing of “The Blonde One,” an Argentinian film based on a relationship between Juan and Gabriel, two roommates in the suburbs of Buenos Aires and their undeniable attraction.
The film will be screened at Spotlight Theater in Hartford and admission is free.
For more information: https://www.hartfordpride.org/index.php/component/eventbooking/annual-pride-festival/happy-7
PRIDE New Haven 2019
Flag Raising Ceremony with Mayor Toni Harp
Sunday, September 15, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
New Haven Green, 165 Church St., New Haven
Celebrate the start of PRIDE New Haven at the Flag Raising Ceremony with Mayor Toni Harp and other elected officials on the New Haven Green. PRIDE New Haven is excited to host the first ever flag raising ceremony as part of their kick-off events and plan to raise Daniel Quasar re-imagined pride flag.
The event is free.
For more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/pride/kick-off/
Let’s Get It Started
PRIDE New Haven Kick-Off Reception
Sunday, September 15, Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Audubon Center Terrace, 70 Audubon St., New Haven
Once the flag has officially been raised, head over to the kick-off reception held on the rooftop terrace at the Audubon Center. Hosted in partnership with the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, enjoy delicious bites by Atelier Florian and a cash bar provided by Gotham Citi. There’ll also be entertainment and music.
The event is free.
For more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/pride/kick-off/
Ongoing Events
Be Seen: Portrait Photography Since Stonewall
Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St., Hartford
Through September 15
The Stonewall Riots serve a turning point in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Be Seen explores how artists have used portrait photography to challenge, subvert, and play with societal norms of gender and sexuality.
In the past 50 years, photographers have documented the experiences of the queer community. They have also examined how gender identity and sexual orientation were viewed historically and how they are constructed today.
The exhibit features photography by Tad Beck, Patti Smith, Andy Warhol, and others.
Tours are available Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
For more information: www.thewadsworth.org/be-seen-portrait-photography-since-stonewall.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Game Of Olde England
The Connecticut Renaissance Faire
Lebanon County Fairgrounds, 122 Mack Rd., Lebanon
Saturdays and Sundays through October 14, Columbus Day
10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Ahem. Calling all lords, ladies, dukes, duchesses, knights, kings, queens, and peasants: Come one, come all to the 21st Annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire held at thee olde Lebanon County Fairgrounds.
Thou shallt drink, thou shallt celebrate, listen to the music of ye olde minstrels, and watch performances in the streets at this 16th-century village. Thou shallt also enjoy jousting, comedy by the Bawdy Buccaneers, fire-eating by Zoltan the Adequate, and the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch (okay, not that, but total bonus points if you know the reference).
Know before you go: This is an outdoor event, in the case of inclement weather, check the Facebook page (#CTFAIRE) for up-to-date information. Guests are welcome to wear family-friendly costumes and they don’t have to be Renaissance-themed. So, if you’ve been dying to break out your Harry Potter cape, go right ahead. Pets are permitted but must be public-friendly and dogs must have proof of age-appropriate vaccinations.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for ages 7-15, free for kids 6 and under, and pets are $5 (pet admission proceeds go to the Connecticut Humane Society).
For more information: www.ctfaire.com.
[Photos: Eric Tetreault, Courtesy of CT Renaissance Faire]
Coming Soon:
Deep River Pride Fest, Saturday September 28, 9:00 a.m.
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