Take It To Go: CT Events September 20 – 22

Celebrating the culture, art, and history of New Haven and Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community, PRIDE New Haven wraps up this weekend with an array of events and celebrations.

As a proud sponsor, Connecticut Voice has the lowdown on all the activities.

And The Winner Is…
3^rd Annual Gay New Haven Pageant
Friday, September 20, 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Partners Café, 365 Crown St., New Haven

Created in 2017 for PRIDE New Haven, the full-scale pageant features contestants who opt to enter the “Mr” or “Miss” category and compete against fellow entries in various categories including talent, fashion, and poise.

The pageant will be hosted by Mia E Z’Lay and is free.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/440807523186281/

Come Together, Right Now
PRIDE March
Saturday, September 21, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
New Haven Green, 165 Church St., New Haven

Join in unity and celebration at the New Haven PRIDE March through downtown. Bring and carry signs, banners, pride flags. No cars or floats are allowed. The march will be escorted by the New Haven Police Department.

For parade route and more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/pride/block-party/.

Party Like It’s 2019!
PRIDE Block Party
Saturday, September 21, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Center St. (Enter from Church St.), New Haven

One of Connecticut’s largest LGBTQ+ gatherings, the PRIDE New Haven Block Party features family activities, food, information booths, and performances all day and all night.

You do not want to miss this!

The PRIDE Block Party is free for all.

For detailed schedule and more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/pride/block-party/.

Story Time
Drag Queen Story Hour
Sunday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
New Haven Pride Center, 84 Orange St., New Haven
Family-friendly time has never had this much character!  Come to the New Haven Pride Center for Drag Queen Story Hour.

The fabulously fun event features drag readers Rory Roux Heart and Frizzie Borden who will read books from the New Haven Pride Center’s GLSEN Connecticut Rainbow Library.

The event is free. For more information: www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/pride-sunday-activities

Care To Dance?
PRIDE Tea Dance
Sunday, September 22, Doors open at 4:00 p.m., music begins at 4:30 p.m.
York Street Café, 168 York St., New Haven

Don’t miss the closing event of PRIDE New Haven 2019 at the York Street Café, one of Connecticut’s oldest LGBTQ+ bars. The dance features DJ Dark Anjel and vocals from an incredible roster of LGBTQ+ local musical acts and bands.

The cover charge is $5 at the door.

For more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/pride/pride-sunday-activities/.

Ongoing Events
It’s a Queer Story: Everyone Has a Story
Through October 30, Tues – Thurs, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
New Haven Pride Center, 84 Orange St., New Haven

It’s a Queer Story explores the introspection of ‘What being Queer means to me.’ The artist asks several peers this same question and the answers, stories, and emotions are materialized into photographs.

The artist, Julia Genzano (she/her), is a Connecticut-based photographer who brings to life the struggles or triumphs of queer individuals. Everyone has a story and it deserves to be heard.

For more information: http://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/programming/exhibitions/its-a-queer-story-2/#

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.

[Photo:Eric Tetreault, Courtesy of CT Renaissance Faire]

Coming Soon:
Deep River Pride Fest, Saturday, September 28, 9:00 a.m.