From nightlife to entertainment to attractions, celebrate Pride Month across Las Vegas

A tipping point for the gay liberation movement, the June 28, 1969, police raid of the Stonewall Inn sparked six days of rebellion that became a catalyst for change for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Brave individuals like Black, transgender gay liberationist Marsha P. Johnson fought for equality for queer folks, and we honor those efforts and the work of activists ever since by celebrating Pride Month each June. Unfortunately, it’s a touch warm in Las Vegas for an outdoor Pride festival during June, so we save that for LGBT History Month in October (all the more reason to come back), but there’s still plenty of ways to celebrate while you’re in town.

“It’s important that people celebrate Pride in June because it’s happening nationally,” said Anthony DeFelice, a representative for Gipsy Nightclub. “It’s a lot of eyes and awareness that are happening around this month, and I think joining in that national, and even global, effort around Pride month is super-important … because there’s so much recognition, so much activity, (and) so much movement.”

Obviously, you can expect some poppin’ parties from the Valley’s queer nightlife scene. Catch shows and specials like Parranda Latin Tuesdays and $5 well cocktails until midnight on Thursdays at Piranha. Sister property Gipsy Nightclub offers plenty more to enjoy, like Cosmic Cabaret on Thursdays which features aerialists, acrobats, drink specials and more.

If you’d rather have your fun in the sun, dive into Temptation Sundays at Luxor, Las Vegas’ longest-running LGBTQ+ pool party happening—you guessed it—every Sunday. Hosted by well-known nightlife host Eduardo Cordova, this iconic daytime bash always features bumpin’ beats and refreshing cocktails.

Speaking of daytime digs, stop by Cordova’s Queen Las Vegas at noon on Saturdays and Sundays for Drag Party Brunch, featuring some of the most talented drag queens in Vegas, delicious food and bottomless mimosas. Creatures of the night will appreciate Queen’s sister club, Qarma Nightclub, with fun like Wasted Karaoke Thursdays, the only queer Karaoke night on the Strip.

If partying isn’t your preference, snag tickets for RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! at Flamingo, where talented queens from the production’s namesake competition-reality TV show give it their all in a bit of a competition of their own. The cast changes from time to time, but recently has included fan favorites like Thai drag icon Pangina Heels, Scottish superstar Lawrence Cheney, “dancing diva of Texas” Kennedy Davenport, the relatable and hilarious Asia O’Hara, and “chunky yet funky” Latrice Royale.

You can also support LGBTQ+ organizations this Pride month when you visit Omega Mart at AREA15. Purchase a Rainbow Wash pin or the Rainbow Connection (made with vodka, Chinola passion fruit liqueur, peach puree, fresh lime and ginger beer) from the attraction’s speakeasy, Datamosh, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to three nonprofits—Silver State Equality, Our Center and Pride Tree. As an added bonus, your beverage comes in a commemorative cup.

Sweet treats to benefit LGBTQ+ organizations can be found all over The Venetian. Support the LGBTQIA+ Center of Southern Nevada when you order a PRIDE cocktail, made with Empress Gin, Ketel One grapefruit rose, hibiscus, lemon and egg white, or a slice of rainbow cake at Flight Club at The Venetian; all proceeds from sales of these specialty items will be donated. Bouchon Bakery brings its rainbow cake back and this year a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hetrick-Martin Institute to benefit queer youth. Consisting of seven multicolor layers, this delicious form of philanthropy can be bought as a single slice or whole cake. Stop into HaSalon for a Love Loop, a colorful dessert is made with housemade cereal milk cream, chunks of chocolate chip cookies and rainbow cereal, and 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to The Center. Pop across the way to Miznon for an Arak frozen lemonade and 50 percent of the proceeds will also go to The Center.

Attend Vegas Theatre Company’s “Abandon,” a theatrical experience that combines horror, humor and a bit of sexiness, on June 9 at 7 p.m. for its Pride night. With $20 off VIP and $10 off general admission, there’s no better time to see a production depicting the work of Marquis de Sade, one of the first authors to write about homosexuality. Plus, you can keep the party going at the Garden; ticket holders will receive 2-for-1 drinks at the downtown bar. 

You’ll find a ton of ways to celebrate Pride at Virgin Hotels. The property’s showroom, 24 Oxford, has a show for just about anyone to enjoy. Snag some seats at Lady Like and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Center, or grab tickets to GLITZ: The Show Kids Show on June 9, which features Plasma of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16 and a handful of local queer artists. Catch For the Girls on June 15 for a tribute to drag culture, starring Bosco, Daya Betty and Lady Camden of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14. Kassi Beach House gets in on the fun with a Pride House party on June 12 and a Pride brunch on June 15. Hotel guests can also use code “PRIDE” for up to 30 percent off room rates.

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