If you’ve been in town the last couple of weekends, you can already feel the momentum shifting back from the shore to the city, as it inevitably does at the end of every summer. Center City bars and restaurants are getting busier, commuter traffic is picking up and invitations for fall events are popping up with increasing frequency.
For urban souls like me, this return to “normalcy” is exciting and a little overwhelming. In a few days, professional and social schedules will intensify, while the memories of shore shares, ocean sunsets and happy hour at our favorite summer haunts will begin to fade away (thank goodness for Facebook photo albums)! To help you prep for the next couple weeks of transition, here’s a list of LGBT diversions worthy of your time and attention. It’s the perfect way to stave off those post-summer blues.
On Sept. 18, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., will host Nightlifegay.com’s second annual Gayborhood Games. Every year, several “Best of” lists are released, ranking local restaurants and performers, but the Gayborhood Games are a collection of innovative contests to gauge Philly’s most talented in numerous categories. Similar to reality-competition formats like “American Idol,” contestants perform before a panel of expert judges and hundreds of audience members. Champions will be named in the following categories:
— Outstanding Drag Act — Outstanding Comedian — Outstanding Vocalist — Outstanding Salon/Hairstylist — Outstanding Bartender — Outstanding Chef/Baker
The champions from the 2009 Gayborhood Games will return to defend their title, raising the stakes at this year’s competition. The Gayborhood Games are open to any resident or business in Philadelphia and the five-county region. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the competition begins promptly at 9. For more information on the games, visit www.nightlifegay.com.
One of the things most Philadelphians, gay and straight alike, anticipate each fall is the return of football. If you’re not content sitting on the sidelines, check out the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League. The league is open to any local resident, but it’s very popular in the gay community. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 11, league organizers will host their “Opening Day” at Columbus Park, 12th and Wharton streets. This is the first official day of the fall season, and it’s certain to be a fun time for athletes and fans alike. Registration is currently open at www.phillyflagfootball.com.
Also over the weekend of Sept. 10-12 is South Jersey Gay Pride. The entire weekend is full of exciting activities and events, but I’m most looking forward to the 2010 Miss Southern New Jersey Gay Pride Pageant. On Sept. 11, Fiso’s Lounge, 1439 South St., will be littered with high heels, BeDazzlers and tiaras in pursuit of South Jersey’s drag title. Cover for the event is $15 before 5 p.m. and $20 after. Details about the pageant, as well as South Jersey Gay Pride’s entire celebratory agenda, are at www.jerseylyfe.org.
With post-Labor Day planning in full swing, it’s tempting to look past the holiday weekend. If you’re not spending the weekend in Rehoboth, Fire Island or another beach getaway, consider traveling to New Hope on Saturday, Sept. 4, for the Mr. Gay New Hope competition. The popular Nevermore Hotel, 6426 Lower York Road, will host as several local contestants compete for the chance to represent New Hope in the 2010 national Mr. Gay Competition at Voyeur Nightclub on Nov. 13. It’s guaranteed to be a thrilling evening with plenty of eye candy. For more information, or to book an overnight stay following the contest, visit www.nevermorehotel.com.
This is just a sampling of the range of events guaranteed to make your transition to fall a bit easier. Feel free to send your suggestions to [email protected], and they might show up on my daily blog, www.nightlifegay.com. ‘Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!