The next couple of weeks are so busy that if I open this week’s column with my usual chitchat about the world we live in and life in general, I won’t have enough room to tell you about all the cool stuff going on around town.
And why are things so busy? Because OutFest is right around the corner! It’s my favorite Pride event in Philly because it’s the only block party that still happens in the Gayborhood, right in the middle of all the action. But you don’t have to wait for OutFest weekend for the fun to get started.
PYRO: Back 2 School
Don’t miss the first annual intercollegiate back-to-school party from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 30 at ICandy, 254 S. 12th St. Cover charge is $10, or $5 if you show up in your school colors (hey, that means more money for beer!).
There will be special guest performances, a hot college jock contest with cash prizes (more beer money!), drink specials and even a sexy college shot boy. Doors are open to anyone 18 and over, but of course you need to be 21 to drink. Don’t forget your ID, kids!
For more information on this event, sponsored by Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition and Philly Gay Calendar, check out www.clubicandy.com.
Liberty Bears happy hour
The bears are officially out of hibernation! The turnout at last month’s Liberty Bears happy hour was great, so they’re following it up with an October Fest party from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 1 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. After hanging out and rubbing bellies with the bears, be sure to join them in the basement for a club meeting to see what else they have in store for you.
Indigo Ball
It’s time once again for the William Way LGBT Community Center’s annual fundraiser. The festivities start with a black-tie gala catered by Stephen Starr Events from 6-9:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Arts Ballroom, 1324 Locust St. Tickets are $175 per plate, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the center.
All gala guests receive admittance to the IndiGoGo Dance Party from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St. The party will feature DJ Chip Dish and performances by the Dumpsta Players and Liberty City Kings.
Tickets for IndiGoGo are only $15 in advance or $20 at the door, which includes admission to the after-party at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. How’s this for a special offer: If you sign up for a $35 annual membership to the center, you’ll receive two free tickets to IndiGoGo!
For more information, check out indigogo.waygay.org.
First annual Red Affair
OutFest weekend kicks off with the First Annual Red Affair from 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 7 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door and a portion of the proceeds benefit AIDS Fund. The night will feature performances by Navaya Shay, Stefon Royce Iman, Crystal Chethman, Oliver Chris, Tony Enos and more.
For more information, see www.voyeurnightclub.com or www.tonyenos.com.
Bachelor Auction and Pajama Party
The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will celebrate OutFest weekend with a pajama dance party and fundraiser bachelor auction from 9 p.m.-midnight Oct. 8 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. If you play your cards and your bidding right, you could win a date with a handsome man that could include a meal at a local restaurant and theater tickets.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and your ticket price includes readmission to Voyeur after-hours that night. All non-bar proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus.
For more information see www.pgmc.org.
Philadelphians MC Pre-OutFest Social
And last but not least, don’t miss your chance to hang with the leather men of Philadelphians MC at their Pre-OutFest social from 9 p.m.-midnight Oct. 8 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.
For more information, check out www.philadelphiansmc.org.
Questions, comments or news about upcoming events? Contact Jim at [email protected].