Summer’s almost here!
You can feel it in the air already as the cool rains of April give way to the warmth and humidity of May.
If that isn’t enough, then the crowds of people eating dinner out on the sidewalks in the Gayborhood are a sure sign. I’m not sure why people enjoy eating dinner on the tiny, crowded sidewalks of Center City. But I have to admit that when I leave my office at night and hear all the noise coming from the outdoor diners on 13th Street, it always brings a smile to my face.
More proof that summer is right around the corner is the return of some of Philly’s favorite outdoor parties. Check your calendar and be sure to carve out some time to enjoy these events.
Sapphire Rocks
The Sapphire Fund gets summer started with Sapphire Rocks, 4-8 p.m. May 12 at the Field House, 1150 Filbert St.
Tickets are only $30, which includes a three-hour open bar. There will also be live music by Starting From Zero, as well as prizes and raffles including Phillies tickets and gift cards to the Field House. All proceeds benefit The National Adoption Center and Child Advocates.
For more information, see www.sapphirefund.org.
Liberty Belle Invitational
Philly’s annual gay and lesbian bowling tournament is coming July 4th weekend, and that means fundraising efforts are kicking into high gear.
First up is Bowling Bonkers, 7-10 p.m. May 16 at Pinsetters, 7111 Maple Ave., Pennsauken, N.J. Your $25 cover includes three hours of bowling, shoe rental, food and a chance to win lots of cash prizes. Proceeds will be split, with 10 percent going to Mazzoni Center and the balance going to support the upcoming tournament.
Next is Country Skating Night, 8:30-10:30 p.m. May 21 at the Cherry Hill Skating Center, 664 Deer Road, Cherry Hill, N.J. Admission is only $10 plus $3 for skate rental, and that gets you all the Ladies’ Choice and Couples Only you can handle! DJ Cliff Roberts will spin country tunes and top-40 hits so you can All Skate the night away!
The Liberty Belle Invitational will bring gay and lesbian bowlers from all over the country into Philly from June 29-July 1, all competing to win their share of over $21,000 in prizes. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, see www.libertybelle.org.
FriGAYs Launch Party
Everybody’s looking forward to the weekend and the launch of Philly’s hottest new weekly dance party, “FriGAYs,” 10 p.m.-2 a.m. May 18 at Sumo Lounge, 1224 Chestnut St.
Not since Shaft at Shampoo has there been a Friday night dance party this big. FriGAYs is the brainchild of Bruce Yelk, so you know it will be fabulous. Cover is $5 before 11, $10 after, or $20 if you want to spoil yourself rotten and get the VIP treatment (partying, partying, yeah!) all night long. You know you deserve it! For more information, see www.nightlifegay.com.
Military Ops
The Keystone boys of Leather and Philadelphians MC are teaming up to bring you Military Ops, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. May 19 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.
Military gear is suggested but not required. There will be drink specials, Jell-O shots and tons of hot guys in uniforms. Proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides assistance to wounded servicemembers. For more information, see www.ksbol.org.
Big Gay Boat Party
The biggest, gayest boat party in the tri-state region is back! All hands on deck from 6 p.m.-midnight May 20 onboard Moshulu, docked at 401 S. Columbus Blvd.
You can’t miss the Big Gay Boat Party, featuring big gay drink specials, big gay shot boys (and girls), big gay DJ Deejay and big gay performances by a big gay guest from The Dollstars. This party is on come rain or come shine, so come on out and dance the night away under the stars on the Delaware River. Cover is only $10, part of which benefits Philly Gay Calendar.
’80s trivia nugget
When you go to FriGAYs at Sumo, look directly across Chestnut Street. See that door for the gym? That’s where Kurt’s used to be! Kurt’s was one of the best nightclubs in Philly way back in the ’80s and early ’90s. Ah, memories …
Questions? Comments? Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Contact Jim at [email protected].