You can certainly tell that spring is here — this weekend is so jam-packed with great stuff to do that I don’t think one person could possibly do it all! And that’s the way we like it here in Philly, so put away that heavy overcoat, take off a few layers and get your ass out on the streets!
Happy Bear Happy Hour
Start your weekend the best way I know how: Surround yourself with gorgeous bears! The mauling happens at this new weekly party Fridays from 5-7 p. m. starting April 11 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Best of all, there’s no cover!
Leather Leadership Conference
Leather leaders from all over the world will be in town April 11-13 sharing their experience and expertise at venues including William Way LGBT Community Center, Voyeur, the DoubleTree, The Bike Stop and more. There will be dynamic speakers, seminars, lectures, entertainment, parties, vendors and more. There’s too much going on to list it all here, so check out ww.leatherleadership.org/Philly for all the details.
WomensFest
WomensFest is back at the beach from April 11-13. Enjoy all the workshops, parties and entertainment, like a concert by Viki Dee at 6:30 p.m. April 12 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth, Del. Purchase a FestPass to enjoy everything for only $65. For more information, see www.camprehoboth.com/node/9978.
ICandy Third Anniversary
Can you believe it’s ICandy’s third anniversary already? Time sure flies when you’re having this much fun! It’s their biggest party ever, starting at 10 p.m. April 12 at 254 S. 12th St. Special guests will be DWV, known individually and in police stations across the country as Detox, Willem (both from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) and Vicki, who will perform “This Boy is a Bottom” and their many other hits. As if that weren’t enough, there will also be an underwear fashion show featuring an appearance by Andrew Christian and two of his hottest models, plus the grand opening of ICandy’s newest renovations and a debut performance by the ICandy girls. Don’t miss it! It’s a 21-plus event and cover charge is only $10.
Bootlust
Show some love for your boots with Keystone Boys and Philadelphians MC at 10 p.m. April 12 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. This event is part of Leather Leadership Conference weekend so the place will be absolutely crawling with hot leather men, women and boys all stomping around in their big-ass boots. This much fun shouldn’t be legal, let alone free, but it is — no cover charge!
April Antics
Get back to basics at 10 p.m. April 12 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. The bass-pumping, ass-kicking, queer-loving dance party you know and love returns with DJ Niilo. Rage hard against the dark with all-night drink specials. Cover charge is only $5 before midnight and $10 after.
Drag Brunch
Step into the Drag Mafia Playhouse from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 13 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. That’s right, 11 in the morning — because it’s drag brunch! Brittany Lynn has more than a few tricks up her sleeve and she’s ready to spring them all on you. There will be shows at the top of every hour featuring songs, games, trivia, magic and even puppets! Puppets!! Cover charge is only $5, brunch is only $10 and the mimosas and bloodys are only $3 each.
Brunch Fundraiser
If you’re like me, then there’s no such thing as too much brunch, right? Get your second helping from 1-4 p.m. April 13 at John C. Anderson Apartments, 249 S. 13th St. Admission is $75-$125 and the beneficiary is the “I’m From Driftwood” LGBTQ Story Archive, an amazing online collection of our history. You get bottomless mimosas and bloodys, wine and beer, plus raffle prizes, live jazz and a silent auction featuring some amazing prizes. Tickets and more information can be found at www.imfromdriftwood.com/brunch.
Philadelphia Queer Passover
Celebrate Shabbat and Passover from 6-9 p.m. April 18 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Seder will be led by members of Spectrum Philly and all are welcome. Cover charge is $28 — or $18 if you’re under 30, or $38 if you’d like to sponsor someone in that group.
Philly Black Gay Pride Pageant
Warm up for the Penn Relays and Philly Black Gay Pride weekend (April 25-27) from 7-10 p.m. April 20 at Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom St. It’s the Mr. and Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride pageant, so you know it’s going to be fabulous and fierce! Check out www.phillyblackpride.org for more information.
One Night Stand Poetry Slam
Kick off Philly Black Gay Pride weekend at 6:30 p.m. April 24 at 4 Fathers, 319 Market St. It’s the sixth annual PBGP open-mic night and poetry slam with a cash grand prize, free food and drink specials, all on the night before PBGP weekend begins. Cover charge is only $10.
Dining Out for Life
Last, but certainly not least, don’t miss the 24th anniversary of the incredible nationwide HIV/AIDS fundraiser that was started right here in Philadelphia by one of our very own community volunteers. Dining Out for Life is April 24 at more than 150 restaurants in the Delaware Valley, including New Jersey and Delaware. All you have to do is grab a bunch of friends, go out to a participating restaurant and enjoy a fabulous meal, and 33 percent of the cost of your meal will be donated to ActionAIDS. It’s that simple! You get a full belly and a warm heart all in one step while helping one of the best organizations in the city. Visit www.diningoutforlife.com/Philadelphia for more information and a complete list of participating restaurants.
Questions, comments, suggestions or requests? Contact Jim at [email protected].