Following last year’s first-of-its-kind alliance between Black Pride Colorado and Juneteenth Music Festival, this year Black Pride Colorado—which was founded in 2021 to honor and support the Centennial State’s Black LGBTQ community—is back with 12 days of events celebrating Black heritage and Black queer culture. We’ve created an itinerary just for you.

Kickoff Happy Hour at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

June 15, 4 p.m.
Nothing says gay pride more than a good, strong cocktail. This happy hour, however, is billed as a networking event, so bring your business cards and expect to mingle. There will be dancing, too, so don’t leave your dancing shoes at home. 1485 Delgany St.; $10

An Evening with Nic Stone

June 16, 6 p.m.
For all you bibliophiles and self-proclaimed blerds (Black nerds) out there: New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone is coming to Denver. Stone, whose young adult novels are known for their gripping tales about race relations from the teenage perspective, will give a reading and talk at the Buell Public Media Center at Rocky Mountain PBS. All proceeds go to Aurora-based charter school Empower Community High School. 2101 Arapahoe St.; $25

The Strange Fruit of Black Excellence Gala at Denver Botanic Gardens

June 17, 6 p.m.
Dandies and divas will love the third annual installment of this Black Pride soiree. The formal event will pay homage to the Harlem Renaissance, so don your best uptown Cotton Club looks and head to the Freyer Newman Center to relive the gay (19)20s. 1085 York St.; $100

Rent Party with Out Front Magazine

June 17, 10 p.m.
This after-party is a historical nod to Black culture, specifically the phenomenon of the house parties people, who were short on dough, would throw just before the end of the month to raise money to pay the landlord. After the lights go down at the Denver Botanic Gardens gala, head to Temple Nightclub for more drinks, music, and dancing. 1136 Broadway; $25

Black Diamonds Drag Show at X bar

June 18, doors open at 8:30 p.m. for meet and greet; show starts at 10:30 p.m.
Local queens will put on a fierce show at this all-Black drag revue. Headlining the entertainment are Felony Misdemeanor and extra special guest Yvie Oddly, the Denver native who won RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11. Oddly will be joined by Angeria Paris VanMichaels from Season 14. Superfans can meet both icons ahead of the show for an autograph and a selfie. 629 E. Colfax Ave.; $25

Queer Cookout at Tracks

June 19; 2 p.m.
Barbecue and Sunday drag performances are two quintessential Black Pride events. Head to Tracks nightclub for a two-fer: A day filled with low-and-slow food and cold drinks, games and prizes, and performances from some of your favorite local artists. Plus, mimosas! 3500 Walnut St.; admission is free, mimosas are not

Main Stage Pride Festival at Civic Center Park

June 25; 5 p.m.
Pride celebrations across the Mile High City will reach their zenith this weekend. Check out Black Pride Colorado’s second round up of Colorado’s best drag talent. 101 W. 14th Ave.; free

Beer Bust Fundraiser at Triangle Bar Denver

June 26; 3:30 p.m.
The Pride wind down is real, but don’t fret. This gut-busting affair offers revelers more drinks, more friends, and even more music—all to benefit next year’s Black Pride Colorado effort. It’s well worth it, even if your waistline ends up suffering in July. 2036 N. Broadway; cups $14

To purchase tickets for any of these events, visit blackpridedenver.com.