Best ways to celebrate your Pride throughout June in Dallas-Fort Worth

Have Some Pride

Photo by Yoav Hornung on Unsplash

The month of June is designated as Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and various groups and businesses around Dallas-Fort Worth are showing their support in a multitude of ways.

Here are some of the best ways we've found for members of the community and allies to participate in Pride Month in style. While some are specific events, other celebrations will occur all month long. Find even more events here.

Monthlong celebrations

Pride Month screenings at Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club on top of the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in downtown Fort Worth will screen a variety of films with LGBTQ+ themes or characters throughout the month of June, including Mamma Mia!, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Birdcage, Moulin Rouge!, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Devil Wears Prada.

Special Pride drink from Gong cha
Gong cha, which has seven stores in the DFW area, will donate a portion of every purchase of their special Lemon Ai Love Yu bubble tea to the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) in name of #Equalitea. The special Pride drink is a sweet and tart Lemon Ai Love Yu bubble tea with white pearls and (edible) glitter for some extra festive sparkle. The limited time promotion will run through June 30.

Luckys Pride Celebration
A Dallas institution off Oak Lawn Avenue for more than 35 years, Luckys has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ community. They'll celebrate Pride Month throughout June with a special commemorative T-shirt and a celebratory cocktail, the Pride ’Rita, featuring El Jimador Blanco tequila blended with Chambord, lime juice, and agave nectar.

Electric Shuffle Pride Brunches
Every Sunday in June starting at 12 pm, Electric Shuffle in Deep Ellum will host a Drag Brunch and donate 10 percent of those brunch sales to DIFFA. There will be big-name performers, a Drag Race Royalty special guest, high-tech shuffleboard, live DJs, and more. Additionally, $1 of each purchase of their new summer cocktail, the Prickly Pear Margarita, will be donated to DIFFA.

Pride events

Weird Wednesday Night Market + Secret Movie Screening
June 7, 5-10:30 pm: Fort Worth Community Cinema hosts a special Pride Month Weird Wednesday event at Southside Preservation Hall. The event will feature more than 35 food vendors (but it's BYOB), along with art, collectors, "retro preshow," and a screening of a secret Pride Month comedy at 8 pm. Admission is free, but they request “pay what you can” donations for entry into the movie. Register here.

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum presents “Voices of LGBTQ+ Dallas”
June 7, 7 pm. The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is hosting “Voices of LGBTQ+ Dallas,” a special exhibition program for Pride Month highlighting trailblazers in the Dallas area LGBTQ+ community. The program featuring speakers such as Chris Luna and Naomi Green is already sold out, but the Museum’s current special exhibition, Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement, is on display through June 18.

Arttitude presents OutLoud: A Night of Pride
June 8, 6 pm: OutLoud: A Night of Pride is an inclusive event where artists and performers can fearlessly share their stories and experiences. The event will include poetry, burlesque, and a music performance by special guest Gina Chavez. At the Latino Cultural Center.

Dallas Wings Pride Night
June 9, 7 pm: Pride Night for the Dallas Wings of the WNBA. They'll be taking on the Phoenix Mercury, who feature Brittney Griner as their star player. All attendees at College Park Center in Arlington will receive a special rally towel for the occasion.

Arlington Pride Celebration
June 10, 5-11 pm: Arlington's Pride Celebration takes place at Levitt Pavilion, which will fill with vendors and performers including RuPaul's Drag Race Queens, Symone, Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Kennedy Davenport, and Lady Bunny will DJ. The event is family-friendly and (well-behaved) dog-friendly. Admission is free, but tickets are required for entrance.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Pride in Bloom
June 10-11: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will highlight Pride Month with its second Pride in Bloom celebration, featuring a full weekend of LGBTQ+ artisans, entertainers, chefs, and small businesses. Visitors can shop items at the vendor market, pack or purchase a picnic, listen to live entertainment, and enjoy Gary Lee Price’s Great Contributors’ bronze exhibition. Admission to the Children’s Adventure Garden will also be free.

Dallas Arts District presents Pride Block Party
June 16, 6 pm: The Pride Block Party in the Dallas Arts District features a variety of activities at the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Crow Museum of Asian Art, and throughout the district. Activities include gallery tours, drag performers, comedy, dancing, and a fashion show.

LGBTQ SAVES Youth Pride Picnic 2023
June 17, 10 am-2 pm: Designed as a youth-centered Pride event for LGBTQ individuals 24 and younger, the festivities include a free picnic lunch and activities in Trinity Park. Participants are invited to invite their family or chosen family, but tickets are required. Ticket priority will be given to LGBT+ youth. Volunteers are needed, too. Register here.

Dallas Comedy Club presents "Stand-Up for Hope"
June 17, 5 pm: Stand-Up for Hope is a stand-up comedy show featuring all-LGBTQ performers and benefiting Dallas Hope Charities, which helps provide food, shelter, and services that instill dignity, stability, and Hope For All. Hosted by Stefan Newman, host of Queer Factor, the event will feature performances by Kim Wadsworth,Kerry Day, Charlotte Parker, Lucia Hardaway, and Jamie Zeske.

Trinity Pride Fest
June 24, 6-10 pm: Visit Pride Partner locations throughout the day, then "Meet me at the Green" - the big celebration on Magnolia Green in Fort Worth's Near Southside. The free event includes live music and performance, an artisan market, nonprofit vendors, local food trucks, and more.

Ride for Pride
June 24, 9 am: Ride for Pride is a four-mile bike ride down the Katy Trail and back, starting at Reverchon Recreation Center. There will also be Health and Safety fair from 10 am-2 pm.

Equality Texas Facebook

Equality Texas Foundation

Equality Texas Foundation< div> WEBSITE >

MISSION

The Equality Texas Foundation works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through education, community organizing, and collaboration.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Donate here and volunteer here. You can also pledge to fight back against hate crimes, new laws that grant a license to discriminate, efforts to undermine marriage equality, and blocking access to healthcare here.

AIDS Outreach Center Facebook

AIDS Outreach Center

AIDS Outreach Center< div> WEBSITE >

MISSION

AOC provides support services to more than 1,600 individuals and their families across all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, and sexual identities. AOC is currently the only nonprofit organization that offers a continuum of support services to the HIV/AIDS community in Tarrant County and seven surrounding rural counties. Its mission is to serve people living with or at risk for HIV with dignity and respect.

AOC began in 1986 in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic among gay males as an all-volunteer organization in order to provide support to those dying from the disease. In just two years, the demand for services from AOC resulted in the hiring of its first two paid staff members, and support quickly grew. Today, AOC has more than 30 staff members dedicated to providing 10 services aimed at preventing the spread of HIV, bringing those newly diagnosed into treatment, and improving the lives of those infected or affected by HIV.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Join AOC's dedicated core of volunteers by working in its food pantry once a week, serving as a clerical assistant based on your availability, or helping with specialized tasks like fundraising or marketing. Head here for more info or email volunteer@aoc.org.

Gifts of $25, $50, $100, or just $5 per month can make a world of difference for someone living with HIV in your community. Head here to see how you can change a life.

MEMBERSHIP

Join the Circle of Hope by committing to give $100 a month or a one-time donation of $1,000.

BIG EVENT

AOC's largest annual fundraising event is Evening of Hope, a night of food, fun, and celebration. This event typically includes special performances, keynote speakers, and a live and silent auction (among other attractions). Join as they celebrate achievements, combat stigmas, and honor those who have made a substantial impact locally in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

AOC also holds an annual 5K and fun run in Trinity Park in the late fall or early winter. The day includes a timed 5K run, a fun run/walk, and Pooches on Parade competition. Head here for more information.

AIDS Service of Dallas Facebook

AIDS Services of Dallas

AIDS Services of Dallas< div> WEBSITE >

MISSION

The mission of AIDS Service of Dallas (ASD) is to create and strengthen healthy communities through the delivery of quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. ASD's mission includes advocacy, education, and the development of affordable housing options and community development opportunities, both for its residents living with HIV/AIDS, and for economically disadvantaged people.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

There are a variety of ways to get involved with ASD, including volunteering for the ASD Supper Club — a program that provides ASD residents with hot, nutritious meals every night — and helping to stock ASD's grooming supply closet by organizing a grooming supply drive. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, head here.

BIG EVENT

AIDS Services of Dallas' largest fundraiser, the No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, is one of Dallas' most highly anticipated and unique social events of the year. Groups of people across DFW host social gatherings, from backyard barbecues for as few as 10 people to formal dinners for 30 or more. In return for their hosts' hospitality, guests are asked to make a donation of $75 or more to ASD, of which all proceeds go toward housing and supportive services for ASD clients.

During the evening, all dinner hosts and guests are invited to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, where more than 1,500 people gather annually for the No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, an exciting evening of entertainment, dancing, music, drinks, and desserts donated by some of Dallas' finest caterers.

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Property Showcase

'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Mr Gatti's Pizza returns to home turf Fort Worth with Camp Bowie location

Pizza News

A Fort Worth-based pizzeria concept has opened a location in Fort Worth: Mr Gatti's Pizza has opened a restaurant off Camp Bowie at 2812 Horne St. #100, a space previously occupied by Helen's Hot Chicken, where they're open with pizza, pizza rolls, and their signature ranch dressing.

The location is a franchise owned by Kirk Jefferies, who also owns and operates franchises of Jason’s Deli and Chicken Express. This is his first Mr Gatti’s, but he has more locations planned.

“When people talk about Mr Gatti's Pizza, you can see a spark in their eyes. We love being able to bring that 'excitement' and combine it with our passion for pizza,” Jefferies says in a release. “Mr Gatti's Pizza has been satisfying cravings for over 50 years. It truly is an honor to be a part of this legacy brand that people cherish."

Menu favorites from about a dozen pizza options include The Sampler, The Deluxe with sausage, pepperoni, & smoked provolone, and BBQ chicken. A basic 12-inch cheese pizza with one topping is $12.

There are lunch specials from 10:30 am-3 pm including pepperoni rolls and salad for $10; 8 wings and salad for $13; and a medium pizza with 2 salads for $15.

The chain was first founded in Stephenville, Texas as The Pizza Place, in September 1964. In 1969, founder James Eure moved to Austin and opened the first Mr Gatti’s Pizza, named for his wife's maiden name.

They have a major presence in South Texas but only two in the DFW area: Plano and Allen.

There was a location that opened in Fort Worth in 2016, at 3280 W. Seventh St. in Museum Place, which at the time, was the first to use the Mr. Gatti’s name; the chain had been going by "Gatti's." So many name changes! It closed in 2018. There was also a location in North Richland Hills which opened in 2016 and closed in early 2019; and a location in Richardson that closed in 2018.

Back in the day they had a big buffet as well as a big game room, two features for which many longtime fans are nostalgic. But this location is just about the pizza.

There are now more than 70 locations in states across the Southeast, including Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

Surprising Fort Worth suburb named No. 5 most family-friendly U.S. city

a great place to live

If Fort Worth-area residents are looking for the perfect new place to buy a home and raise a family, they should steer their interest toward Watauga. The northeast Fort Worth suburb, impressively, has been named the fifth most family-friendly city in the U.S. by real estate marketplace Opendoor.

Opendoor's second annual "Family-Friendly Cities" list focuses on local communities that offer plenty of recreational outdoor activities that are suitable for families of any age. Watauga was the only city in Dallas-Fort Worth to make the new list and the only Texas city to make the top 10. (Bellaire, near Houston, ranks No. 12.)

Cities were identified using the average number of family-friendly activity tags found on OpenStreetMap that are used for addresses in a city where the marketplace operates. Factors that were considered include cities with community centers, gardens, museums, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, and more.

Watauga - which is bordered by Fort Worth to the west, Keller to the north, Haltom City to the southwest, and North Richland Hills to the south and east - has plenty of family-friendly attractions. Yet it often gets overshadowed by bigger, busier, more affluent Northeast Tarrant cities like Grapevine and Southlake.

There are seven different parks around Watauga, including the popular 37-acre Capp Smith Park, with its four pavilions, two playgrounds, amphitheater, and several acres dedicated to open space and stunning views.

The City of Watauga calls the park the heart of the city's recreational activities.

"[Capp Smith Park] features a lighted one mile walking trail that surrounds a spring fed one acre pond fully stocked with several species of aquatic wildlife," the city's website says. "In addition, the park is home to several other forms of wildlife which have also taken up residence in the park."

The park is also the host of Watauga Fest, an annual family-friendly festival that brings in carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, and much more for all residents to enjoy.

In addition, Watauga residents can make use of a thriving public library, visit the city's 9/11 Memorial and Veterans Memorial, Foster Village Park, a splash pad, and more. The city is also adjacent to the expansive Arcadia Park, with its many trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, and disc golf course.

According to recent reports, the average home price in Watauga is $283,845 - significantly less than the average home value in Fort Worth proper, $307,939. It's become an attractive place for new restaurants and retailers in recent years.

Opendoor's 15 best family friendly cities in 2023 are:

No. 1 – Somerville, Massachusetts
No. 2 – Berkeley, California
No. 3 – Cliffside Park, New Jersey
No. 4 – Arlington, Virginia
No. 5 – Watauga, Texas
No. 6 – Chandler, Arizona
No. 7 – Denver, Colorado
No. 8 – Portland, Oregon
No. 9 – Valley Stream, New York
No. 10 – Garden Grove, California
No. 11 – Coral Gables, Florida
No. 12 – Bellaire, Texas
No. 13 – Ann Arbor, Michigan
No. 14 – Mission, Kansas
No. 15 – Avondale Estates, Georgia

The full report can be found on opendoor.com.

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