Macon Pride 2024 is just around the corner and plans to be a celebration full of love, acceptance and diversity. Whether this is your first Pride, or you’re a Pride pro, here is what you can expect and look forward to during Macon’s 2024 Pride Week:
1. Storytellers – Live Pride Edition:
Focusing on the topic of “Chosen Family” and its importance within the queer community, several storytellers will be sharing their interactive narratives of resilience and the beauty of found families, who are bonded by love, not blood. This event takes place on Friday, Sept. 20 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Serenity Entertainment Complex and general admission tickets can be purchased for $10 on eventbrite.com. Stories begin at 7 p.m. following a brief happy hour.
2. Mx. Macon Pride Pageant:
Are you a fashion fanatic? A pageantry proponent? If you answered “yes” to those questions, then the 2024 Mx. Macon Pride Pageant honoring Shaun “L’oreal” Kennedy is the event for you! On Saturday, Sept. 21, several contestants will come together to compete for the title of Mx. Macon Pride by participating in talent, formal wear, and question-and-answer competitions, all themed “Express Yourself.” Doors open at 6 p.m., and the pageant begins at 7 p.m., so come down to 425 Cherry St. and see the contestants express themselves in their finest apparel!
3. Classics at the Bibb:
Calling all Patrick Swayze fans! The Bibb Theatre at 455 Third St. will be showing the hilarious classic Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. The film follows a group of Manhattan drag queens as they embark on an adventure across the United States, and along with Patrick Swayze, stars icons RuPaul Charles and Stockard Channing. This event is free, and all patrons are allowed and encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to relax on the lawn as the movie is shown.
4. Lively Libations Social:
For those looking to support local Macon businesses, this event is the perfect opportunity! Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen will be offering on-site tastings of various brews, including a beer made specifically for Macon Pride 2024 on Monday, Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. Along with tasty samples, there will be live music by local musicians and games for all attendees to enjoy. So, show your Macon pride and come out to support local musicians and restaurants!
5. Rainbow Table Talk:
Do you have pressing questions on important issues facing the queer community? If so, Rainbow Table Talk will be hosting a panel discussion featuring special guests where anyone can speak out about their experiences or concerns regarding LGBTQ+ topics. The event is free to attend and will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the McEachern Art Cetner on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
6. Broadway Does Pride:
Broadway is back and better than ever, right here in Macon! As part of the “Broadway Does” series, the show will feature several hit classics such as Madonna’s “Vogue” and “Seasons of Love” from Rent. Each will be performed in a cabaret style by Macon’s own singers. Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased at tixr.com
7. Karaoke in the Park:
Whether you’re a professional singer, or you just sing in the shower, you won’t want to miss the annual Karaoke in the Park held at Third Street Park on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6-8 p.m. Get ready to sing your heart out to everything from Broadway hits to 90’s pop! The event is free, and all are welcome, regardless of the level of singing experience.
8. Haus Party Featuring Latrice Royale and LaLa Ri:
RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty Latrice Royale and LaLa Ri, along with Christina Leon and members of both The Tribe Empire and Feral Fever will all be in the Haus during what is sure to be a party to near the end of Macon Pride 2024! The event begins with a VIP meet and greet at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the party beginning at 9 p.m. and lasting until 11 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre on Friday, Sept. 27.
9. Pride in the Park with Special Guest LaLa Ri:
Get ready for the consistently most anticipated and well-attended event of Macon Pride, Pride in the Park! The event will feature several staples of the Macon community, including vendors, nonprofit organizations, and local talent. The official festivities last from 2-9 p.m., with an afterparty to follow beginning at 10 p.m., hosted by LaLa Ri, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13, all taking place at Third Street Park.
10. Family Picnic and Worship at Coleman Hill:
Last, but certainly not least, there is the annual Family Picnic and Worship at Coleman Hill. This event includes a family friendly picnic and multifaith worship service, and all, regardless of religion, are welcome to attend. This event will last from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29 as it closes Macon Pride Week 2024.
