One of the great highlights of June in downtown Indy is the yearly Gay Pride Festival, which draws thousands of people from all over the region.
In addition to the great activities at the festival itself, be sure to enjoy many of the great local businesses that support the LGBTQ community. The Indy Rainbow of Commerce has compiled a helpful, comprehensive list of businesses that are either owned by or loyal to the LGBTQ population in Indy.
Here are some of our top picks for things to do and places to visit:
- English Ivy’s: A staple in St. Joseph’s neighborhood, the establishment welcomes any and all. The food and atmosphere are fabulous and the service is top-notch. Try out their weekend brunch, which lasts until 3pm.
- The Phoenix Theatre: A mainstay in the LGBTQ crowd is the Phoenix, which puts on contemporary and unique shows. Take in the production Violet, which follows a scarred young woman who embarks on a cross-country bus trip to be healed by a TV evangelist. Tickets are $30 a piece and can be purchased here.
- Stroll (or ride) through the Mass Ave. Arts District: This area of downtown holds many popular gay-friendly shops, restaurants and bars (including the very popular Metro Nightclub) and is home to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. It’s a fun place to bike around as well, and rentals are available through both Wheel Fun Rentals and Pacers Bikeshare.
- Downtown Olly’s: This popular restaurant, open 24 hours a day and known for serving a killer breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, will be hosting its first (and hopefully annual) Pride Block Party on June 7 from 6-10pm. The party will showcase live music and performances by local drag queens.
- Gregs Our Place: One of the very first gay bars in Indy, Gregs is hosting a Pride in Our Place series events throughout the weekend, featuring drag performances and music. Proud fact: during the 90s and into the 2000s, Gregs Our Place became the largest fundraising organization for the AIDS Walk.
- Global Gifts: Also located on Mass Ave., this unique shop partners with worldwide developing nations to bring items to Indianapolis. A portion of the proceeds benefit the artisans to develop their crafts. It also features a number of Indiana-themed items.
- Club Indianapolis: This one is just for the guys, but Club Indianapolis features an outdoor pool, steam room, sauna, gym and “chill” lounges. A one-time visit membership goes for just $10 at this super gay-friendly place.
What else will you be doing during Gay Pride? Drop us a line at info@918indy.com to let us know. While you’re downtown, be sure to check out the progress on our construction—we’ll be ready for move-in yet this summer! For more updates, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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