The Top 20 Black Gay Pride Events in the U.S., Ranked by Culture, Community & Legacy
- Ava Elite
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Because Black joy deserves a spotlight—and a safe space to turn up.
Across the U.S., Black Gay Pride events are where resistance meets rhythm. Where ballroom meets brunch. Where chosen family feels like home. But let’s keep it real—not all Prides are built the same. Some are legacy-defining, others are beautifully grassroots. And a few… still finding their beat.
After covering the scene for years and checking in with creators, curators, and cultural architects coast to coast, I’m proud to present our Icon City ranking of the Top 20 Black Gay Pride events in the U.S.—based on culture, consistency, crowd energy, political impact, and community care.
🥇1. Atlanta Black Pride
📍Atlanta, GA • atlantaprideweekend.com
The undeniable heavyweight. From packed clubs to wellness panels to Sunday brunches that feel like church, ATL’s Black Pride is a multi-day masterclass in queer Black excellence.
🥈2. DC Black Pride
📍Washington, D.C. • Event Info
The original. The blueprint. DC’s Memorial Day takeover is part Pride, part family reunion, and part political summit. Respect the roots.
🥉3. Houston Splash
📍Houston, TX • houstonsplash.com
When it comes to water, body, and heat—nobody does it bigger than H-Town. Splash is where the girls, guys, and theys come to slay.
4. Dallas Southern Pride
📍Dallas, TX • dallassouthernpride.com
A rising powerhouse known for celebrity pull, empowerment events, and late-night energy. Dallas shows up and shows out.
5. New York City Black Pride
📍New York, NY • Event Info
It’s NYC. Need we say more? Ballroom, voguing, Harlem stages, and a pride born out of activism. Legacy energy all around.
6. Detroit Black Pride –
Hotter Than July
📍Detroit, MI • Event Info
One of the longest-running Black Prides in the U.S. Held in Palmer Park, it’s rooted in the people—and that matters.
7. Philadelphia Black Pride
📍Philly, PA • Event Info
Despite venue shifts and a lack of a consistent club space this year, Philly’s Pride is rich in history and resilience.
🙏🏽 Shout out to Jacen Bowman and others working to keep the block strong.
8. Charlotte Black Pride
📍Charlotte, NC • Event Info
Small but mighty. A perfect blend of intimate community and Southern soul.
9. Chicago Black Pride
📍Chicago, IL • Pride Index Article
House music, deep community ties, and legendary LGBTQ+ elders. Chi-Town gets it right.
10. New Orleans Black Pride
📍New Orleans, LA • Event Info
From second lines to sweat-soaked dancefloors, New Orleans serves culture and kink in equal parts. Bring your beads.
11. St. Louis Black Pride
📍St. Louis, MO • Event Info
Quietly consistent, STL’s Pride is rooted in activism and arts. A hidden gem for Midwest movers.
12. Pacific Northwest Black Pride
📍Seattle, WA • Event Info
In a region not known for its melanin, this Pride boldly centers Black LGBTQ+ joy and survival.
13. Tri-State Black Pride
📍Memphis, TN • Event Info
Southern pride with serious heat. Emerging as a force thanks to strong leadership and killer programming.
14. Nashville Black Pride
📍Nashville, TN • Event Info
Gospel, glam, and grassroots vibes. Nashville’s Pride brings out the heart of the South.
15. Boston Urban Pride
📍Boston, MA • Event Info
Proof that the Northeast has flavor. It’s artsy, political, and beautifully unapologetic.
16. Minnesota People of Color Pride
📍Minneapolis, MN • Event Info
Born out of the George Floyd uprisings, this Pride is about healing, space, and resistance.
17. Milwaukee BLAQ Pride
📍Milwaukee, WI • Event Info
Milwaukee might not be on your radar—but this Pride has heart, hope, and a whole lotta house music.
18. Indiana Pride of Color
📍Indianapolis, IN • Event Info
A growing presence with a focus on health equity and authentic storytelling.
19. New Haven Black Pride
📍New Haven, CT • Event Info
Small in size, big in impact. CT’s Black queer fam is building something beautiful from the ground up.
20. Los Angeles Black Pride
📍Los Angeles, CA • Event Info
Yes, it’s L.A.—but Black Pride events here still feel underfunded and under-supported. Potential is huge if the city ever gets it together.
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