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Show Your Pride in Center City

Our top picks for LGBTQ+ restaurants, retailers and special events throughout the Center City District

It’s been 50 years since Philadelphia hosted its first Pride celebration back in 1972. After a two-year hiatus, LGBTQ+ community members and allies celebrated that milestone on June 5 during PHL Pride Collective’s official Pride March and Festival. The month of June is filled with opportunities to show your Pride in Center City by patronizing queer-owned businesses, attending special events and buying with a mission in mind.

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1. Enjoy Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Center City’s food scene is the best it’s ever been with a diverse selection of eateries offering everything from brunch and burgers to fine dining and home-cooked classics. That vibrancy is thanks in part to trailblazing LGBTQ+ restaurateurs, like Safran Turney Hospitality and many more. Highlights include:


2. Sip Tea with a Drag Queen

Every Saturday this June, join some of Philly’s most fabulous drag queens for afternoon tea at the Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square. The all-inclusive menu features scones, tea sandwiches and pastries, plus a glass of champagne, mimosa or bellini. To purchase tickets, visit sofitel-philadelphia.com. Proceeds from Drag Tea will be donated directly to the William Way LGBT Community Center.

Dates: Saturdays through June 24
Location: Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, 120 South 17th Street

Photo provided by Aversa PR.

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3. Visit the LGBTQ Hall of Flags and Philly Gay Pride Exhibit

In addition to Drag Tea, the Sofitel Philadelphia Rittenhouse also hosts the LGBTQ Hall of Flags in its main lobby. On display are locally-made flags representing bisexuality, gender fluidity, pansexuality, transgender, lesbian, and binary pride.

Dates: Daily, through June 30
Location: Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, 120 South 17th Street

Photo provided by Aversa PR.


4. Toast to Good Cheer

Philly’s Gayborhood and surrounding areas are home to some of the most well-known LBGTQ+ bars and clubs in the city. These landmarks are regular stops for both community members and allies, creating an inclusive and exciting atmosphere for all. Highlights include:

Photo Credit: ©VISIT PHILADELPHIA®.

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5. Get Back in the Gym

Stay fit while supporting queer-owned businesses! Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut is a modern health club with classes and equipment for every fitness level. Unite Fitness, located in Rittenhouse Square, offers HIIT programs for an active lifestyle. Group and private training sessions are available seven days a week. 

Photo provided by Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut.


6. Attend the Summer Ball at the Franklin Institute

Science After Hours at the Franklin Institute is celebrating Pride Month with the loudest and proudest Summer Ball of the season. Everyone is encouraged to dress to the nines and be ready to walk the runway! Featured programming includes dancing in the Planetarium, drag performances, history lessons and showcases of Ballroom culture, science demonstrations and more. To purchase tickets, visit fi.edu.

Date: Friday, June 24, 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Location: The Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.

Photo provided by The Franklin Institute.

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7. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet

HipCityVeg, a Philadelphia favorite for plant-based fast food, has a new dairy-free treat to celebrate Pride Month. The Love Shake, available throughout the month of June, features organic soy ice cream, organic soy milk, strawberries and rainbow sprinkles. HipCityVeg will donate 5% of all proceeds from the shake to local organizations, including the William Way LGBT Center.

Dates: Daily, through June 30
Locations: HipCityVeg, 127 South 18th Street and 121 South Broad Street

Photo provided by HipCityVeg.


8. Donate to a Worthy Cause

The Attic Youth Center, originally dubbed The Attic Youth Group, was founded in 1993 as an after-school support group for LGBTQ youth. In 1999, The Attic became incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization. Today, the organization is one of the largest community centers in the country “committed exclusively to serving LGBTQ youth and allies.” This June, in honor of Pride Month, consider donating directly to The Attic to assist with crucial services, resources and programming at atticyouthcenter.org.

Location: The Attic Youth Center, 255 South 16th Street.

Photo provided by The Attic Youth Center.

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9. Family Pride Day at the Franklin Institute

On Saturday, June 25, the Franklin Institute will celebrate Pride Month by highlighting the contributions of “some of the amazing Philadelphia organizations that help uplift, educate, and nourish [the] LGBTQ+ community.” Programming includes drag shows and one-of-a-kind spectacles that combine science and performance. To purchase Family Pride Day tickets, visit fi.edu.

Date: Saturday, June 25, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location: The Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street

Photo Credit: K. Ciappa for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®


10. Shop Small, Shop Local

Local retailers and makers in Center City continue to rebound from pandemic disruptions. It’s more important than ever to support LGBTQ+-owned businesses in the community, including pop-up shops. On Saturday, June 18, the Hyatt Centric Philadelphia in Rittenhouse will host its first Pride Month Maker’s Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Browse and buy unique jewelry, clothing and artwork, including pieces from featured artist Tiff Urquhart. To learn more, visit @hyattcentricphiladelphia on Instagram.

Date: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Centric Philadelphia, 1620 Chancellor Street

Some additional queer-owned retailers in Center City to support include:

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