Arkansas PRIDEFest returns to Capitol Ave. on Saturday

ARKANSAS PRIDEFEST AND PARADE
SATURDAY 10/17. Capitol Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Since its inception in 2013, Central Arkansas Pride’s annual celebration of Natural State queerness has taken place in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day and National LGBTQ History Month. It may seem like an odd choice, given that most of the country observes the holiday in June, but by the time the brutality of Arkansas summer rolls around every year, I’m always convinced that the organizers of the Arkansas PRIDEFest and Parade (who recently dropped the “Central” from the gathering’s name in an effort to encourage statewide participation) know what they’re doing. The main free event this year, held on Capitol Avenue from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., includes performances by former Miss Gay America winner Dominique Sanchez, bilingual drag queen Alexis Mateo and headliner Adam Mac, a queer country singer who will also perform with his band The Cowgays at The Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. Other PRIDEFest happenings, most of which are ticketed with a portion of proceeds benefitting the cause, include a drag pageant at Triniti Night Club at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15; a hands-on training for those interested in speaking on behalf of the queer community during the legislative session at the Arkansas State Capitol from 2-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16; a poetry reading and open mic featuring Kai Coggin, Lydia von Hof, Bryan Borland and more at Vino’s Brew Pub from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16; and a brunch at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. You can find more information at arpride.org.