Attend a Women’s Weekend, Go Square Dancing, See Sing Out Detroit, Attend a Queer Art Show, Hit First Pride Fests of the Season
Happy Pride, gays! The first festivals of the season will kick off June 1, from reliably lively Ferndale Pride to smaller fests in Ortonville, Lowell and Saugatuck/Douglas — there’s plenty of Pride to keep every queer Michigander busy. But wait… yep, there’s more. The annual Go Girl! Saugatuck women’s weekend is set for May 31-June 2 and you’ll find a unique queer square dance event on the horizon, too. While you’re at it, fill up your calendar with a unique queer artist exhibit in Ypsilanti and Sing Out Detroit’s latest concert.
1. Attend the Go Girl! Saugatuck Women’s Weekend
The annual Go Girl! Saugatuck festival, set for May 31 to June 2, will be held in a new location this year (The Dunes Resort in Douglas), but the spirit of this popular queer- and trans-inclusive women's event remains true. Go Girl! comedy performer Tamale Sepp (aka Tamale Rocks) told Pride Source earlier this year that the festival “is an intersectional, intergenerational good time,” adding, “I would invite people to come for a day or the whole weekend, but come and enjoy the performances, the DJs, the workshops, the pool parties. Come with an open mind and be prepared to have some fun.”
May 31-June 2, The Dunes Resort (333 Blue Star Hwy., Douglas). Visit gogirlsaugatuck.com for ticket and accommodation information.
2. Promenade at a Queer Square Dance Event
It’s a string of unlikely words and also an event you really won’t want to miss: queer square dance potluck. Make a dish to pass, grab some friends, and get ready to allemande, half-sashay and promenade the night away to live square dance music at Vámonos! in Detroit. The event, set for June 2 and hosted by Detroit Square Dance Society (DSDS), is open to all skill and experience levels. Event organizers promise a truly inclusive experience including gender-inclusive language, no dress codes and a culture of acceptance. All are welcome (except “bigots and haters,” according to the event announcement). “Bring your open and welcoming hearts and keep respect and kindness in mind as you may see people experiencing themselves freely,” event organizers write.
June 2, 4-8 p.m. Vámonos! (4444 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit). Learn more at bit.ly/4boI3Uu.
3. View Unique Queer Art in Ypsilanti
On display May 31-July 21, the “QUEER: Celebrating Work by LGBTQIA Artists” exhibit at The Gallery at Stone & Spoon in downtown Ypsilanti promises a not-to-be-missed look at the uniqueness of queer art. The exhibit, organizers write, shines light on the “multitude of creative processes taking place daily,” many of which we never notice. “Whether it is handwritten in journals, painted on canvas, sewn into fabric, typed into Notes app, sung into a microphone or whispered into each other’s ears, our community of artists are out here, ready to put their work into the world, and we are here for it,” reads press materials.
May 31, 5-8 p.m. (opening night reception with live music). Exhibit on display through July 21, The Gallery at Stone & Spoon (110 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti).
4. Upcoming Michigan Pride Fests
Don’t sleep on these unique Michigan Pride events set for the first day of Pride Month on June 1. Each event has been created with intention and a whole lot of (very) hard work:
- Ferndale. Downtown Ferndale, 12:30–10 p.m.. Visit the Pride Source/BTL Pride Booth!
- Keweenaw Peninsula. Hancock Beach, 1–4 p.m.
- Lowell. Lowell Riverwalk, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Muskegon. Downtown Muskegon, parade kick-off at 10:30 a.m.
- Ortonville, Abigail’s Pride. Brandon Township Community Park, 1414 N. Hadley Road, 4–8 p.m.
- Saugatuck/Douglas. Beery Field, 8 Center St., Douglas), 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
See the 2024 Pride in Michigan calendar here.
5. See Sing Out Detroit LGBT & Ally Chorus This Summer
Don’t miss Sing Out Detroit LGBT & Ally Chorus’ spring concert, “Still Standing,” on June 7 at Ferndale High School. Going strong for 16 years, the mixed-gender inclusive choir is known for fun, lively performances that encourage audience participation. Proceeds from the concert will help the choir attend the annual GALA Choruses Festival in Minneapolis, a five-day gathering of LGBTQ+ choruses from all over the world. The group will also perform at Motor City Pride on June 8 and Livonia Pride on June 15. Auditions will be held Aug. 13 and 20. Visit singoutdetroit.org for more information.
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