Queer Things to Do: Go to a MasQueerade Ball, Get Tickets for Greta Van Fleet and Affirmations Big Bash, Go Camping
It’s already been a long year, and you totally deserve a nice night out. It’s a good thing, then, that there are so many excellent LGBTQ-affirming options available. You can head out to a fancy dress “MasQueerade” ball or start planning ahead for the annual Big Bash in support of Affirmations. If a live music event is more your speed, don’t miss your shot at grabbing Greta Van Fleet tickets or a chance to check out the delightfully weird Alex G in Royal Oak. On the other hand, if your idea of a good time is checking out of reality and into nature, Campit Resort’s annual gay camping friends weekend could be just right for wrapping up your 2023 summer fun.
1. Buy Tickets for Greta Van Fleet
Grab your tickets now for Frankenmuth natives Greta Van Fleet’s Sept. 8 show at Little Caesars Arena. The 2022 arena tour completely sold out and ticket sales are hot for this year’s Starcatcher World Tour, as well. Not only does the band offer up queer energy that feels directly piped in from the ’70s, but lead singer Josh Kiszka recently came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The singer penned an emotional Instagram post earlier this summer in response to the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that has swept across the country, including in his current home state of Tennessee.
Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., Little Caesars Arena (2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit). Tickets at bit.ly/47vEb2b.
2. Get Dressed Up for a MasQueerade Ball
L.S.D²: The Urban MasQueerade Ball & Drag Show promises a little bit of weird for everyone. Set for Aug. 18 at Planet Ant Theatre and the attached bar, The Ghost Light, promo materials promise a night for LGBTQ+ community and allies where the abnormal will become normal. The party celebrates Planet Ant’s ongoing lesbian speed dating events with three DJs, multiple drag performances and a masquerade ball theme. Prizes will be awarded for best masquerade mask and party attire is recommended.
Aug. 18, doors open at 7 p.m., drag performance at 11 p.m., Planet Ant/The Ghost Bar (2320 Caniff St., Hamtramck). More details at bit.ly/45otcpv.
3. Reserve Tickets for Affirmations Big Bash
Tickets are available now for one of the biggest annual social events on the LGBTQ+ calendar — Affirmations Big Bash. The event is scheduled for Sept. 23 at General Motors Auditorium. This year, the theme is “Glow Up” and will feature a special menu prepared by Quina “Que” Broden, owner and creator of Detroit’s Cooking with Que, renowned local DJ, DJ Nouveau, a drag performance and more.
Sept. 23, General Motors Auditorium (460 West Baltimore St., Detroit). Tickets and more info at goaffirmations.org/big-bash.
4. Go on a Gay Camping Trip
Close out your summer fun with a whole weekend of debauchery dedicated to time in the great outdoors. Saugatuck’s Campit Outdoor Resorts is celebrating its 40th anniversary Aug. 25-27 with the Midwest Regional Meetup and Gay Camping Friends Weekend. Campers can take place in a host of activities sure to please your inner, outdoor-loving spirit, including a pool party (with blender bar), a drag show game show featuring Muffy Fishbasket, multiple dance parties, body positive yoga, a street party with karaoke and Sunday brunch. Visit campitresort.com to reserve your spot!
Aug. 25-27, Campit Outdoor Resorts (6635 118th Ave., Fennville near Saugatuck).
5. See Alex G in Concert
Expressing theories about Alex G’s sexuality is something of a pass time in some internet circles. In fact, you can even find an entire Spotify playlist called “possibly homoerotic Alex G songs.” Thus far, the singer-songwriter, who is frequently compared to Elliott Smith and Built to Spill, has kept those cards close to his chest, but he’s amassed an eclectic, frequently queer internet following, nonetheless. Catch his latest tour and see what his unique lo-fi indie rock is all about Aug. 30 when he’ll play an intimate set at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Aug. 30, doors 6 p.m. Royal Oak Music Theatre (318 West 4th St., Royal Oak). Tickets at bit.ly/3OwEn8N.
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