Your Big Gay Guide to Thanksgiving Week in Philly


If you’re a vegetarian, like me, you don’t really look forward to the centerpiece on the big ole’ Turkey Day meal (but, I’d be willing to bet that you do overload on mashed potatoes and that green bean casserole thingie). Instead, you’re plotting out your Thanksgiving week, which is notorious for parties, events, and festivities that you simply can’t pass up (just like that cranberry sauce in a can). We here at G Philly came up with our best bets of everything going on in gay Philly during the week of Thanksgiving, broken up in a day-by-day, easy to follow guide. Consider it your recipe for a holiday well-done.

Monday, November 24, 2014

  • A Gay Cabaret: It’s not a gay holiday unless there’s some Broadway show tunes thrown in for good measure, and that’s what you’ll find when Light the Lights! presents “Hey Mama, Hey Mama! Welcome to the 80’s” at L’etage. Hosted by Donald Harrison and R. Eric Thomas, the evening will feature the talents of Rachel Pinkstone, Ryan Wyrofsky, Chris Newcomer, Frankie Rowles, and Chad Parsons. With a cover of only $5, it’ll save you some dollars that you’ll be able to put towards that Black Friday shopping. (7:30PM, L’etage, 624 S 6th St, Philadelphia)

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

  • Princess For One Night: It’s one of those shows that is so iconic, even your mama knows it: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the musical that you grew up watching on television (forget that pretty sad Brandy/Whitney version from a few years ago, okay), is coming to Philly. Join the fun as the National Broadway tour opens at the Academy of Music on Tuesday evening, and be wowed by the Tony Award-winning costumes, the gorgeous music, and all the lovely chorus boys. Who knows? Maybe you’ll magically turn into a pumpkin, too! (7:30PM, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia)

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

  • All-Night Pub Party: Unless you’ve been hiding under a big old gay Philly rock, you most likely know that former boybander and out singer Lance Bass will be co-hosting this year’s Pink Pub Crawl with Brittany Lynn. The all-night bender starts off at Tabu, makes it way to The Field House, and ends up at the Trocadero, where superstar DJs Chus & Ceballos will be spinning sick beats for the rest of the evening. Tickets for the event can be purchased here. (Starts at 8:00PM, Tabu, 200 S 12th St, Philadelphia)
  • Pulse On The Dance Floor:  It’s one of the biggest party nights of the year; why not do it up with a slamming dance floor for the ladies (and anyone else who likes to have a good time)?  Pulse Events presents it’s annual Thanksgiving Eve Party at Voyeur, featuring the beats of DJ Trish. Cover is only $5 if you show up before 11:00PM, and there’s great drink specials all night long. (8:00PM, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James St., Philadelphia)

Thursday, November 27, 2014

  • Way Gay Potluck: Philadelphia’s legendary William Way LGBT Community Center is holding a “come as you are” Thanksgiving feast to celebrate friends, family, and community. The only admission requirement? Bring your favorite dish to share with your fellow queer diners. It is sure to be an afternoon filled with laughs, good food, and plenty of new friends. (3:00PM, William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia)
  • Very Gay Thanksgiving; If you’re looking for a non-traditional gay way to spend your turkey day (that was an unintentional rhyme…), head on up to New Hope’s iconic The Raven for a dinner that you won’t forget. They’ll be serving a traditional feast from 1PM-8PM in their dining room, and starting at 5PM, Russell Eiffert will be entertaining guests on the piano. Of course, there’s an all-male revue starting at 10:30PM hosted by Larry E from HBO’s Real Sex. Now that sounds like a better dessert than another slice of pumpkin pie. (The Raven, 385 W Bridge St, New Hope)

Friday, November 28, 2014

  • A Bitching Variety Show: Bev is back, and if you think you bitched earlier in the day because you waited hours to purchase that $100 TV at Best Buy, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Tabu is transforming into Bev’s Black Friday Bitchfesta holiday variety show featuring the talents of Marti Gould Cummings II, Mistor Fahrenheit, Connor Michalchuk, Eric Jaffe, Luke Grooms, and many, many more. Your mistress of ceremonies, Bev, promises a night of debauchery…and plenty of complaining. (9:00PM, Tabu, 200 S 12th St, Philadelphia)
  • Black Friday Barbie Dream House Birthday: After a long day of shopping, why not kick back and listen to the beats of Princess Nokia and K Rizz as The Factory Girls celebrate their three-year anniversary at Voyeur. Resident DJs Gun$ Garcia, Kirex, Suga Shay, and Yolo Ono will be spinning all night long. You can expect all kinds of nails, drag, cotton candy, and photos, according to the promoters, and if you arrive before midnight, cover is only $7. (10:00PM, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James St., Philadelphia)

Saturday, November 29, 2014

  • Cirque Du So GAY: The Cirque Manikk troupe, which comprises musicians, dancers, acrobats, burlesque performers, and belly dancers, is coming to Tabu for an evening that defies definition. Join the awe-inspiring show and stay for the sexy after party that will include gogo dancers and aerialists performing their signature moves. If party guests wear a holiday-themed costume, it’s only a $5 cover to get in. Dig out that Santa hat and your jingle bells! (9:00PM, Tabu, 200 S 12th St, Philadelphia)
  • Party With a Purpose: Join over 30 drag queens on the stage at Voyeur Nightclub for Code Red 2014, a one-night only special event that benefits MANNA, Mazzoni Center, and the AIDS Fund. Billed as the World AIDS Day charity event of the year, the party aims to raise $5,000 towards the fight against HIV/AIDS. As RuPaul would say, sashay away…to Voyeur. Tickets can be purchased here. (9:00PM, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James St., Philadelphia)