Hey foodies – we’re back for Season Two of the IndyFoodKing guide to Pride, and I would like to start by recognizing the beautiful, creative and dedicated people across the state that make our Pride season possible. From the committees, organizations and individuals making this celebration of love and life bigger and better each year, thank you. From all of us, thank YOU. The time has never been more important to show up, show out and support our community.
From Fort Wayne and Spencer to Jeffersonville and our capital city of Indianapolis, LGBTQIA+ members and supporters can celebrate the welcoming sights and sounds of the 2024 Pride season all throughout Indiana. Whether you are visiting the city for the first time or have spent your entire life here, welcome, and I wish you a happy Pride.
So, someone told me you’re hungry and looking for things to do this June. Well, gosh…toss on your favorite pair of shoes and take a walk with me through the flavors, experiences and people joining us this June to celebrate love and acceptance. My food recommendations are strictly based on personal preference, and how safe I have felt being in these establishments. We have so many incredible business owners, dining options and safe spaces, and here are a few of my recent favorites.
Gather 22: 22 E. 22nd St.
Adam and Pablo bring the community a safe space with some of the best cocktails and dishes in the city. Chicken skewers, biscuits and gravy pizza, and the rice bowl with pika chicken, are my favorites. Kick off a sunny Saturday in their back patio garden and stay a while.
Taste of Innova Wings + Greens: The Amp Food Hall (Stall #8)
I truly feel like I’m meeting a group of angels when I talk to members of their team. The food is incredible, and they deserve your order of southern barbecue wings. Visit the Amp and add them to your list of must-try spots in our city!
8th Day Distillery: 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Suite D06 (Circle City Industrial Complex)
Familiar faces, locally distilled spirits and some of the funniest bartenders around – this group makes me feel at home when I step into their cocktail bar. Cocktail specials are updated often! My personal favorites are their Gin & Tonic alongside the Vodka is Boring.
English Ivy’s: 944 Alabama St.
The fried chicken special on Wednesdays feeds my soul. Their buffalo chicken wrap alongside the Caesar salad with grilled chicken added are typically spotted on my bill. Great pizza here too!
Top Out Café: 1411 Roosevelt Ave. (Upstairs at North Mass Boulder)
Step into the eagle’s nest and dive into their barbecue chicken panini. I sub onions for spinach. The Indiana Cobb Salad will hit the spot alongside their avocado toast. There’s beer on tap for the thirsty queens!
Sam’s Silver Circle: 1102 Fletcher Ave.
Try the large pizza with pepperoni and extra cheese, plus an order of bosco stix (you heard that right) with marinara and nacho cheese. Cheap drinks and TouchTunes! Get cozy and eat your heart out.
BODHI: 922 Massachusetts Ave.
Panang curry, drunken noodles, and the chicken pad thai would all make your stomach happy. Plus, seasonal cocktails! Get there early as they do not accept reservations, but there is plenty to do around the area to pass the time.
Bier Brewery: All over the Indy area
Their newest location in Noblesville is absolute bliss. With space for furry friends and the whole family, they plan to offer an array of events, American and German-inspired beer, and great bites out of the kitchen.
Black Circle Brewing Music Bar: 2201 E. 46th St.
Black Circle is known for the variety of live music and events that support the LGBTQIA+ community, locally distilled spirits, and breadth of dining options – a part of their hospitality family spotted down 46th Street. Jump into Loom, GoldLeaf and Beacon for more! The chicken parm sandwich is iconic.
New places are slated to open in the coming months, and you’ll find me there when they open. Out on Mass is scheduled to open later this year at 607 Massachusetts Avenue.
Now that you have satisfied your bellies, let’s talk about the events taking place locally!
Indy Pride – Full Event Schedule
Events Rundown:
- Pet Pride: Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Riverside Park)
- Interfaith Celebration: Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to noon (Riverside Park)
- Community Picnic and Bat N’ Rouge: Sunday, June 2 from noon to 4 p.m. (Riverside Park)
- Deaf Pride: Monday, June 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Tinker House)
- “The Broken Hearts Club” presented by Kan-Kan Cinema and Stonewall Sports on Tuesday, June 4 at 7:45 p.m.
- Pride Community Music Night: Wednesday June 5 at 7:30 p.m. with Pride of Indy Bands, Indianapolis Women’s Chorus and Butler Community Arts School
- Girl Pride: Sapphic Celebration with special guest Daya on Thursday, June 6 at 8 p.m. (The Vogue Theatre)
- Indy Pride Parade and Festival: Saturday, June 8 with the parade starting at 10 a.m. (Mass Ave & Military Park)
- Rock the Ruins with Indy Pride: Orville Peck on Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m. (Holliday Park)
- Bi+ Pride on Thursday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. (10 East Arts Hub)
- Indiana Pride of Color Presents: BLQ+ on Saturday, June 15 at 9 p.m. (Cinderwood Events Center)
- Drive-In Movie Night on Friday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. (Tibbs Drive-In)
- LatinX Pride: Noche Tropical on Saturday, June 29 at 7 p.m. (Vogue Theatre)
- Congratulations to this year’s winners of the 2024 Indy Pride Pageant:
- Miss Indy Pride 2024: Lisa St. Laurent
- MR Indy Pride 2024: Aijaye Finesse
- MX Indy Pride 2024: Luna Magick
