Annual LGBTQ Events Dallas

Mardi Gras Oak Cliff Parade (February)

A spring festival and parade celebrating Mardi Gras with an Oak Cliff twist. The largest and most diverse annual event is held in Oak Cliff, where everyone from schools and churches to service organizations and neighborhoods, celebrate with New Orleans flare.

Not to be confused with Sydney Mardi Gras, there is also an elite Oak Cliff Masquerade Party held along with Dash for the Beads races.

Texas Bear Round-Up aka TBRU – (March)

The Dallas Bears’ Texas Bear Round-Up began circa 1995 with a hand full of Dallas Bears members coordinating their first event. The event was attended mostly by the Bear community in Texas. A small event with lots of fun, fur and frolic that has since grown wildly in numbers and purpose.

Today the Texas Bear Round-Up is a large Bear family reunion and fundraiser weekend celebrating the bear community and those who identify themselves as bears, cubs, otters, and their admirers. Expect plenty of entertainment, dances, fun events, pool parties, shopping, fun, and make many new friends with over 1800 attendees.

Dallas Purple Party (May)

The Purple Foundation raises funds for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS; and improves the overall quality of life, health, and wellness of the Dallas LGBT community. Purple Foundation’s premier dance fundraiser, Purple Party Weekend, is a sensational weekend of dance events featuring electrifying visual performances and music by some of the world’s most popular DJs.

Purple Party Weekend attracts dance-music lovers from all over the world and is the largest nonprofit, all-volunteer charity dance weekend in the United States. In addition to Purple Party Weekend, Purple Foundation produces several quarterly dance events at various Dallas venues.

DFW Sisters Red Dress Party (May)

The biggest party of the year is organized by the DFW Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! Join the crowds in your best/sexiest, barely legal red attire and go a little crazy with the sisters. There is also a silent auction and sister swag available during the event, with all funds raised going to support their charitable causes throughout the year.

Dallas Pride Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade + Music Festival (June)

The most significant annual LGBT event held in Dallas, recently moved somewhat controversially, to June and away from Oak Lawn to Fair Park!

A fabulous celebration of queerness and diversity, while still embracing its political roots, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect Dallas Pride going forward. Either way, expect plenty of rainbow flags, wild parties and glitter realness. Go here for more Pride in Dallas info.

Dallas Southern Pride (September)

The official annual celebration for Black lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer individuals to come together and celebrate who and what they are along with the essence and spirit of Black culture and richness. There will be a series of events and parties that include an Official Kickoff Party and Ball, as well as thousands of attendees. Dallas Her Pride is the official women’s host of Dallas Black Pride. The event is currently on hold.

Oaklawn Halloween Block Party (October)

A major event on the Dallas queer calendar culminates in a fabulous party on the 3900 block of Cedar Springs. The event has featured a costume catwalk, with live commentary, music, food, beer and other refreshments, along with a live DJ and performances! Admission to the street party is free. Stay tuned for the Oak Lawn block party in 2023.