Rachel Iacovone WPLN News

Don Srisuryo’s loved ones line up to cut off locks of his hair at the beginning of the ceremony to make him a temporary Buddhist monk.

Stories about oddball roadside attractions, marching bands, budding scientists and sports bars delivered pops of humanity and joy this year.

There were, admittedly, plenty of heartbreaking headlines. But stories like these help us weather the challenges. And you may be happy to hear it was actually pretty hard to narrow down this list to just a couple dozen selections.

If you’re a returning joy seeker, you know WPLN loves a pattern. So below you’ll find our top 24 joyful stories of 2024.

— Rachel Iacovone, Director of Multiplatform Publishing

Alexis Marshall WPLN News

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How this camp for kids who stutter builds confidence and connections

The first rule of Camp TALKS: Everyone gets as much time as they need to speak. (Alexis Marshall, June 10)

Rachel Iacovone WPLN News

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Why a Thai American man from Murfreesboro spent a week as a Buddhist monk

Becoming a temporary monk is considered a rite of passage for young men in Thailand, but this tradition largely has not carried over to Thai communities in the U.S. But for Don Srisuryo, 26, it was worth it to take on the challenge. (Char Daston, April 30)

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

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‘We want people to hear our voices’: Election Day inside a Nashville jail

Election Day is one week away for the majority of Nashvillians. But for people incarcerated in Davidson County’s jails in-person voting happens one week earlier, on Tuesday, Oct. 29. (Marianna Bacallao, Oct. 29)

House of Ebony

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A ballroom scene has been quietly growing in Nashville. And it’s about to have its coming out party.

The Legendary Iconic House of Ebony has put on several smaller balls in the city in recent years, but the one they brought to the National Museum of African American Music was their most visible display to date. (Jewly Hight, June 20)

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‘Just the beginning:’ Nashville holds first blood drive for newly-eligible LGBTQ donors

Last year, the FDA ended a 40-year rule that prohibited gay and bisexual men from giving blood. On Friday, one Nashville man gave for the first time. “I kind of feel validated, because my blood was not good enough all these years.” (Marianna Bacallao, Jan. 19)

Tasha A.F. Lemley

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‘I don’t need to go any further’: One woman finds herself home

Homelessness is often the result of a culmination of several events in a person’s life. As we have heard throughout This Is Nashville’s housing series, “In My Place,” people can quickly struggle to maintain stable housing when a financial, medical or personal crisis hits. (Tasha A.F. Lemley, July 9)

Char Daston WPLN

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How this Nashville LGBTQ choir celebrates 20 years of harmony

When Nashville in Harmony was founded in 2004, many of its members had to be discreet. Twenty years later, it is known both locally and nationally. (Char Daston, June 21)

Caroline Eggers WPLN News

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Moth enthusiasts track nocturnal fliers at Bells Bend Park

Connecting to the diverse world of moths — like at Moth Watch at Bells Bend Park — could help people see past common perceptions. (Caroline Eggers, July 31)

Rose Gilbert WPLN News

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A new wave of Kurds fleeing Turkey bring their own sound to Music City

Nashville has the largest Kurdish population of any city in the U.S., and most are from the Iraqi region of Kurdistan, also known as Bashur. They arrived in waves starting in the 1970s, with the largest influx prompted by Saddam Hussein’s genocidal campaigns in the late 1980s and early ’90s. (Rose Gilbert, June 24)

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Nashville program for new babies and moms expands to cover all of Davidson County

Metro’s health department has spent five years on a pilot program called Nashville Strong Babies. Its goal is to improve infant and maternal outcomes, while addressing racial health disparities. Now, the program is expanding. (Catherine Sweeney, July 13)

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

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Women’s sports bars are on the rise. Nashville’s will be a first for the South.

Nashville’s Chapstick is poised to become the first in the South to join a growing trend of sports bars dedicated to women’s leagues. (Marianna Bacallao, July 2)

Magnolia McKay WPLN

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Listen: Mermaids, mushroom fairies and royalty joust and jest at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival runs each weekend in May at Williamson County’s Castle Park. (Magnolia McKay, May 17)

Cynthia Abrams WPLN News

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‘Co-housing’ hasn’t taken off in Middle Tennessee, but it’s thriving 10 years later on this Nashville block

As demand for housing rises and loneliness rates spike, some Nashvillians are looking to innovative living situations. One such arrangement is “co-housing.” (Cynthia Abrams, Nov. 11)

Alexis Marshall WPLN News

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This Tennessee camp creates space for grief — and joy — for children who have lost a loved one

Each year, Alive Hospice holds Camp Forget-Me-Not to support children through their grief. It offers an environment where kids can have fun, make new friends, and share freely about their loss with other kids. (Alexis Marshall, Aug. 23)

Rachel Iacovone WPLN News

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‘We’re really lucky to have them’: A third space for Nashville Muslims offers food and community during Ramadan nights

We are now more than three weeks into Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar. During it, Muslims fast from sun-up to sundown, and here in Nashville, the place to eat and gather with loved ones in the dark has been, perhaps surprisingly, a coffeeshop. (Rachel Iacovone, April 5)

Magnolia McKay WPLN

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Anatomy of the perfect Tennessee road trip

When WPLN senior music writer Jewly Hight pitched This Is Nashville producer Magnolia McKay the idea for an episode about roadside attractions, McKay was quick to say yes. But she was not prepared for the deep knowledge Hight had on the plethora of fun and quirky stops within Tennessee state lines. Luckily, she was an eager student and a good sport. (March 21)

Courtesy East Tennessee State University

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A Tennessee marching band’s journey from nonexistence to the Macy’s Day Parade

Ten years after forming, the ETSU Marching Bucs performed in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The band director says the band’s success took dedication and creativity. (Char Daston, Nov. 26)

Rachel Iacovone WPLN News

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Listen: Peak cicada? First-timers share their appreciation and grievances about the brood

It’s hard to remember a time before the cicadas. Their daily screaming has become the soundtrack to life in Nashville, and the pieces of their dead litter seemingly every surface. WPLN has been checking in with the newsroom’s cicada first-timers to see how they’re feeling throughout Brood XIX’s emergence. (Rachel Iacovone, May 7 and 24)

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Heritage Foundation of Williamson County

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‘To teach the next generation’: A former schoolhouse for Black children finds a new home in Franklin

A historic schoolhouse for Black children was relocated from its original site in the tiny rural community of Duplex, Tenn. It now sits in the middle of downtown Franklin. It’s part of an effort by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County to restore the school. (Char Daston, Feb. 23)

Evan Zimmerman Murphy Made

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‘Annie’ brings sunshine and the return of a hometown actress to TPAC

The story of orphan Annie has captured hearts for generations, and the version at TPAC is a homecoming of sorts for one of the featured actors: Julia Nicole Hunter, who plays Grace Farrell. (LaTonya Turner, March 26)

Char Daston WPLN News

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Nashvillians can now borrow art from seven local libraries

The Lending Library began in 2021 to support Nashville artists who lost work during COVID. This summer, the program doubled its collection and expanded to five more library branches. (Char Daston, July 25)

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

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Listen: After neo-Nazis target Black children, Nashville comes out to support them

To celebrate national United Against Hate Day of Action, kids got a special visit from Nashville’s major sports leagues. (Marianna Bacallao, Sept. 30)

Morning Pointe Senior Living

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This Middle Tennessee talent show proves that age is just a number

On a Tuesday night last October, the Franklin Theater was sold out for a talent show that is quickly becoming an annual tradition. For the past five years, the Morning Pointe Foundation has hosted the Seniors Got Talent event in Williamson County — a live talent show for contestants ages 60 or older. (Magnolia McKay, Jan. 31)

Char Daston WPLN

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This Brentwood teen’s science video landed a spot in a worldwide competition

Chetan Yenigalla is a semifinalist in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, which invites teens from around the world to make two-minute videos about science.

Still itching for more fun? Check out our past years of joy story roundups — from 2023, 2022 and 2021. Plus, every Friday, our NashVillager newsletter runs its “Out, About” section, where I bring you suggestions like where to go dancing, apple picking, or even curling (yes, the icy Olympic sport). You can subscribe here for more joy in your inbox every weekday morning.

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

The Lipstick Lounge’s newest addition will give fans of women’s sports somewhere to watch in Nashville.

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Lesbian bars across the country experienced historic losses during the pandemic. But four years out from COVID, the bars are making a comeback with a little help from women’s sports fans.

The owners of Nashville’s only lesbian bar, The Lipstick Lounge, are poised to become the first in the South to join a growing trend of sports bars dedicated to women’s leagues.

It’s a big moment for Lipstick. The bar had a star-studded groundbreaking for Chapstick Sports Lounge in May. On Saturday, it became the site of Nashville’s first permanent rainbow crosswalk.

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

Members of the community came out in the hundreds to help paint the intersection the bar calls home.

“I’m a huge women’s sports fan … So it’s nice to have a dedicated space,” Emily Davis, a Nashville native and longtime patron of Lipstick, said. “Can’t open soon enough, in my opinion, but I know they have to build the building. So, I’m waiting.”

“We’ve always wanted to show sports,” Christa Suppan, the co-owner of Lipstick and Chapstick, told WPLN News. “It was just never quite the right time. There was never enough money. There was never enough of anything.”

That had been especially true during 2020. A tornado ripped the bar’s roof off, and a few weeks later, COVID shut it down entirely.

During the pandemic, Lipstick survived on PPP loans and equity Suppan had amassed from owning the property outright.

“If we didn’t have that building, then we wouldn’t still be open. We couldn’t pay, you know, $20,000 a month in rent,” Suppan said. “It gives you security. It gives you something to leverage.”

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

That leverage came to the tune of a $1.5 million loan. The money will go towards maintaining the building and expanding the bar’s back patio into Chapstick.

Lipstick’s expansion comes at a rare moment for both women’s sports and lesbian bars. Over the past 40 years, the number of lesbian bars in the country has shrunk from nearly 200 during the 80s to less than 20 during the pandemic.

Now, that number is rebounding.

“Really, from 2021 to now, we’ve seen an enormous growth of lesbian and queer bars across the country,” said Erica Rose, co-founder of the Lesbian Bar Project, which tracks the number of lesbian bars in the country. She puts the current tally at 32.

Several of those openings focus on women’s sports. The Sports Bra in Portland opened in 2022, and since then, there has been a steady uptick in lesbian bars catering to women’s sports fans — A Bar of Her Own in Minneapolis, Rough and Tumble Pub in Seattle, and upcoming bars like Althea’s in New York City and Watch Me in Long Beach, California.

When Chapstick joins the ranks of those bars next year — in time for Super Bowl Sunday, Suppan hopes — it will be the first to come from the South.

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

“This is a microcosm for what’s happening in America broadly,” Rose said. “Certain cities are economically more privileged. There’s more opportunity, and you’ll generally find more allies able to patronize your bars, because at the end of the day, these bars, in order to survive, need allies to come and support.”

Lipstick bills itself as being a bar for humans, and support from the community — both queer and not — has buoyed business. Suppan said its far beyond what she’s seen in the past. After more than 20 years in business, she finally got her first paycheck as an owner a year and a half ago.

“It’s the allies,” Suppan said. “It’s the people behind you who are rooting for you behind closed doors. It’s the people you don’t know that are on your side that are making such tremendous impacts.”

Among those supporters are Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Tennessee Rep. Aftyn Behn. At a groundbreaking event for Chapstick, Behn, read a proclamation, declaring May 15 as Lipstick Day. O’Connell joined her in donning hard hats and taking up purple and gold shovels.

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

“It’s great to know that as we celebrate the arrival, in a real way, of women’s sports, as our daughters become athletes, as they look at role models, that we get to have a place in Nashville that will be a sports bar for humans,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell has hinted at his support for bringing a professional women’s sports team to Nashville as the industry is having its own moment.

Revenue for women’s sports is projected to surpass $1 billion this year for the first time — a 300% increase from just three years ago.

While other industries took a hit during the pandemic, women’s sports saw viewership quadruple. Women’s sports went from roughly 4% of the overall sports market to 16% during that time, according to a study by Wasserman. Shelly Pisarra, who led the Wasserman research team, said that’s largely thanks to digital streaming.

“The growth in new platforms … far outpaced what was happening in men’s sports,” Pisarra said. “And it doesn’t mean to say that men’s sports was declining by any stretch. Actually, the entire pie is growing, but the share of women’s sports is growing faster.”

Fans of women’s sports tend to be more loyal, too, Pisarra said.

“We know these fans will work really hard to see women’s sports. They’ve had to work hard forever. And as this next generation of fans come in, and we continue to grow the pie, we need to make sure that we’re continuing to serve them as they want to be served,” Pisarra said.

While bars like The Sports Bra in Portland have seen unprecedented success — its owner told CNBC she made $1 million in just eight months of business — there are other challenges to contend with as a small business owner. Icarus Wings and Things, which prioritized women’s sports in Salem, closed after one year in business.

“I don’t think anybody knows how hard it is to own a small business, especially a restaurant bar. It is so much work and so much time, so much energy, and I have so much gratitude that we even have this, this opportunity,” Suppan said.

“We live in a country and a society and a system that does not support small business owners, and especially small business owners that cater to marginalized communities,” Rose said. “It shows that Lipstick Lounge is an institution that has an infrastructure and a community rallying to support it, that ensures longevity. I think that the ownership has done a really great job organizing with the community and making sure that it’s become a staple in Nashville.”

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

While there has been an outpouring of support since Chapstick’s announcement, Suppan said a lot of the messages she gets are about the parking situation.

“Several people have direct messaged me, ‘What’s the parking situation going to be? Where are we going to park?’” Suppan said. “We’re going to have a 25-spot parking lot instead of 27, which is pretty cool for any place in East Nashville. Most places don’t even have parking, let alone free parking. So please, everyone be at rest. It will be fine.”

WPLN’s Rachel Iacovone and Paper Trident Canva

Pride Month is just ramping up, and with more than 50 events in Middle Tennessee this year, there are more gatherings than days in June.

These celebrations also come as tensions have continued to rise over being LGBTQ+ and proud in conservative-led states like Tennessee.

More: An upcoming ruling will determine whether Tennessee’s anti-trans ‘bathroom bill’ stays in place this school year

In modern times, Pride has become a happy time of rainbows and glitter and dancing and drinking, but the history that led to the celebration is dark. And in Tennessee, legislation is increasingly targeting members of the community. (In 2023, Tennessee had enacted more anti-LGBTQ laws than any other state, according to the Human Rights Campaign.)

You can catch glimpses of that in the descriptions of many Pride parties happening this month. You’ll see proceeds benefitting groups like Just Us at the Oasis Center, Inclusion Tennessee, the Tennessee Equality Project and more. A lot of these organizations’ goals are to continue the fight for LGBTQ rights.

More: Murfreesboro to pay $500,000 in settlement over its anti-LGBTQ ordinance

It’s not all been politically tense between Junes. The queer community and its allies have also rallied around news for LGBTQ Tennesseans this year — like the historic vote by the United Methodist Church to repeal its longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy and marriages within the denomination, or the expansion of beloved lesbian bar Lipstick Lounge with its upcoming women’s sports bar, Chapstick.

Below, WPLN News has compiled a “Pride Guide” for the dozens of events in the region.

Many of the events are outside, so be prepared for the heat this month and stay hydrated!

Did we miss a Pride event in the area? Email us.

Saturday, June 1

Pride Party Workout at Jackalope Brewing — 11 a.m.

This full-body workout, taught by Tone & Tap, is followed by a complimentary pint of your favorite Jackalope brew at the brewery’s Wedgewood-Houston location in Nashville. A portion of the ticket sales for this event, plus a portion of beer sales from Jackalope Brewing all June, will be donated to Just Us at the Oasis Center. The local non-profit is dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth achieve their full potential.

Franklin Pride — 12 p.m.

Franklin Pride‘s purpose is to “celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals their families, and allies in a safe setting where all participants experience equality and acceptance.” The schedule for the daylong event is packed with entertainment from music to food vendors. Both entry and parking are free.

Bath & Body Nashville Pride Pool Party feat. Naomi Smalls — 6 p.m.

This Pride Month kick-off is being held at the Virgin Hotels Nashville pool with special guest Naomi Smalls of RuPaul’s Drag Race as well as several other performers and DJs. There will also be a charity auction with proceeds donated to the Just Us at the Oasis Center and Inclusion Tennessee. Tickets start at $25.

Pride Month – NSH vs NE — 7:30 p.m.

Nashville SC faces New England Revolution on the first day of Pride Month, and the usual entertainment has gotten an LGBTQ spotlight with the halftime and national anthem performed by Morgxn. Plus, Julien Baker, of boygenius, will kick off the match with a guitar riff. Match tickets begin around $22.

Sunday, June 2

Bluegrass Pride 1st Sundays Pickin’ Party — 2 p.m.

Bluegrass Pride, which recruits, encourages and supports LGBTQ bluegrassers of all levels, is hosting its first jam of its monthly series at Canvas in East Nashville. After Pride, this event will continue every first Sunday of the month.

Screenings on the Steps: The Birdcage — 7 p.m.

The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with the Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. First up is ‘90s comedy-drama “The Birdcage.”

Thursday, June 6

Pride Night Market — 5 p.m.

This night market, hosted by EXIT Real Estate Experts, features 20+ vendors offering their handmade art, goods and food for sale in Old Hickory. Proceeds will benefit PFLAG, one of the largest national organizations supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ people.

Friday, June 7

Nashville Pride Turn About ’24 — 7 p.m.

Turn About returns at Play in Nashville. See your favorite staff and community members “all dragged up” with proceeds benefitting Nashville Pride. This is a non-ticketed event, but the cover is typically $15+ at Play.

Saturday, June 8

Upper Cumberland Pride Festival 2024 — 11 a.m.

This daytime Pride festival at Dogwood Park in Cookeville is the 12th annual for the Upper Cumberland Pride organization. All events are family-friendly. Entry is free.

Pulaski Pride 2024 — 1 p.m.

Pulaski’s 4th annual Pride event is family-friendly, including face painting, vendors, food, entertainment, activities, resources, and more. The organizers describe it as “nothing but positive vibes and love.”

Pride at PROOF: Rooftop Drag — 2 p.m.

This event at W Nashville‘s rooftop bar, PROOF, is part of its monthlong series of performances by LGBTQ DJs and performers every weekend. This kickoff features drag performances by queens Vidalia Anne Gentry and Justine Van de Blair with music from DJ Housequake.

Pride Paint & Sip — 5 p.m.

This artsy option in Clarksville, hosted by Blossom Robertson and Shangri-La Hot Yoga, will guide you through creating a painting while sipping on wine. Included in your $35+ ticket is the paint supplies, your painting to take with you, and one glass of wine.

Pride Month Indie Artist Spotlight at Frankie J’s — 7 p.m.

Germantown queer bar Frankie J’s is hosting an indie artist spotlight filled with music from emerging artists Daena, Kisos, and Abby Nissenbaum. While supporting these LGBTQ artists, there will be drink specials (and mocktails) available. The owners encourage rainbow and/or LGBTQ-themed attire.

Sunday, June 9

Girlies Just Wanna Have Fun Drag Brunch — 12 p.m.

This drag brunch at Commons Club in Virgin Hotels Nashville will be hosted by Vidalia Anne Gentry. It includes brunch food and bottomless mimosas as you watch performances by Nashville queens nodding to ‘80s star Cyndi Lauper. Reservations are recommended.

Affirming Hendersonville — 2 p.m.

This family-friendly free block party and market in Hendersonville aims to create a safe and loving space for all. The event is to connect the community with local businesses, vendors, service providers and organizations embracing diversity and equality. Plus, there are activities for kids and food trucks.

Sunday Mixer x Brewing Up Business — 3 p.m.

Tennessee Pride Chamber and Franklin Pride host monthly meetups, typically at Party Fowl’s Cool Springs location. Admission is free and includes complimentary appetizers, happy hour pricing and door prizes.

Screenings on the Steps: Bottoms — 7 p.m.

The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with the Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is the recent sapphic hit, “Bottoms.”

Nashville Pride Pageant: Let’s Get Animated! — 7 p.m.

This Nashville Pride pageant, hosted at Play, asks participants to come dressed as their favorite animated character from any movie, game, TV show or media. There is a fee of $80 to be part of the pageantry, but attending as an audience member will only cost you the door cover (typically $15).

Wednesday, June 12

Nashville Pride Spirituality Night — 7 p.m.

This multi-faith event returns with a community-wide service at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville. The annual spirituality night celebrates the LGBTQ community’s worth, value and sacredness as people of faith, while sharing traditions and rituals from respective groups.

Friday, June 14

Willow Pill at Play — 8 p.m.

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14 winner Willow Pill is performing at Play in Nashville during the 9 and 11 p.m. shows. General admission is $20, or $30 to include a meet and greet between showtimes.

Saturday, June 15

Beyoncé Drag Brunch — 11 a.m.

The Electric Jane in Nashville is hosting a Beyoncé-themed drag brunch. Organizers say to be ready to dance to all your favorite songs, BeyHive! But they note costumes are optional. Tickets are $18 for entry.

Pushups + Prosecco x Diskin: PRIDE Yoga+Strength — 11 a.m.

Pushups + Prosecco is hosting an inclusive fitness event for Pride at Diskin Cider in Wedgewood-Houston. The yoga and strength class is donation-based, but net proceeds will go to Inclusion Tennessee. Your attendance gets you, in addition to the workout, 10% off Diskin’s flagship ciders.

Inclusion Tennessee presents Drag Brunch — 12 p.m.

This drag brunch is presented by Inclusion Tennessee. It will be at City Winery in downtown Nashville — with tickets beginning at general admission for $20.

Sunday, June 16

Screenings on the Steps: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! — 7 p.m.

The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with the Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is ‘90s comedy-drama “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything!”

Thursday, June 20

Puppies & Pride Pet Fest — 5 p.m.

Your dreams of shopping with both your partner and your dog can be realized at this event in The Mall at Green Hills. Dogs are allowed inside for one night only while their humans are encouraged to dress their furry friends up for the Pride costume contest. There will also be music, photo booths, food and cocktails, plus puppy treats. The event will benefit the Nashville Humane Association.

Queer & Cumbia Pre-Pride Party — 5:30 p.m.

Dominican DJ Dame Luz plus Tony Baby and Coqueta will be bringing the sounds of cumbia to White Limozeen — yes, that bright pink rooftop you’ve likely seen all over Instagram. An RSVP guarantees you access, but not necessarily a pool chair. Along with the dancing, the patio bar will be offering drink specials to kick off Nashville’s Pride weekend.

Nashville Pride Kick-Off Party — 6 p.m.

Nashville Pride’s official kick-off event is taking place at the W Nashville. It will feature performances by Gottmik, Delta Granta, ObSINity, Venus Ann Serena and DJ Seizure. The $25 tickets support Nashville Pride and include access to the party, food, drinks and entertainment.

Nashville Pride Comedy Show — 7:30 p.m.

A whole lineup of LGBTQ comedians is coming to The Lab at Zanies in Nashville. It includes Perplexity, Sean Flanagan, Justine Van de Blair, Miriam Kirk, and headliner Ian Aber, all hosted by James Holiday. Tickets are $20 with a minimum of two menu items ordered per person.

Hip-Hop Karaoke: Pride Edition — 8 p.m.

The National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville kicks off its Pride weekend events with a special edition of its hip-hop karaoke. The $10 ticket includes access to local vendors and a cash bar, plus discounted parking on the premises.

Friday, June 21

The Message: The Revolutionary Power of Ballroom — 5 p.m.

The National Museum of African American Music and Music City ACC is hosting this chance to celebrate and honor ballroom culture and the contributions of the LGBTQ community to Black music and culture. Tickets, starting at $25, include access to the cash bar and local vendors, plus discounted parking in downtown Nashville.

2DP: A B2B QDP Pride Celebration — 9 p.m.

The monthly celebration of queerness that is Nashville’s Queer Dance Party gets so big during Pride that organizers have moved venues to Brooklyn Bowl and kept the party going on both Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets start at $21.

Jorgeous at Play — 9 p.m.

RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star Jorgeous returns to her old stomping grounds during Pride. The former PlayMate is performing at Play in Nashville during the 9 and 11 p.m. shows. General admission is $20, or $30 to include a meet and greet between showtimes.

It’s Giving Global: Pride Edition — 9 p.m.

It’s Giving Global is hosting a poolside party at Virgin Hotels Nashville with music from resident DJs Dame Luz and Dumb Groove, plus Battery Pack (Afrosheen and Ari Thee Calf). Headlining is NYC-based DJ/Producer Introspekt. All will be spinning Afro, Latin, Caribbean, Brazilian, house, ballroom, club and UK sounds. (You can hear more about It’s Giving Global’s mission in the founders’ recent What Where When-sday interview with our sister station WNXP.) Tickets are $20.

Saturday, June 22

Tiny Pride — 9 a.m.

If the big event isn’t quite your speed, while Pride is going on downtown, Matryoshka Coffee in South Nashville is hosting a miniature version. This vendor fair-type event will be hosted on the coffeeshop’s lawn and feature live portraits and chain stitching.

Nashville Pride Parade — 10 a.m.

The Nashville Pride Parade takes place on Broadway between 8th Avenue and 2nd Avenue. Often, the audience lined up along the parade route brings signs and flags to wave. The parade is free to attend.

Nashville Pride Festival — 11 a.m.

Nashville‘s Pride festival will once again be hosted in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Saturday and Sunday for all-day music and entertainment plus vendors, food and drinks. Saturday night’s artists include Tinashe, Slayyyter, and Shea Couleé. Tickets start at $10 for general admission.

Pride Concert with Chelsea Cutler — 5 p.m.

This Pride concert will feature Chelsea Cutler at Harriett’s Rooftop in the 1 Hotel Nashville. During the show, the bar will be offering cocktails in support of Nashville Cares, which helps provide accessible health care to the LGBTQ community in Music City. Tickets start at $50.

LGBTQ Pride Sip & Paint — 7 p.m.

This artsy option in Clarksville includes a night of painting and sipping in celebration of LGBTQ pride. Tickets are $34. No painting experience is necessary.

2DP: A B2B QDP Pride Celebration — 9 p.m.

The special, two-night Pride edition of Nashville’s Queer Dance Party continues at Brooklyn Bowl. Tickets start at $21.

PRIDE Ride — 10 p.m.

This is the party bus you’ve perhaps been waiting for. Starting at Dick’s Last Resort after the official Nashville Pride events, this roofless party bus will parade you in your fest best around downtown. This BYOB, two-hour ride starts at $29 and includes a bartender, ice and novelty cups, plus mixers available for purchase. The company says every dollar made will be matched for The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth.

Sunday, June 23

Nashville Pride Festival — 11 a.m.

Nashville‘s Pride festival continues for day two in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, including all-day music and entertainment plus vendors, food and drinks. Sunday night’s artists include Billy Porter, Icona Pop and G Flip. Tickets start at $10 for general admission.

Screenings on the Steps: But I’m a Cheerleader — 7 p.m.

The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with The Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is cult classic “But I’m a Cheerleader.”

Wednesday, June 26

Jackalope Pride Run — 6 p.m.

Jackalope and Cumberland Transit are hosting this Pride run/walk starting at the brewery’s Wedgewood-Houston location. It aims raise awareness and collect donations for Just Us at Oasis Center. There will be raffles, including one from HOKA.

Friday, June 28

Magic Presents PRIDE! — 5 p.m.

Those who pay the $10 entry fee for this three-day tournament in Clarksville will get a promotional rainbow holographic foil art prints, and one pack of Magic the Gathering. For the Magic Presents: Pride event, treat all eligible commanders as though they had the partner ability.

Pride Flow — 6 p.m.

This 60-minute, warm vinyasa flow in Clarksville is a celebration of Pride for all levels. No yoga experience required. The ticket covers class and a drink at a social afterwards. Half of the proceeds will be donated to SAGE, an organization providing advocacy and services for LGBTQ elders.

Pride Silent Disco — 7:30 p.m.

This Pride-themed silent disco at Hi-Wire Brewing in Nashville will feature three separate DJs playing music through headphones with a switcher that wearers control. If one channel isn’t the vibe they were seeking, there’s two more to choose from. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of, but there is limited space and headphones available.

Saturday, June 29

C-Pride Festival — 11 a.m.

C-Pride, aka Clarksville’s Pride, is an all day and night event presenting musical entertainment and live drag performances as well as art exhibits, local nonprofits, and businesses. Tickets are $10 a person, but children under 10 get in free.

Magic Presents PRIDE! — 12 p.m.

Those who pay the $10 entry fee for this three-day tournament in Clarksville will get a promotional rainbow holographic foil art prints, and one pack of Magic the Gathering. For the Magic Presents: Pride event, treat all eligible commanders as though they had the partner ability.

Pride Bar Crawl — 5 p.m.

This year’s Pride bar crawl in downtown Nashville gets you free entry into participating venues and a wristband, which gives you access to exclusive drink deals. With the current early bird pricing, it’s a free spot reservation, rather than a paid ticket.

Sunday, June 30

The Ashlands’ and Dur Demarion’s Pride event — 11 a.m.

Nashville’s foam fighting club invites you to a day of “camaraderie, combat, and community support.” The Pride-themed event aims to unite warriors from all backgrounds to raise funds and awareness for local LGBTQ foundations. It’s open to all — whether you’re a seasoned fighter or just looking to join in on the fun. The entry fee is $5 and includes a raffle ticket for prize drawings.

Magic Presents PRIDE! — 12 p.m.

Those who pay the $10 entry fee for this three-day tournament in Clarksville will get a promotional rainbow holographic foil art prints, and one pack of Magic the Gathering. For the Magic Presents: Pride event, treat all eligible commanders as though they had the partner ability.

Screenings on the Steps: Rent — 7 p.m.

The W Nashville is hosting a Pride Month edition of screenings on the Spanish steps. This time, with The Tennessee Pride Chamber, the outdoor movie viewings will celebrate LGBTQ voices and stories. It’s free to attend, but bar service will also be available for purchase — with a portion of proceeds going back to the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Next up is the beloved “Rent.”

By Logan Langlois

Christa Suppan, Lipstick Lounge’s co-owner/co-founder

NASHVILLE, TN — After a year and eight months of preparations and waving through red tape, the owners of Lipstick Lounge have finally been able to announce their upcoming addition to their locally celebrated bar, Chapstick. Lipstick Lounge’s co-owner and co-founder Christa Suppan said Chapstick has been nearly 20 years in the making, with her and her business partner Jonda Valentine first kicking around the idea for opening an all-inclusive sports bar during the early days of Lipstick’s opening. Suppan said construction will include 1,500 square feet and a patio being added to the property. She said Chapstick will hopefully be open in early 2025 as a more laid-back option for those who are interested in going out but would rather socialize in a more easy-going environment.

Jonda Valentine, Lipstick Lounge’s co-owner/co-founder

Suppan said she’s had many allies, several of whom have been supporting her and Lipstick Lounge for many years, helping her and Valentine with obtaining all the permits needed to begin construction. Suppan said Chapstick will also include free parking on location, and that the cigar lounge available above the Lipstick Lounge, the Upper Lip, will remain open as well.

“As some of us get older, we might want to be in a more chill location,” Suppan said. “It’s just giving different options. If you feel like, ‘You know what, I’m ready to party!’ You can go down to Lipstick. Or, ‘I feel like I may like a cigar, I’m going to go upstairs,’ or ‘I think I want to just chill and talk to my friends. I’m gonna head over to Chapstick.’ It’s giving everybody options.”

Suppan said that she is thankful that Lipstick has been embraced by the Nashville community, and in that time, Lipstick has become a late-night bar that can get pretty loud late into the night given the space’s karaoke theme. Suppan said she and Valentine leaned into Lipstick being a karaoke-themed bar when they saw how their karaoke nights were easily their most popular soon after they had first opened. Suppan said it was this practical consideration that led to the pair choosing to shelve the sports bar theme they both wanted to explore, at least until Chapstick’s recent announcement.

“If we’re going to do something, we’re going to be the best at it,” Suppan said. “But you can’t be the best at everything, so you have to pick something, and we really wanted to focus on our karaoke.”

Suppan said the goal of Chapstick, as well as all of their locations, is to cultivate an all-inclusive space that honors their tagline “a bar for humans.” She said one way Chapstick will do this is by giving both men’s and women’s sports an equal chance to be played on the televisions that will be located throughout the bar. She said in many ways the rapid increase of popularity of the Women’s National Basketball Association has come at a perfect time to be featured on the screens of the upcoming bar and provides a good example of the kind of popular women’s dominated sports that will be shown at Chapstick equally alongside male-dominated sports.

Suppan said at large she’s seen Nashvillians celebrate the news of the construction of Chapstick. She said Chapstick will be hosting fun events after its opening as well, which will be announced closer to or after the space has been officially opened. Suppan said that Nashvillians looking to keep up with future updates regarding Chapstick can do so on the space’s Facebook page, Chapstick37206, or on social media operated by the Lipstick Lounge.

Copyright 2024, TN TRIBUNE, all rights reserved.

Marianna Bacallao WPLN News

(From left to right) Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Metro Councilmember Olivia Hill, and Lipstick Lounge co-owners Jonda Valentine and Christa Suppan, and former Councilmember Brett Withers break ground on the new sports lounge.

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Nashville’s Lipstick Lounge is one of few remaining lesbian bars in the country. While some have had to close their doors in the past few years, Lipstick is expanding with the addition of Chapstick — a new bar that will serve as a place to follow women’s sports.

Local and state officials came out to celebrate the groundbreaking alongside staff and regulars of the bar on Wednesday. And the groups aren’t mutually exclusive, said state Democratic Rep. Aftyn Behn.

“When I moved in with my partner, in 2020, Lipstick was the first place that I went to,” she said.

Behn read a proclamation to mark the occasion.

“Whereas during the dark days of Tennessee’s illegal and unconstitutional drag ban, the Lipstick Lounge not only continued drag performances, but heightened security for their patrons and performers for their protection,” Behn said. “We join with the residents of House District 51 as they observe Lipstick Day on this day, May 15, 2024.”

For Lipstick Lounge co-owners Christa Suppan and Jonda Valentine, the expansion is years in the making.

“I wanted to start by saying thank you to my staff. You guys are so amazing, and I did cry,” Suppan said. “You guys encouraged us and supported us, and you let me know every time that with teamwork, we really can do anything.”

Former Mayor Megan Barry, current Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Metro Councilmember Olivia Hill joined the Lipstick Lounge staff in donning hard hats and taking up gold shovels during the groundbreaking.

“It’s great to know that as we celebrate the arrival, in a real way, of women’s sports, as our daughters become athletes, as they look at role models, that we get to have a place in Nashville that will be a sports bar for humans,” O’Connell said.