The Chattanooga Pride Festival, presented by Tennessee Valley Pride Inc., starts Monday. The weeklong observance for Chattanooga’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, concludes Oct. 17 with a festival at Miller Plaza. Most events are free. All are open to the public.
This year’s theme, “I Am Pride,” is meant to embody the fact that everyone is unique and represents the GLBT community in his or her own way, according to a news release.
For information, visit www.TennesseeValleyPride.com.
Chattanooga Pride Festival Schedule
Monday
Comedy Night at Chuck’s II, 27 Main St., features comedian Janet “The Tennessee Tramp” Williams. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a community potluck supper. At 8:15, members of Tennessee Equality Project will host a candlelight vigil to commemorate National Coming Out Day. Show starts at 9 p.m. Free. Ages 21 and up.
Tuesday
Interfaith worship service at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 400 Glenwood Drive. Ecumenical service led by affirming congregations in the Chattanooga area, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Wednesday
“Let TVP Serve You” spaghetti supper at The Rock Metropolitan Community Church, 1601 Foust St., 5:30-8 p.m. $5.
Thursday
Pride Week concert by the GLBT choir, with poetry and prose by members of Spectrum from UTC, at Barking Legs Theatre, 1307 Dodds Ave., 7:30 p.m. Free with donations requested.
Oct. 15:
* Former TVP Kings and Queens Show at Images Show Bar, 6005 Lee Highway. Raffles and prize drawings. $5 or $3 with a toy or nonperishable food item for annual food and toy drive.
* Comedy fundraiser at Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Road. Mention TVP or Pride Week to receive a surprise.
Oct. 16:
* Bowling at Holiday Bowl, 5518 Brainerd Road. Three games for all levels, with prizes awarded, 2 p.m. $10 per person.
* Bar Night at GLBT-friendly establishments. Images will offer free cover to anyone showing a ticket stub from the Comedy Catch show the night before.
Oct. 17:
* Pride Festival Day, featuring live entertainment, food, vendors and children’s activities, 1-5 p.m. at Miller Plaza on M.L. King Boulevard. Free admission and free rapid HIV testing by Chattanooga CARES.
* After-party at Chuck’s II, 27 W. Main St., 5 p.m.-close.