Arts and Entertainment

PrideFest 2018 has kicked off in Anchorage. Here are the highlights.

PrideFest 2018, Alaska's largest LGBTQ+ festival, will be taking over Anchorage from June 8-17. This year, more than 9,000 people are expected to come out for the more than 20 events happening all week long.

Here are some highlights of of the celebration. For a full list of events, go to alaskapride.org.

Pride at Saturday Market
Kick off Pride week by stopping by the downtown Saturday Market. Along with food and vendor mainstays, there will be pride swag available for purchase, including hoodies, hats, raffle tickets and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Saturday Market, 225 E. Third Ave.

Drag Queen Story Time
Kids are encouraged to dress in their "fanciest and most fabulous clothes" as they enjoy stories, songs and craft-making with four drag queens. 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Z.J. Loussac Public Library, 3600 Denali St.

Stories From Beyond the Closet 4: The Next Generation
Hear real stories of love and hardship at the fourth annual storytelling event. This year's Beyond the Closet will focus on the relationships between people of different generations within the LGBTQ+ community. A special pride brew from Midnight Sun Brewery will be on sale. $25. 7-9 p.m. Saturday, OutNorth Gallery, 333 W. Fourth Ave. (eventbrite.com)

MGA Pageant
Witness the crowning of Mister and Miss Gay Alaska at what's being labeled "the gayest pageant you'll ever see." Contestants will face off in talent, swimsuit, formal wear and interview competitions. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Imperial Court of All Alaska. $10. 9 p.m. Saturday, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave.

Drag Brunch: Pride Edition
What better way to start your Sunday than with a boozy brunch with drag queens? Sip tea and throw shade with the divas from Mad Myrna's Friday Night Variety Show as you enjoy champagne, flaming coffee, homemade biscuits and gravy, a scrambled-egg bar and more scrumptious breakfast favorites. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave. (eventbrite.com)

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Bear Tooth Pride FilmFest
Head to Bear Tooth for a pride-themed double feature. At 5:30 p.m., grab a seat to  documentary "To a More Perfect Union," highlighting the struggles for marriage equality in the United States. Next, at 8 p.m., don't miss out on the Academy Award-winning "Philadelphia," one of the first mainstream Hollywood films acknowledging HIV/AIDS, homosexuality and homophobia, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. $6 for one film, $12 for admission to both. 5:30-11 p.m. Monday, Bear Tooth Theatrepub, 1230 W. 27th Ave. (beartooththeatre.net)

Rainbow Run
The fourth annual Rainbow Run brings fitness and pride together for a fun 5K. Show off your finest rainbow threads and take in the summertime views of downtown Anchorage by foot. Afterward, enjoy a free barbecue and stick around to see who wins the prizes for best team, most creative costume, most colorful costume and more. $30. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Ship Creek (skinnyraven.com)

Transcending Tales: Storytelling & Silent Auction
Learn more about the Anchorage transgender and gender nonconforming community at this storytelling event. The event will also feature a silent auction and opening music by Quinn Christopherson. 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Out North, 333 W. Fourth Ave.

Lube Wrestling
Watch or join in on the fun at this slippery fundraiser for Identity, Inc. Volunteer wrestlers will lube up and go to battle while spectators cheer on their favorites. 8-11 p.m. Wednesday, The Raven, 708 E. Fourth Ave. (ariesbear907@gmail.com)

Drag Queen Bingo: #MillennialMadness
This isn't your grandma's bingo. Come out to Williwaw for a night of pride-themed food, drinks and fun hosted by Daphne DoAll LaChores. Between bingo games, make sure to hit the drag photobooth and watch as local drag queens take the stage. $35. Doors open at 6 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Williwaw Social, 609 F St. (eventbrite.com)

Friday Night Divas Variety Show: Pride Edition
The weekly drag show at Mad Myrna's will be kicked into high gear for Pride week. Showcasing only the "best of the best," come out for a night of lip-syncing, dancing, drinks and fun. 21 and over. $5 at the door. 9-11:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave.

Equality Parade
The Equality Parade is the biggest event of PrideFest. Join hundreds of others and watch as local businesses, groups and citizens all come together in support of the LGBTQ+ community. This year's theme is Next Generation: More than a Rainbow. 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, Downtown Anchorage

PrideFestival
Stick around after the parade for the annual PrideFestival on the Park Strip. The fest includes a beer garden, more than 150 local vendors, two stages running live performances all day and more. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, June 16, Delaney Park Strip, W. Ninth Ave.

Ginger Minj
"Ru Paul's Drag Race" finalist Ginger Minj is taking over Williwaw to perform her autobiographical comedy show, "Crossdresser for Christ." Ginger Minj is currently in production for her second studio album and recently wrapped production on feature film "Dumplin'," starring Jennifer Aniston. 21 and over. $30-$60. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, Williwaw Social, 609 F St. (eventbrite.com)

Deven Green
Award-winning singer and comedian Deven Green has delighted audiences around the world with her quick wit and diverse songbook. Green has performed her mashups, medleys and sing-a-longs at hundreds of venues, from Salt-N-Pepa concerts to all-gay male nudist colonies. 21 and over. $10 cover. 10 p.m. Saturday, June 16, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave.

End of Pride Bar-B-Que
Send off PrideFest 2018 with a party. Enjoy cocktails and barbecued goods as they acknowledge event volunteers. 4 p.m. Sunday, June 17, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave.

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