# QC Pride Nights: Local Businesses Launch Weekly LGBTQI+ Mixers Leading Up to Pride
Honey, grab your calendar and get ready to paint the town rainbow! Quezon City is about to transform into a seven-week pride playground as local businesses join forces to create “QC Pride Nights”, a series of weekly LGBTQI+ mixers leading up to the massive LOV3LABAN Pride Festival happening June 28th!
The initiative kicked off last night at Butterboy along Tomas Morato with over 150 community members turning the usually chill Tuesday evening into a sparkle-filled celebration. The energy was electric as attendees networked, laughed, and grooved to beats by DJ ManilaMan while sipping on specially crafted “Pride Punch” cocktails that changed colors with each pour!
“We wanted to create spaces where our community can connect before the big festival,” shared Marky Santos, owner of Butterboy and founding member of the QC Rainbow Business Coalition. “Pride isn’t just a one-day event, it’s about building connections that last all year.”
Each Tuesday night until June 24th, a different venue along the Tomas Morato and Timog strip will host these mixers, featuring local LGBTQI+ performers, drink specials, and themed activities. Next week’s event at Today x Future promises a “Drags and Drag Queens” night with makeup tutorials and performances by the House of Mizrahi.
What makes these mixers special isn’t just the fun, it’s purpose. Each event will spotlight different community organizations working toward equality, with portions of proceeds supporting Pride PH’s advocacy work. Last night featured HIV awareness organization LoveYourself, which provided free testing and education materials.
The timing couldn’t be better as the community gears up for what’s expected to be the biggest Pride celebration yet. Pride PH recently announced that this year’s LOV3LABAN 2025 festival will take place on June 28th at Quezon Memorial Circle, following last year’s record-breaking 228,000 attendees.
“These mixers are perfect for first-timers who might feel overwhelmed by the main festival,” explained Jamie Cruz, a regular Pride attendee I spotted rocking a vintage “Love Wins” tee. “You can make friends before the big day and maybe even find your Pride squad!”
The QC local government has embraced these pre-Pride activities, recognizing how they support their ongoing partnership with Pride PH to create a more inclusive city. Each mixer will also serve as a mini-information hub where newcomers can learn about the Pride March route, performance schedules, and volunteer opportunities.
Mark your calendars, beauties! These Tuesday takeovers run 7PM-11PM weekly. Tag @BayotHub if you attend, I’ll be bopping between venues capturing all the fabulous pre-Pride magic for you!
