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17th Annual QFest

Not too long ago, the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival became QFest. Though the name changed, its character remains the same. For a week and a half in July (July 7–18), the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection is the international hub of queer cinema. LGBT and allied screenwriters, directors, actors and fans flock to more than 100 film screenings. The organizers hope to create opportunities for local artists to screen their projects, providing unparalleled exposure. The fest starts Thurs., July 7 with a feature presentation of Judas Kiss at the Ritz East 1. Following the movie, patrons and filmmakers will converge on the Loews Philadelphia Hotel for QFest’s opening party.

July 7-18. Various locations. qfest.com

Camp Tabu: Potion #9

Humor has gotten many gay people through difficult or even threatening situations—what are the consequences if we take ourselves too seriously? There’s no better place to activate your funny bone than Camp Tabu: Potion #9. This monthly stand-up comedy showcase takes place upstairs at Tabu Lounge in the heart of the Gayborhood. Camp Tabu’s audience has grown consistently since the first show last year—due in large part to a bevy of very funny, queer-centric comics and a $5 cover, which includes a complimentary drink ticket (that’s almost like being paid to attend). Christine Meehan and Alejandro Morales play host to several comics this week including Erin Mulville, Rae Drew, Darin Martinez and Michael O’Donnell.

Fri., July 8, 9-11pm. $5. Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. tabuphilly.com

Summer PINK Pub Crawl

Bruce Yelk is bringing us another good reason to wear pink. The Summer PINK Pub crawl in happening this weekend hitting the hottest spots in the city. It all starts at Tavern on Camac at 9 p.m. followed by stops at new PINK pub crawl venues Valanni and Sisters, before finishing up at Voyeur Nightclub around midnight. You know the rules: Wear an item of pink clothing and pay $25 for admission at the first or second stop. Participants receive a packet that includes one free drink ticket at each of the first three stops, a free admission pass to Voyeur and a wristband for expedited entry without paying a cover charge. Local drag stars Brittany Lynn, Diana Dharling and Mrs. Pinklewinkle lead the crawl and delight guests with performances. The best Pink outfit wins two VIP passes to Sandblast Weekend in Asbury Park (July 22–23), and two VIP tickets to the U.S. Mr. Gay Competition in November.

Sat., July 9, 9pm. pinkpubcrawl.com

Bob & Barbara’s Drag Show

The longest-running drag show in Philly doesn’t take place at a gay bar or club. Bob & Barbara’s has been home to a weekly drag show every Thursday night for well over a decade. If you pop into Bob & Barbara’s on any given Thursday, you’ll likely see a hipster bike messenger sharing drinks and laughs with someone in a three-piece suit, or a muscle boy exchanging wardrobe tips with a tranny. No matter what differences you see, everyone is there to blow off steam and have a good time. Local drag personality Lisa Lisa hosts the show with a seemingly endless rotation of guest performers and new drag acts each week. She keeps it fresh and fun, bringing in hot male dancers and other surprises to keep ’em coming back week after week.

Every Thursday Night, Bob & Barbara’s, 1509 South St. 215.545.4511.