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Mr. Gay Philadelphia Preliminary Rounds
The Fourth Annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia isn't happening until April, but you can still get your pageant fix as three bars hold preliminaries to choose which hunk will represent them in the final showdown. Whether you have what it takes to wear the crown or if you'd prefer to ogle competitors from the sidelines, the venues promise to throw a bash that includes music, drink specials and appearances by local drag celebs. Thu., Feb. 18, 10 p.m., free, Q Bar & Lounge, 1234 Locust St., 215-732-1800, qphilly.com; Sat., Feb. 20, 11 p.m., free, Woody's, 202 S. 13th St., 215-545-1893, woodysbar.com; Fri., Feb. 26, 10:30 p.m., free, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772, voyeurnightclub.com.
Traverse Arts Project's Red Carpet Party
One of the best parts of winter is awards season. So the opportunity to strut my stuff at Traverse Arts Project's Second Annual Red Carpet Party is a no-brainer. Attendees will stroll down the crimson welcome mat, have photos snapped by paparazzi and be grilled in a Joan Rivers-style interview by drag host "Sandy Beach" Hitchen. The Oscar ceremony will be televised live inside the hotel's newly restored ballroom as guests down cocktails, nibble on hors d'oeuvres and grumble over who really deserved the Best Actress trophy. Executive director T. Desiree Hines says all money made from ticket and raffle sales will fund the organization's upcoming GLBT Arts Festival. Sun., March 7, 5 p.m., $30-$60, Radisson-Warwick Philadelphia, 220 S. 17th St., 215-735-6000, traversetheater.org.
Philadelphia Black Gay Pride Fundraiser
Philadelphia Black Gay Pride is throwing a private revelry at Jamz Roller Rink to benefit future projects, such as their pride events that kick off in April. PBGB President Christopher Alston says annual funding has been completely eliminated due to city budget issues, so participation is crucial if you want to see the organization continue to thrive. The reasonable ticket price includes everything you'll need for a good time — a pair of skates, a piece of pizza, a beverage and even game tokens — so all you need to bring is your cool, which may be lost forever if you wipe out like a jackass in front of your friends on the roller rink. Keep both feet on the ground, girl. Fri., Feb. 26, 8 p.m., $20, Jamz Roller Skating, 7017 Roosevelt Blvd., 215-496-0330, phillyblackpride.org.