Pride Month artwalk: Signs point to a big evening in downtown Mobile
Over the last several years, the June artwalk has emerged as one of the city's biggest.
Liam Carter 
Downtown Mobile is bracing for a high-energy evening this Friday, June 12, as the city’s monthly artwalk aligns with National Pride Month. By the time Alexia Jayy takes the stage in Cathedral Square at 6:30 p.m. to perform the National Anthem, the streets are expected to be buzzing with activity.
A Growing Tradition
In recent years, the June artwalk has evolved into arguably the largest and most vibrant celebration in Mobile. Sydney Cramer, program and advocacy manager at the Mobile Arts Council, notes that while October remains a massive draw due to fall festivities, June’s Pride-focused event has become a primary engine for attendance.
The atmosphere combines classic artwalk staples—such as on-street entertainment and open-house gallery tours—with a powerful display of support from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The event is set to feature nearly 40 vendors in the Arts and Crafts Market, nearing the site's total capacity of 43.
Highlights and Happenings
Festivities officially run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Following the anthem by Season 29 “The Voice” winner Alexia Jayy, Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis will deliver a proclamation. Families can enjoy a Kids Zone on Claiborne Street, while a second-line parade is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Conti and Conception streets.
Additional vendors will be showcased at the Dauphin Street Art Market, the Frenchmen Market in Bienville Square, and along Conception Street as part of the Alive With Pride campaign, supported by organizations such as Rainbow Pride of Mobile and Prism United.
A Night of Entertainment and Advocacy
The Alive With Pride Stage Celebration, located in front of Flip Side Bar & Patio, will run from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The lineup includes musical performances by Corey Harvard, Cody Copeland, UnenvyPorsche, and Kristy Lee, culminating in a drag showcase hosted by Jawakatema Davenport.
Downtown institution B-Bob’s is also going all-in on the festivities. Under new owner Matthew Bees, the venue is hosting a series of events, including a Midnight Drag Show on Friday featuring Darlene Mitchell, known for her third-place finish on Season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” On Saturday, June 13, the bar will host a block party and a voter registration drive starting at 2:30 p.m. Throughout the week, B-Bob’s will waive cover charges and collect donations for the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund, with management pledging to match up to $5,000 in contributions. For the latest details on B-Bob’s schedule, visit www.facebook.com/BBobsMob.
For ongoing updates regarding the artwalk, visit www.facebook.com/LODAartwalk.
