Shoppers are heading to a queer-spirited rooftop party where tennis meets drag, poolside beats and themed cocktails , Tennis & Tea Dance: Pride Edition on June 20 in West Hollywood is a fresh Pride idea that gives LGBTQ+ tennis fans a place to gather, celebrate and feel truly invited.

Essential Takeaways

  • What it is: A Pride-focused Tennis & Tea Dance mixing live tennis play, DJ-led tea dance, drag performances and poolside socialising.
  • Where and when: Le Parc Hotel rooftop, West Hollywood , June 20, offering a tennis court, pool, deck and full bar.
  • Who’s behind it: The Ball Boys Podcast and Out Wide, two queer tennis podcasts bringing community energy and campy humour.
  • Vibes and perks: Kitschy, joyful and social , expect themed cocktails, liveball with a coach, drag by Anya Body and Icon Lewis, and charity support.
  • Community impact: Local partners include USTA SoCal and LA LGBT organisations; 10% of ticket sales benefit the LA LGBT Center.

A Pride party that actually invites LGBTQ+ tennis fans in

The clearest thing about this event is how deliberately welcoming it feels; you can almost hear the splash of the pool and the clink of a tennis-ball-themed cocktail. Outsports reported that the Tennis & Tea Dance grew from a need after Indian Wells felt strangely devoid of Pride programming, so organisers decided to build their own celebration outside the tournament grounds. That backstory matters: it turns what could be a novelty night into a small act of cultural reclamation, giving queer fans a place to be seen and to mingle over the sport they love.

From Indian Wells experiment to West Hollywood rooftop

The idea debuted during the Indian Wells fortnight earlier this year, just off-site from the tournament, and the vibe was equal parts absurd and affectionate. According to event coverage, the first gathering brought together local fans and visitors who usually trade quips online, finally meeting face to face. Translating that energy to Le Parc’s rooftop , with actual hardcourt, a pool and a deck , feels like the next logical step: same obsession, bigger party.

Who’s hosting and what to expect

The Ball Boys Podcast and Out Wide are front and centre, so expect the brand of coverage fans know from the shows: sharp takes, camp humour and recurring segments that riff on tennis culture. Outsports lists recurring features and personalities involved, and the event promises liveball led by Coach B, DJ Jonjon Battles keeping the tea dance pumping, and drag acts from Anya Body and Icon Lewis. If you like your tennis with a wink and your deck party with a soundtrack, this ticks the boxes.

Practical info: tickets, dress and who it’s for

Le Parc’s rooftop layout means you’ll be able to watch or join on-court play, dip in the pool and sip themed cocktails like The Lobsbian , a playful detail that underlines the event’s camp credentials. HappeningNext and event listings confirm date and venue; tickets typically cover entry and entertainment, with a portion donated to the LA LGBT Center. Pack a swimsuit if you plan to brave the pool, wear something you don’t mind getting a little sun on, and pick footwear suitable for deck and hardcourt if you want to join the balls-on action.

Why this matters beyond one party

Beyond being a good time, Tennis & Tea Dance signals a broader demand for Pride programming that reflects niche communities within LGBTQ+ life. Outsports noted the absence of Pride at some mainstream tennis events, so grassroots gatherings like this plug a gap , they build space for fans who’ve long loved the sport from the margins. Expect more pop-up, community-led activations like this as queer sports fans push for visibility and joy on their terms.

It's a small change that can make every serve, sip and shimmy feel more celebratory.

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