WerQFest is back, and it’s bigger than ever. With R&B star and breakout Broadway talent Avery Wilson headlining, and a stacked lineup of local artists, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one for the books.
Avery Wilson. Courtesy of Golliday/Rem Rod
Avery isn’t just known for his powerhouse vocals that have landed him on stages around the world he also just finished shining on Broadway as the Scarecrow in the revival of The Wiz, earning critical acclaim and showing his incredible artistic range. That’s the kind of star power we get to see live right here in St. Louis.
Courtesy of Golliday/Rem Rod
But WerQFest isn’t just about a big headliner. The beauty of it is how it uplifts the incredible local talent that makes St. Louis move. From Golliday, Soumir, and DJ Naybahood, to Anansi Spins, S.A.Y., MASC_ERROR, and the vibrant collective Strawberry Bounce, plus resident DJ PBNJEFFY keeping the sounds flowing all day, these are the folks who keep the city’s queer nightlife and creative culture thriving year-round.
What’s also exciting is how WerQFest has made July feel like a Black queer pride month all its own, extending the celebration beyond June. It joins a whole wave of Black queer festivals and events popping up throughout the summer, all blending different queer communities, sub-communities, and subcultures into something that feels truly expansive.
It’s an artistic expression of who we are in so many forms. It’s ballroom, it’s house, it’s Afrobeats, it’s live vocals, it’s drag, it’s rave, it’s hip-hop. All of it under one banner, making space for each other to be loud, free, and fully seen.
And to see WerQFest planted right in the heart of The Grove at the new Atomic Pavilion that matters. Because the Grove, for all its reputation as the LGBTQ hub of St. Louis, has never truly had a Black-owned LGBTQ club that’s been consistent. Even still, Black and brown people have been instrumental to the success of so many of the bars, clubs, shows, and parties up and down Manchester. From hosts to DJs to show directors, our people have shaped what nightlife looks and feels like in this city.
So to have a Black queer festival taking over that space that’s a statement. It’s a chance to center Black queer creativity and joy right where it’s always belonged. It’s going to be an incredible time in a prime location, with so many folks bringing their fullest selves to the party.
At the end of the day, WerQFest continues to raise the bar for how we celebrate our stories, our artistry, and each other. It’s more than just a festival. It’s a glimpse at what’s possible when Black queer brilliance gets the room and the stage to take center spotlight.
