In its fifth year, Melanin Pride Weekend will last five days. This celebration of the LGBTQ community started as a game of kickball, and is now an all-weekend party. It kicks off on Sept. 9 with a Thirsty Thursday meetup at Long Shots Sports Cafe & Bar with hookah and vendors. Friday is an open mic night at Goodloes Bar and Grill. The next day, rapper Saucy Santana will be at The Palm Room, hosting a $500 walk contest. Sunday is the Melanin Pride Weekend focus-point: a day at George Rogers Clark Park with games, free snowcones and more. Wind down on Monday with Pride-Arita at Virtue. Admission is charged for all events, except for those on Sunday and Monday. You must register for Sunday’s day at the park. Visit eventbrite.com to reserve your spot.