8 Fun Pride Options in July

Pride events are traditionally June affairs in many U.S. cities. This harkens back to the Stonewall Riots in New York City, which happened during late June 1969.

But just because we’ve moved into July doesn’t mean that the celebrations have to end! There are some fantastic Pride marches and LGBT celebrations that happen over other summer months due to local traditions.

Here’s a look at some that are coming up in both the U.S. and abroad:

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Barcelona, June 28-July 9

It will be interesting to see how Barcelona Pride’s final numbers turn out this year. 2017 World Pride just wrapped in Madrid on July 2, which might be seen as stealing some of this Catalonian city’s thunder.

World Pride was expecting 3 million visitors this year, twice what Madrid hosted in 2016.

However, there has definitely been some marketing to encourage LGBT tourists coming to Spain this summer for both events, seeing as how they’re happening on back to back weeks. While there are 12 days of scheduled activities in Barcelona, the highlight will certainly be Saturday, July 8, when the Pride Village at Moll de la Fusta will be hosting PRIDE Kids, HOLI PRIDE (a colorful festival of music), the parade and a huge concert.

Victoria, B.C., July 1-9

While neighboring Vancouver’s well-known Pride event waits until August each year, Victoria is quicker to getting the summer party started with its 9-day celebration, culminating with a parade on Sunday, July 9. Highlights of the week include a drag ball game, a sunset boat cruise, a festival park with two stages of entertainment and a beer garden, along with Pride in the Word—a showcase of some of the most talented writers in Victoria.

Plus, who doesn’t want to go and experience something called The Big Gay Dog Walk?

Tacoma, July 7-15

Situated between the lovely cities of Seattle and Olympia, it’d be easy to miss this self-described “City of Destiny” and frequent finisher on “most livable cities” lists. But the city’s Pride week has a nice mix of official and affiliated events, from an awards ceremony and block party to celebrations of queer feminist artists and boat cruises.

Even the amazing BenDeLaCreme (my personal Ru Paul’s Drag Race fave) will be hosting her “Inferno A-Go-Go” show on July 7. And while you’re in town, don’t miss the Tacoma Pride Film Series and the closing day’s (what else?!) Big Hat Brunch.

Colorado Springs, July 8-9

When I think of Colorado Springs, I don’t immediately think of Gay Pride, but rather of young men in Air Force uniforms … so, heck, why not combine both of those lovely ideas into one?

The Colorado Springs PrideFest, held at America the Beautiful Park, expects more than 50,000 attendees and 100 vendors to the Festival grounds. Saturday kicks off as Family Day, with lots of kid-friendly games (think fun backyard stuff like lawn darts) and musical acts at two different stages. The parade begins Sunday at 11 a.m., marching through the city and ending at the park, where the fun will continue into the early evening.

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Munich, July 8-16

With the recent vote in the German parliament to legalize gay marriage, there should be plenty to celebrate amongst the LGBT community in this beautiful, liberal Bavarian city.

Munich’s Pride celebration is called Christopher Street Day (as are many across Europe), in remembrance of the New York street where the Stonewall Riots centered. Munich’s CSD dates back to 1980, and this year’s event expects approximately 200,000 participants. Visitors can enjoy a traditional parade starting at Marienplatz, a street festival and an exclusive clubbing party at City Hall.

San Diego, July 14-16

San Diego is blessed with beautiful weather and some of the most beautiful eye candy you’re likely to run into on the beach, so the popularity of its annual Pride celebration is no surprise.

The city packs a lot into a few days, with a 5K run, an entire music festival, block party, SheFest, awards program, and of course, the prerequisite parade and festival. There are a lot of options for different price ranges, from the parade (it’s free!), to two-day admission to the festival grounds ($20), to a meet-and-greet and photo with performing artist En Vogue ($300).

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Reno, July 22

Northern Nevada Pride will be hosting its sixth CommUNITY Pride Parade in conjunction with Reno Artown. This smaller Pride celebration (7,000 visitors in 2016, with 83 vendors) is still an important regional event—one that raised more than $20,000 for OUR center, the Reno LGBTQA community center.

Liverpool, July 29-30

Liverpool Pride, only around since 2010, is a relative newcomer to the game but will have an exciting lineup in 2017. With the theme of “International Love,” it is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Britain—but also calling attention to the 75 countries around the world where being LGBT is still considered a crime.

The weekend of fun is expected to include a pre-party, a festival stage with a wide variety of musical acts, a Pride Breakfast and an arts festival. The Pride Aftermath Party—which features Psychic Bingo and the Great BIG Gay Quiz—sounds like a great way to wrap up a fantastic, Prideful month!