PHOTOS: 8 Great Places To Get Your Pride On


It’s high holy days for the gays!

Pride season is upon us. To help you get the most out of this year’s festivities, we’ve recently launched our GayCities Pride Guides, which feature top event picks in all the major US cities, as well as who’s going, photos, and more.

Whether it’s a clothing optional pool party in Key West, a shirtless foam party in Minneapolis, a raging circuit party in San Diego, or a swanky rooftop party in New York, we’ve got all the hottest events in all corners of the country covered.

Here are some of the best Prides happening around America. Click through for tantalizing photos from each of them to help get you in the mood!

Happy Pride!

And don’t forget to enter the GayCities Pride Photo Challenge to win a Greek isle cruise.

Photo credit: goingforfun

 New York

New York is the birthplace of Gay Pride. The very first Gay Pride demonstration happened one month after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969 in Washington Square Park. Since then the tradition has continued each and every year and has spread to cities all across the world. This year’s New York City Pride is June 28 through the 30th and will feature an variety of different events, including pool parties, circuit parties, outdoor concerts, political demonstrations, and more.

Photo credits: Vivienne GucwaAtomische * Tom Giebelasterix611guneyc.

San Diego Pride

San Diego has no shortage of pride… or eye candy for that matter. This year’s San Diego Pride will be July 12-14. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so we’ll let these ones speak for themselves!

Photo credits: Nathan RupertKeturah Stickann.

Twin Cities Pride

The gay scene in St. Paul/Minneapolis is thriving. In 2011, Minneapolis was named the #1 “Gayest City in America” by Advocate magazine. With its booming bar and social scene, as well as the recent passage of gay marriage across the state (which goes into effect August 1), it’s no wonder an estimated 450,000 people are expected to turn out for this year’s festivities on June 29 and 30.

Photo credits:   Tony WebsterMpls55408Wendy, JBYoderMordac.

Honolulu Pride

Aloha! The gay community in Honolulu may be smaller than in other cities around the United States, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in vibrance and energy. This year’s Honolulu Pride Parade is on June 1 and is expected to draw more than 10,000 spectators. There will also be a slew of other great activities happening around the island of Oahu.

Photo credits: Daniel Ramirezinsouciance.

Seattle Pride

Seattle Pride gets bigger and better with each passing year, regularly drawing crowds of 50,000 or more. 2013 will be an especially exciting Pride as it is the first time in the festival’s nearly 40 year history that city leaders have agreed to display the rainbow flag at City Hall throughout the entire month of June. Mayor Mike McGinn said in a press release, “By flying the flag over Seattle City Hall, we honor that commitment to leading by example in the march toward equal rights for all.”

Photo credits: Joshua Gerrishsameerhalaisea turtle.

Capital Pride

The 38th annual Capital Pride is expected to attract more than 100,000 spectators and will feature a parade plus hit musical acts Cher Lloyd, Emeli Sandé, and Icona Pop. There will also be no shortage of clubs, circuit parties, drag shows, political demonstrations, and a variety of other events. Who knows who you might run into… a closeted Republican senator, perhaps?

Photo credits: TimChris DiGiamozizzybaloobahep_jhu.

Chicago Pride

Being the third largest city in the country, it’s no surprise Chicago’s Pride is split up over the course of two weekends. This year’s celebration boasts an impressive roster of talent, including the legendary Deborah Cox, Aubrey O’Day, Dev, and Janice Robinson, among others. Former NFL football player and gay rights activist Wade Davis will be the Grand Marshal in the parade on June 30.

Photo credits: Paula BielnickaAjDele Photography– EMR –Kevin Buckstiegel, Chicago Man,  Lost Albatross.

San Francisco Pride

Of course we have to include San Francisco Pride. It is said to be “one of the last remaining pride events that can truly be called a rite of passage.” For two full days the entire city by the bay shuts down to celebrate. There are concerts, street fairs, clubs, parties, and, of course, the iconic Gay Pride Parade, which travels through the heart of San Francisco down Market Street. Past musical guests have included Lady Gaga, Karmin, Kat Graham, and Solange. San Francisco Pride is one of the most popular Pride festivals in the whole entire world.


Photo credits: bratmandeux,  InfidelicKanaka Menehune,  brainchildvnCarbonNYCnerdcoregirl.

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