With the end of pride comes a natural lull in our collective gay consciousness: tired travelers, wild stories of pleasure and passion, all recorded in one fabulous photo slideshow. Yet the summer has only just begun in the gay world: Nobody takes advantage of the heat better than our (often shirtless) community. We’ve lined up a brief guide to some of the best outdoor summer parties around the world for your enjoyment.
Pool Party @ The Circuit Festival – August 4th – Barcelona
The Circuit Festival in Barcelona is an entire week of unabashed letting loose. It’s no mystery that the pool party should be scheduled midway through this eight-day dance beat of epic proportions – if you’ve been charging it since Saturday, you’ll savor the chance to get wet and cool off (while continuing to dance, of course). Carry on the fun the next day with gay day at the Illa Fantasia water park. (Photo by Circuit Festival)
Ascension Fire Island Pines – August 14-16 – Fire Island 
Join the droves of beach-bound New Yorkers as they migrate to Fire Island for the annual Ascension weekend. The main event is a huge party on the 16th from noon-6pm on Fire Island Pines beach. Whether you choose to bear it all in the sun or opt for the custom-built shaded dance floor, you’ll find flocks of potential new friends (and play dates). (Photo by fireislandmen.com)
Sundance – August 21-23 – Russian River
For the ultimate gay summer camp experience, hit the road about an hour and a half north of San Francisco to Guerneville, the largely undiscovered gay town on the Russian River. If you like to rough it, camp beneath gorgeous redwoods and enjoy a rejuvenating weekend of dancing with the sun at your back. Be sure to check out our interview with DJ Lee Decker – he’ll be playing at the pool party on the 22nd. (Photo by Gus Presents)
The Beach Ball – September 9th – Toronto
The Beach Ball is back to wrap up an amazing summer. Take the ferry from Bay St. out to Toronto’s clothing optional Hanlan’s Point and you’ll find the sun-kissed event. Swim, surf, dance–or do some of each–at this classic beach party headlined by DJ Scotty Thomson. We caught up with Scotty recently – he’s a busy boy this summer so be sure to catch him while he’s in town. (Photo by Joseph Patrick Presents)
Out at Six Flags – August 16th-September 25
If dancing isn’t your style, but thrill-seeking roller coasters are, you can still enjoy the outdoors with your fellow man (and woman) at one of the many gay days at Six Flags parks across the country. Just choose the nearest one:
August 16 – Out on the Bluegrass: Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, KY)
August 28 – Out in America (Baltimore, MD)
September 4 – Out at La Ronde (Montreal, QC)
September 11 – Out in the Park: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA)
September 19 – Out at Night: Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)
September 20 – Out in the Park: Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA)
September 25 – Out on the Mountain: Six Flags Magic Mountain (Los Angeles, CA)
