LivingWells Lifestyle Events is thrilled to announce that REVUE is set to make its inaugural appearance at Pride at Dive on October 3, 2015 at Harrah’s Resort SoCal.

On the heels of a successful debut at a Graton Resort and Casino over Memorial Day Weekend, REVUE returns with Candis Cayne (I Am Cait, Elementary) as Mistress of Ceremonies and an exciting new line up that will include performances by Season 3 RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, Raja, drag superstars, Trixie Mattel and Delta Work, Dutch diva Glennis Grace, American Idol finalist Jacob Lusk and drag icon, Lady Bunny, who will also take over the DJ booth for the post party. A very special surprise guest is also planned for the show along with a smattering of special surprise performances. Show time is 8PM.

Prior to REVUE, Pride at Dive will take place at the pool at Harrah’s Resort SoCal with Junior, Von Kiss and DJ Lezley taking turns spinning the party into a frenzy. Putt Putt golf, volleyball and a swim up bar are just a few of the amenities guests can expect to enjoy at this all day pool party that will kick off the month of October as only Southern California can.

So why not take the leap and dive into fall at Pride at Dive.

Tickets are $25 for the pool party; $40 for REVUE or $60 for both. Special VIP packages including a Meet & Greet are also available. For more information, visit www.prideatdive.com.

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In the days before LA Gay Pride, there’s excitement and anxiety in the air as those final pounds are shed, barely-there ensembles are chosen, parade floats are completed and WeHo gears up for one of its biggest, most colorful annual celebrations. During the LA Gay Pride Parade on Sunday, a strip of West Hollywood explodes in a rainbow of colors, costumes and characters, and it draws more than 500,000 people each year. No matter how you play it, that can make your plans a little complicated. Here’s our guide to the LA Gay Pride Parade—how to survive with your dignity intact while still wringing every ounce of fun out of the rainbow of fest activities—and the best restaurants in West Hollywoodand best gay bars and clubs to boot.

1

Take a cab

Let’s begin with the practical, shall we? On Parade day, parking in West Hollywood is a particularly unwieldy affair. Streets are blocked off, traffic is murderous and frustration levels are high. Rather than risk starting your Pride Sunday on a sour note (or even worse, being towed for parking in the wrong place), just take a cab, order Uber, hop on a bus, or—now that we have it—take the subway to Hollywood and Highland and make your way from there. Prevent aggravation on the front end, eliminate the risk of drinking and driving on the back end. It’s not novel, but it is a win-win. (If you do insist on driving, however, check the Pride site for recommended places to park.)

2

Arrive early

It’s generally true in life and it’s certainly true on Parade Sunday that the early bird gets the best seat in the house. Though there is some dispute about the best place for viewing the parade, there is little disagreement that the most popular vantage point is right in the heart of WeHo, within a few blocks of the intersection of San Vicente and Santa Monica Boulevards. A swarm of go-to bars in this three-block radius open early on Pride Sunday, so unless you want to stand and be jostled for hours, grab a seat at one of them when the doors open, order a cocktail and settle in to watch the Parade go by.

3

Let Sunday trump Saturday

If you’re purchasing a ticket to the festival, Sunday is always the more popular of the two nights, as it’s the culmination of the weekend. That is not to say that both nights aren’t worth the $20 price of admission—we only suggest that for the budget-conscious, Sunday definitely offers the most bang for your buck. Unless, of course, you’re a huge Ciara fan—in which case you should by all means purchase a ticket for Saturday when she will be headlining on the main stage.

4

Plan an escape and rendezvous points

Plan ahead, stay ahead. Parade day can quickly turn into an overwhelming mass of humanity in which friends are often lost, found and then lost again. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to set up a rendezvous spot with your posse in one of the quieter corners of the ‘hood. East of La Cienaga on Santa Monica Blvd, popular watering holes likeHamburger Mary’s tend to still be packed, but they’re also just far enough away from the fray that they make great meeting spots. And if you want to avoid the crowd altogether and watch the parade in a more relaxed setting, Café La Boheme is once again hosting its annual Pride Block Party on the quieter side of WeHo—complete with an upscale brunch buffet, live DJ and the inimitable, wickedly talented Jimmy James as its host.

5

Spend Saturday night at Wonderland

Mega event promoters Tom Whitman and Masterbeat join forces for Saturday’s hottest ticket at Universal Studios. After 9pm, the park is closed to the general public and rides are open exclusively to Wonderland ticket holders until 1am. Meanwhile, from 10pm until 4am, one of Universal’s giant soundstages becomes a mega club presided over by some of the top international DJs on the planet. There will be parties at bars all over WeHo on Saturday night as well, but none is bigger or more over the top than this one.

6

Take a dip at SpLAsh

Better to end with a crescendo than start with a thud. Ease into Pride weekend with an afternoon of frolicking, flirting and fun at yet another Tom Whitman/Masterbeat co-production—an all-new edition of SpLAsh. Billed as “LA’s biggest pool party and T Dance” SpLAsh 2013 will be held at a private, $65 million estate in Bel Air, and will offer the perfect opportunity to show your pride while mixing and mingling in an idyllic setting away from hubbub of boystown.

7

Go east

Spread your pride around. West Hollywood may be the nucleus of all of the action during Pride weekend, but the celebration’s tentacles stretch well beyond the borders of West Hollywood. The Eastside will be particularly abuzz during Pride and you would do yourself a disservice not to avail yourself of all it has to offer. Venture over to MixTape at Akbar on Friday night or get your party on with Mario Diaz at a special Pride edition of BRUTUS atFaultline.

8

Drink! (water)

It is such a simple tip, but one that is seemingly forgotten every year as ambulances drag away one poor sod after another, long before the party has kicked into high gear. If you hydrate before and during the weekend, you won’t have to worry about being one of them this year. It’s hot, people! A little sunscreen wouldn’t hurt either.

9

Connect and reflect

Make some time to do at least one thing that doesn’t have to do with a party, a cocktail or scantily-clad go-go boys. Whether it’s attending one of the weekend’s many fundraisers or spending time at the festival itself, do something that connects you with the reason that Pride came into being in the first place. It will only inspire you to celebrate that much harder.

10

Take Monday off

It’s the only logical thing to do. No one will believe you when you call in hungover—er, sick—so why even bother with the charade? Cash in a vacation day and dive headlong into Pride Sunday with the full knowledge that you’ve got an entire day to recuperate and relive the magic of the weekend.

The post Surviving Pride appeared first on .

Mancunian: A person from Manchester.

Mancunian Life: Fierce, fun, vibrant, independent, sometimes raucous, always original, forever unbuttoned and decidedly passionate about music.

Now, with that settled, if you follow this blog, you already know that I just returned from my second thrill ride of a visit to Manchester Pride. Last week I told you about the city’s annual Pride event, which has long been one of the most highly anticipated events on the Pride circuit. But I would do Manchester a great disservice if I didn’t offer up a guide to some of my favorite places in the city itself. So, with that in mind, this week I’m doing just that, with an eye toward some of the hotspots I discovered for the first time on this recent visit.

For many in the LGBT community, Manchester may have only come into their purview thanks to the original version of the hit series Queer As Folk, which was set in the city’s gay village and spawned the equally popular American offshoot that pulled back the covers on gay life as some knew it. But long before Manchester’s queer culture took center stage, the city had developed a world-class reputation of its own. From music to commerce, Mancunians have, over the centuries, distinguished themselves with their industrious spirit and propensity for living life to the fullest.

The industrial revolution? Manchester was its birthplace. The Smiths, The Bee Gees, New Order, Oasis and Badly Drawn Boy? All Mancunian artists.

Beyond that, Manchester’s gay village is amongst the most bustling I have ever encountered. In fact, with over 70 bars, clubs and restaurants, visitors to Manchester are spoiled for choice in terms of gay outlets—in a way that actually defies the city’s somewhat modest size. Canal Street, the hub of gay life—with its menagerie of watering holes and packed dance clubs—is on its own an adventure in gay sensory overload.

Lest I run the risk of sounding like a history lesson or being reductive, I’ll direct you to the Manchester Media Pack App on iTunes or Google Play for more historical information about Manchester and instead turn your attention to the city’s highlights. Below were some of the spots that topped my list of my faves from my recent visit:

EAT 

Richmond Tea Rooms
Richmond Street, The Village, M1 3HZ
T: +44 (0) 161 237 9667
richmondtearooms.com

Alice in Wonderland comes to life in this wonderfully over-the-top yet strikingly traditional English-style tea room where a delectable menu of nibbles and teas are served throughout the day and evening. Meanwhile, when night falls, the adjoining cocktail lounge, with its quirky fixtures, serves up a sparkling array of handmade cocktails befitting the fantastical quality of the space.

Australasia
1 The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AP
T: +44 (0)161 831 0288
australasia.uk.com

Popular among Manchester’s in-crowd, this utterly modern restaurant delivers wow factor from its chic entrance, which draws aesthetical comparisons to the Louvre. Serving a menu of Pacific Rim flavours that combines an exotic blend of Indonesian and Southeast Asian influences, Australasia delivers a palate-pleasing experience combined with top-notch service. Popular footballers including David Beckham have broken bread in this sprawling restaurant, which becomes a bit of a scene in its own right as the evenings grow late and popular local DJs spin the hottest tunes on the restaurant’s state-of-the-art sound system well into early hours of the morning.

Bakerie
43-45 Lever Street, Northern Quarter, M60 7HP
T: +44 (0) 161 236 9014
bakerie.co.uk

Utterly charming, dining at this restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is like sitting down to a perfectly appointed picnic. Choose trays of cheeses, cured meats and vegetables along with a few bottles of good wine and while away a blissful afternoon on the communal benches in this perfectly inviting hipster hotspot.

Vermilion and Cinnabar
Hulme Hall Lane, Lord North Street, Sport City, Manchester, M40 8AD
T: +44 161 202 0055
vermilioncinnabar.com
@VermilionUK

Designed by Miguel Cancio Martins, the man behind Buddha Bar in Paris and Alain Ducasse’s Crystal of Marrakech, Vermilion and Cinnabar is a massive concept restaurant, located near the Etihad stadium. Since opening in 2007, the destination attracts more than 2,000 customers a week. While the restaurant’s menu offers authentic Thai and Indian cuisine, along with a range of fresh seafood, the cocktail lounge attracts fashionable locals, VIPs and celebrities in addition to a fair amount leading DJs.

SLEEP

Radisson Blu Edwardian

A five-star experience wrapped up in one of Manchester’s most celebrated buildings, the historic Free Trade Hall, Radisson Blu Edwardian offers style and luxury in the heart of Manchester’s city center. It also offers the rejuvenating Sienna Spa and the decadent Opus One bar and restaurant where braising is all the rage.  radissonblu-edwardian.com/manchester

DRINK

The Alchemist on New York Street
New York Street, Manchester, M1 4BD
T: +44 (0)161 817 2950
thealchemist.uk.com

Cocktail culture comes to life at the Alchemist in Spinningfields, Manchester, as expert mixologists concoct a dizzying selection of signature cocktails. When you want a proper cocktail, this is the destination that you want to favor with your presence.

PLAY

G-A-Y Manchester
63 Richmond Street, M1 3HW
T: 0161 228 1631

Like its sister outpost in London, G-A-Y Manchester attracts a pretty, younger crowd with a mix of contemporary hits, cheap cocktails and amiable bartenders.

The Thompsons Arms
21 Sackville Street, M1 3WF
T: 0161 228 3012

Prepare to dance the night away in this multi-level space, where the DJs play dance-pop anthems to throngs of friendly patrons well into the wee hours of the morning.

Velvet
2 Canal Street, M1 3WF
T: 0161 236 9003

More of a lounge than a bar, Velvet is a relaxed space where you can enjoy a cocktail or get frisky on the bar’s tiny dance floor—you choose. That said, the crowd is always fun and eclectic, which alone makes a visit to this Mancunian hotspot a must.

Queer
4 Canal Street, M1 3HE
T: 0161 228 1360

As the name suggests, Queer is a big gay club with multiple dance floors and a gay hipster clientele.

If you don’t already know Manchester, it’s time you got better acquainted. Find out more atvisitmanchester.com. Until next time, be well, live Wells!

The post A Very Mancunian Life appeared first on .

Duane Wells
7/12/2012

All photos by Jeffrey James Keyes

It is no secret that World Pride 2012 was plagued by a series of widely reported calamities along the way, but in the final analysis, out of what might be called chaos arose a global celebration worthy of the title World Pride. The annual parade might have been turned into a ‘procession’ held far away from the traditional gay hub of Soho, and there might not have been a series of colorful floats or a barrage of corporate sponsors as one might have expected, but what was left was the very heart of what Pride celebrations should be all about—plainly and simply, celebrating who we really are as a community and all of our wonderful diversity.

The day begin with a march toward Trafalgar Square, which included parade participants from around the world who gathered to deliver unique messages in their own unique ways to the world about who they are, what their gay communities look like and what their challenges are. To be sure, there was also a fair amount of leather as well as the expected hordes of shirtless men whose torsos had been emblazoned with the logos of various adult entertainment websites, but there were also gay choruses, marching bands and soldiers marching alongside LGBT groups advocating on behalf of LGBT civil rights in destinations as diverse as the Philippines, New York, Lithuania, Sri Lanka, Bermuda, Mexico and Turkey.

Given the looseness of the parade, some might have called the affair amateurish—but, again, in the end, it all just felt like a giant street party, a day when the community came together to commune and give a shout-out to the world to remind them that despite all the strides forward in the realm of LGBT rights around the world, we’re all still here, we’re all still fighting and we all still love a party (and a good reason to dress up—or not, as the case may be). To my thinking, it was a gathering that truly represented the many proverbial colors of the rainbow for the estimated 25,000 participants in attendance.

For those of us able to let go of our strictures about what Pride celebrations should be, even the infrequent rain showers couldn’t dampen our pride or enthusiasm. At one point towards the end, my group even jumped into the parade and marched with various groups, which just gives an indication of how lighthearted and participatory World Pride 2012 felt.

The culmination of the day took place in Trafalgar Square, where a capacity crowd gathered to take in a performance by gay icon Boy George, who was preceded on the main stage by a bevy of local talent before headliner Deborah Cox delivered a rousing set, cut all too short by time constraints. By 6 p.m. the event was done, and the crowd quietly dispersing to fill the bars along Old Compton Street or dress for the evening’s big parties—like Hustlaball in Brixton, which delivered its usual mélange of pornstars, rentboys, scantily clad muscle boys and sexual intrigues that went on well into the wee hours of the morning.

World Pride now moves on to Toronto in 2014, but looking back on 2012, London gave the LGBT community a day to remember—a day that in its stripped-down imperfection recaptured some of the magic of Pride that hearkened back to a simpler time. And that is a feat that simply can’t be planned.

Stay tuned for more about World Pride in Toronto in 2014 at torontopride.com.

The post World Pride 2012 London Recap appeared first on .

Stephan Horbelt & Duane Wells 
5/10/2012 

As summer quickly approaches, one thought on the minds of many LGBT individuals is the litany of Pride celebrations taking place locally and abroad. Why restrict yourself to the fun Pride festivals of SoCal? Put some stamps in your Pride passport by checking out these various celebrations around the world.

LONDON
WorldPride
June 23 – July 8
pridelondon.org

There is little doubt that 2012 is shaping up to be a major year for London! The city will not only play host to this year’s Olympic festivities, but also to a splashy series of events honoring  the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee—and perhaps most prescient to the LGBT community, WorldPride 2012.

Sponsored by Smirnoff, this year’s WorldPride celebration promises to bring together the global LGBT community for two whirlwind weeks, with a festival of art, culture and advocacy, culminating with the WorldPride Parade through central London and a massive street party in Soho on Saturday, July 7. An A-list lineup of top London DJs will join forces with a star-studded collection of talent on parade day for what is being heralded as the biggest Pride event London has ever hosted.

Partying aside, the central theme of WorldPride 2012 will be to call for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, particularly within the British Commonwealth. In keeping with the theme, Pride London will also concurrently host a conference at London’s Senate House to discuss the issues facing the global LGBT community today.  At press time, speakers had already been confirmed from countries including Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to discuss ways the community can work together to improve the lot of LGBT citizens around the globe.

In other words, it’s a celebration with a conscience rather than an unconscious celebration—and that is a good thing.

Stay
There is no shortage of gay-friendly accommodations to choose from for the WorldPride festivities, and many of them are, not surprisingly, in stumbling distance of the city’s better-known gay areas, like Soho. One popular destination is the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel. Fans of the film Love and Other Disasters will recognize this hotel as the place where Matthew Rhys, one of the film’s stars, finds true gay love—most appropriate given that the hotel is a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, London’s West End theater scene and the fabulously gay Old Compton Street. The breathtaking entryway of the Chancery Court Hotel and the property’s genuine pearl-studded Pearl Lounge are worth the price of admission alone. Think old world elegance with modern flair and you’ve got the idea.

Eat
Balans may be a chain, but there is still something quite special about the Old Compton Street location, which starts buzzing early every day (at 8 a.m.) and hums along well into the wee hours of the morning (6 a.m. on weekends) with a jovial and attractive throng of patrons throughout. Pop in early for a Full English Breakfast, stop by mid-day for a martini or a daiquiri, meet up for a quick, light bite with friends before a big night out or get to know your favorite new friends from the WorldPride Parade over late-night cocktails. You choose and Balans will deliver. —D.W.

TORONTO
June 22 – July 1
pridetoronto.com

This neighbor to the north’s annual Pride celebration has been in existence in various forms since the late ‘70s. “Celebrate and demonstrate”—this year’s theme—during a weekend of festivities that is truly all-encompassing. Pride Toronto’s street fair will be set up in the Church and Wellesley neighborhood all weekend long. The 32nd annual Pride parade will be held on Sunday, July 1, with the Dyke March held on June 30 and the Trans March held on June 29. A true ‘LGBT’ celebration.

LAS VEGAS
Sept. 7-8
lasvegaspride.org

You’re always guaranteed a fun stay in Sin City, but Pride weekend has long been a huge draw for LGBTs around the country. In addition to Las Vegas’ near-infinite list of casinos, shows, restaurants and bars, take in some of the desert city’s Pride-specific events. On Friday, Sept. 7, indulge in the Vegas Pride Night Parade, featuring LGBT businesses, nonprofits, service agencies and civic groups. After the parade, stick around the Fremont Street Experience for the evening’s special entertainment. On Saturday, spend the day at the Vegas Pride Festival, complete with food, drinks, exhibitors and an outdoor mainstage. No one can do entertainment quite like Vegas, so don’t miss out on the city’s fun Pride festivities.

Play
May 5 saw the opening of the country’s first-ever drag queen-staffed bar and gaming venue, Drink & Drag. Situated on Vegas’ historic Fremont Street, the bar shares its owner with Krave Nightclub, one of Sin City’s longtime gay hotspots. Take in some bowling, billiards, air hockey and interactive games while you’re in town celebrating Pride. 450 Fremont St., Las Vegas

NEW YORK CITY
June 16-24
nycpride.org

There’s no city in the world quite like the Big Apple, and those looking for a fulfilling Pride experience need look no further. Things kick off with The Rally on Saturday, June 16, featuring well-known performers and motivating speakers, and finish up with a bang at Dance on the Pier, held this year at Pier 57 on Sunday, June 24, where you can dance into the early morning with the Perry Twins and DJ Boris. In between, check out the VIP Rooftop Party; Rapture on the River, an event for the ladies; Pridefest, the annual street fair; and The March, with a list of grand marshals that includes Cyndi Lauper. New York City Pride is a reminder of where the modern gay rights movement began. The very first march was held on the streets of New York following the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a moment in history that is commemorated at Pride celebrations around the world.

Eat
Known as a chic hotspot with delicious food and fabulous cocktails, Chelsea eatery Elmo is popular among the trendy, beautiful, artsy and gay. Our recommendation? Try Elmo during weekend brunch hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and fuel up before jumping into serious Pride revelry. 156 7th Ave., Chelsea

SAN FRANCISCO
June 23-24
sfpride.org

Honor the legend of Harvey Milk by heading upstate to San Francisco and having a blast during Pride weekend. The great celebration takes place at the foot of the city’s historic City Hall, where Milk himself once stood and addressed Pride-goers more than 30 years ago. It’s the largest LGBT gathering in the nation, with over 200 parade-participating groups, 300 exhibitors and more than 20 stages and venues. The weekend’s mainstage has been host in the past to incredible acts like Lady Gaga, Margaret Cho and others. This year’s event theme is “Global Equality.”

Stay
Treat yourself while in town for Pride weekend by booking a stay at the brand-new Golden Gate Suite at Hotel Palomar. Timed to honor the 75th anniversary of one of our state’s most recognizable landmarks, the suite is available through the end of the year. Take in local artist creations, furniture actually made out of the bridge’s reclaimed steel, a special cocktail inspired by the bridge and more. The pièce de resistance, though, is the printed opaque decal of the Golden Gate Bridge that expands across the suite’s five bay windows. Simply stunning. 12 4th St., Downtown SF.

PROVINCETOWN CARNIVAL WEEK
August 12-17
ptown.org

There’s no place on Earth quite like Provincetown, Mass., a gay oasis at the very tip of Cape Cod, the summer home of John Waters and plenty other progenitors of queer culture. But until you’ve stepped off a ferry or puddle-jumper and actually experienced P-Town for yourself, you’ll never fully understand the quaint charm of the village—or why so many LGBTs from the world over return each year for a summer like no other. Provincetown is the only city in the world with such an influx of amazingly talented performers and entertainers throughout the summer—comic and drag legends including Margaret Cho, Ian Harvie, Jimmy James, Lady Bunny, Dina Martina, Varla Jean Merman, Jackie Beat and Miss Richfield 1981 all make appearances throughout the summer, some permanently setting up shop in P-Town for the duration of the summer.

If Provincetown is a place like no other, Carnival is a week like no other. While every day of the year constitutes ‘Pride’ in P-Town, Carnival Week is a time of debauchery, dancing, drinking and all-around mischief. Each year P-Town is packed to gills during Carnival with visitors from the world over, all ready to indulge in everything the town has to offer—shows, cruises, tea dances and late-night dance parties. While each week in P-Town seems to cater to various subsets of the LGBT community, here’s a week devoted purely to the partiers.

Stay
In a village filled with elegant B&Bs throughout, there’s no shortage of places to stay, but how you prefer to spend your time will ultimately lend itself to choosing the best accommodations for you. If you plan to party it up at the bevy of P-Town’s bars and restaurants, you’ll want to consider staying in the middle of town, somewhere not far off of Bradford or Commercial Streets. If you’re looking for a bit of respite during your stay—or perhaps want the option to get away from the craziness while nursing your hangover(s)—you may want to look toward the edges of town, perhaps alongside the moors. Staying near the moors also puts you close to the nude beach, for those who plan to get a little sun during their stay.

Play
One fun way to spend your mornings and early afternoons (before hitting up the daily tea dance, of course) is to take a dip at the P-Town Inn, a waterfront resort that features the most fun pool in town. Bring a towel and your favorite swimsuit to the pool and lay out among a truly diverse of Carnival visitors. There you’ll hear fun music that has all the poolside visitors pumped up, and you’ll have access to delicious eats—the best chicken tenders in town by far—and a bar menu with frozen drinks you had no idea existed. Days spent wasting away at the P-Town Inn can only be described as heavenly.

Drink
There’s no shortage of places to plop down and have a drink in Provincetown, but any newbie’s best bet would be to hit up the Crown & Anchor complex, comprised of three venues in one. First there’s The Vault, P-Town’s never-a-cover leather bar (akin to Silver Lake’s The Eagle), a dark bar that blasts rock music and serves mostly beer to its older and edgier clientele. You’ll also find an indoor tire swing and cigar smoking on the patio. The Wave Video Bar plays the songs and videos any pop music-lover wants to hear, and gets packed nightly with a crowd that just wants to dance the night away. Paramount is P-Town’s premier nightclub, drawing in some of the world’s best DJs to spin for a shirtless crowd nearly every night of Carnival week. This is also the venue for über-popular show Showgirls, a P-Town Monday night staple that features local entertainment, guest stars and anyone who wants to compete for the $500 grand prize.

WASHINGTON, D.C.
May 30 – June 10
capitalpride.org

Our nation’s capitol isn’t just home to national gay rights advances (and the occasional setback)—it’s also home to a fun, rowdy Pride week dubbed Capital Pride. Head to the District of Columbia for 10 days of celebrating our community’s spirit and strength. Catch the city’s best parade on Saturday, June 9, as it travels through Dupont Circle and ends in the Logan Circle neighborhood. And only at Capital Pride does the annual festival take place on historic Pennsylvania Avenue right in front of our national capitol. Enjoy a full day of music, food, drinks and entertainment on Sunday, June 10.

Drink
While in town, spend your gay dollars at Cobalt, a bar that has been setting the gay nightlife standard in D.C. for years. No matter how you like to spend your nights, there’s something for you here—a restaurant (Level One), a lounge (30degrees) and a dance floor level (Cobalt). In the last two years, Cobalt has won Best of Gay D.C. awards ranging from “Best Place to Meet Guys” to “Best Chef” to “Best DJ.” Oh, Cobalt also has the sexiest (shirtless) bartenders, and you can never go wrong with that. 1639 R Street NW, Dupont Circle.

AMSTERDAM
July 28 – Aug. 5
amsterdamgaypride.nl

Gay Pride Amsterdam is one of the most fun celebrations in the world. While there’s more than a week of amazing events taking place in the city, all major events will take place between Aug. 3-5. Expect street parties, late-night circuit parties and, of course, the world-famous Canal Parade on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 4.

The Canal Parade is seriously a sight to be seen. Watch as 80 decorated boats sail along the Prinsengracht, most filled with sexy men in next to nothing. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and lasts for a couple hours.

Don’t expect to get much sleep during the Pride festivities, especially during the last Pride weekend. On Friday night, check out the parties at Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel and Westermarkt, which features the Drag Queen Olympics. On Saturday, many of the same parties take place, plus a few more—Bear Necessity, for the bear lovers, being one. A mixed gay crowd attends the Pride closing party on Sunday, which features tons of Dutch artists and DJs.

Shop
While perusing the sights and sounds of Amsterdam, stop into Vrolijk, a multi-level gay and lesbian shop that sells everything from books and films to calendars, gifts and magazines—including Attitude, Butt, Fantastic Manand more. The shop is situated near Dam Square in Amsterdam’s old city center, surrounded by historical sites and only a short walk from tons of cultural attractions like HomoMonument, Madame Tussaud’s, the Red Light District and the Royal Palace. 135 Paleisstraat, Amsterdam.

COLOGNE
June 23 – July 8
csd-cologne.de

Once again, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to fill the inner city streets of Cologne, Germany, this summer. One of the largest gay and lesbian events in Europe, in recent years, more than 1 million participants have flocked to Cologne for the festivals, parade and the many parties.

It’s a two-week program of events that culminates the first weekend of July. On Saturday, June 23, Fantasy Pride at Phantasialand kicks everything off. It’s Cologne’s version of Gay Days Disney, an annual ‘gay day’ at theme park Phantasialand with performances, live shows and—at night—top DJs.

WomenPride also starts on June 23, which consists of several events purely for women during the weeks—things like readings, film screenings, panel discussions, parties, barbecues, seminars and other cultural activities.

For those looking to get the condensed Cologne Pride experience, don’t miss the parade on Sunday, July 8. With up to 120 floats and tons more pedestrian groups, the parade pays tribute to the 1969 Stonewall Riots while also looking forward to equal rights and full acceptance of LGBTs in the near future.

Play
Of all the gay bars in Cologne—there are surprisingly quite a few—you should check out Exile, a gay bar/lounge that gets packed on weekends. You’ll find Exile in the center of Cologne’s “Bermuda Triangle” of gay bars. Its Frisky Friday party features a mix of Top 40 tracks with club beats, while the Gaily Saturday party spotlights house music. 61A Schaafenstrasse, Köln.

SHANGHAI
June 15-23
shpride.com

Shanghai Pride is China’s only LGBT Pride festival, and while it’s normally held in October, this year the event’s organizers have decided to celebrate a little early. The now-summer festival hopes to bring out more people than ever with its outdoor events, family-oriented Pink Picnic, a poolside party, film nights and panel discussions. (Note: There’s no parade at Shanghai Pride, as any public gathering of more than 50 people without state approval is illegal in China.)

Last year’s Pink Picnic was a huge success, with LGBTs, friends and family all gathered in Zhongshan Park, wearing pink to show support for the cause. Shanghai Pride’s film screenings are supported by foreign consulates. In previous years, Spanish, French and German consulates have hosted screenings, and this year, the British and Dutch consulates are hoped to follow suit.

New for this year’s Pride are a closing party barbecue—with performances and a fashion show—and also an open mic night and trivia night.

Stay
It may not technically be completed by the time this year’s Shanghai Pride rolls around, but we can guarantee you that in 2013, when its doors do finally open, there will be no place on Earth quite like Mandarin Oriental Pudong. Announced in October 2010, the hotel will form part of “Harbour City,” a huge mixed-use development area comprised of office towers, a residential complex, significant retail stores and extensive landscaped gardens. As with all Mandarin Oriental properties, you can expect elegantly styled rooms with countless amenities, but here you’re also guaranteed an outstanding view of the city skyline and Huangpu River.mandarinoriental.com

HONOLULU
June 2
honoluluprideparade.org

Celebrate LGBT Pride in paradise on the island of Oahu, now celebrating 22 years. Take a break from snorkeling and sunning yourself on Saturday morning, June 2, to take in the Pride parade, which heads down Ala Moana Boulevard, the famous Waikiki strip, then Kalakaua Avenue, ending at Kapiolani Park. At the park you’ll find a free Pride celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., complete with live entertainment, local and national LGBT organizations, local crafters and delicious food. Spend your Saturday evening at the Pride dance party at McCoy Pavillion, then, on Sunday, get back to your Hawaii routine of doing absolutely nothing. You’re in paradise, after all.

Drink
Make Bacchus, the newest gay bar to open in Waikiki, a must-stop during your Oahu stay. Perfect for those looking to lounge and people-watch as opposed to rage on a dance floor, for Cali residents, Bacchus is Wakiki’s mashup of a WeHo lounge and San Francisco bar. You’ll find an eclectic mix of of gays from the island, a laid-back, friendly staff and strong, reasonably priced drinks. There’s indoor seating, outdoor patio space and music videos rotating inside. Treat Bacchus as your ‘gay bar home away from home.’ 408 Lewers St., Waikiki.

SAO PAOLO
June 7-11
gaypridebrazil.org

Sao Paolo’s Pride festival isn’t only the largest in Brazil but the largest in the world, with around 4 million people in attendance each year. People around the world flock to Sao Paolo for its Pride month, the must-do event being the parade, which takes place this year on Sunday, June 10. Expect an entire month of LGBT-specific events, though, including the yearly Cycle of Debates, the LGBT Cultural Fair and the successful Gay Day, which happens the Saturday before the main parade.

Play
The Week is an LGBT afterhours party that has garnered international fame as the biggest gay nightclub in all of Brazil. It’s a massive venue (64,000 square feet) with two dance floors, a garden, pool, several bars and a VIP area. Only The Week brings in over 2,500 people each weekend, thanks to the high caliber of DJ talent the club draws. The party opens late-night on Saturday at midnight and runs until 9 a.m., with the peak time being around 2 a.m. From November to March, it’s sometimes open on Sundays for pool parties. The Week is where you can truly indulge in Brazilian hedonism. 324 Rua Guaicurus, Lapa.

Pride Guide 2012 Calendar

JUNE
The Bingham Cup, Manchester: June 1-3
Tel Aviv Pride: June 3-9
L.A. Pride: June 8-10
Athens Pride: June 9
Boston Pride: June 9
Vienna Pride: June 12-17
Portland Pride: June 15-17
Stadtfest Berlin: June 16-17
Chicago Pride: June 22-24
New Orleans Pride: June 22-24
Barcelona Pride: June 22 – July 1
Dublin Pride: June 22 – July 1
Oslo Pride: June 22 – July 1
Houston Pride: June 23
Lisbon Pride: June 23
Rome Pride: June 23
Berlin Pride: June 23
San Francisco Pride: June 23-24
Seattle Pride: June 24
Helsinki Pride: June 25 – July 1
Eurogames 2012, Budapest:
June 27 – July 1
Madrid Pride: June 29 – July 1
Paris Pride: June 30
Independence Weekend, Provincetown: June 30 – July 5

JULY
Summer Camp, Provincetown: July 3-6
London Pride: July 5-8
Pacific Pride, Santa Barbara: July 7
Bear Week, Provincetown: July 7-15
Munich Pride: July 7-15
Fetish Week London: July 9-15
Frankfurt Pride: July 20-22
San Diego Pride: July 21-22
Belfast Pride: July 28 – Aug. 4
Stockholm: July 30 – Aug. 5


AUGUST
Amsterdam Pride: Aug. 3-5
Vancouver Pride: Aug. 5
Antwerp Pride: Aug. 6-12
Leather Pride, Toronto: Aug. 10-12
Carnival, Provincetown: Aug. 12-18
Prague Pride: Aug. 13-19
Montréal Pride: Aug. 14-19
Copenhagen Pride: Aug. 15-19
XLsior, Mykonos: Aug. 22-26
Manchester Pride: Aug. 24-27
Southern Decadence, New Orleans: Aug. 30 – Sept. 3
Splash Days, Austin: Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

SEPTEMBER
Brighton Pride: Sept. 1-2
Key West Pride: Sept. 6-10
Folsom Europe, Berlin: Sept. 8
Bear Bash, Orlando: Sept. 13-16
Austin Pride: Sept. 22
Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco: Sept. 23

OCTOBER
Black & Blue Festival, Montréal: Oct. 3-9
Gay Days Anaheim: Oct. 5-7
Orlando Pride: Oct. 6
Rio de Janeiro Pride: Oct. 11-15
Atlanta Pride: Oct. 13-14
Hustlaball, Berlin: Oct. 19

NOVEMBER
Get Ruff! Leather Pride, Amsterdam: Nov. 2-4
Buenos Aires Pride: Nov. 3
Palm Springs Pride: Nov. 2-4
White Party Miami: Nov. 21-26

 FrontiersLA | Pride Guide 2012.

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Spain’s capital city annually hosts what is undoubtedly the country’s most massive Pride event. Each year nearly a million partygoers descend upon Madrid’s signature gayborhood, Chueca, for what can only be described as a three-day Pride extravaganza.

Gay News – FrontiersLA – Breaking Gay News | Pride Spanish Style: The Party Don’t Stop.

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