KEY WEST, FLORIDA (June 1-9. gaykeywestfl.com)
Key West hosts one of North America’s most vibrant and exciting pride festivals, an extension of year round LGBTQ+ friendly activities in the tropical city. This year, Key West Pride begins with the Key West Pride Follies show on Monday. This gives local performers a chance to showcase their acts on one stage, hosted by the Key West Business Guild. Then it’s a Pride Paint & Sip at 5 P.M. and the Real Men Do Drag fundraiser at 6 P.M. on Tuesday. Nightlife beckons with a Kick-off Disco Party on Wednesday, June 5 at the Hard Rock Cafe which offers unlimited food and drink and disco fun for ticket holders. Other events throughout the week include wine tastings, sunset sails, a local bartender competition, brunches, more disco parties, and lots of glitter, leading up to Sunday’s main events: the Key West Pride Parade and Disco Tea Dance at the waterfront. This Pride week is jam packed and you won’t want to miss a second.
Photo by SMC Photo
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (October 26. instagram.com/jhbpride)
Back for its 35th year, Johannesburg Pride brings color to the city streets for one day only. Attendees can expect a vibrant and colorful Pride Parade with magical floats and vibrant costumes made with love. Live entertainment brings world-class performers, local talent, and DJs to the stage along with inspirational speakers. Also discover local resources that support LGBTQ+ individuals, or explore displays of art and culture from the community. Vendors will sell everything from handmade clothes to jewelry, bubble tea, candles, and more. This Pride is small but mighty, run by volunteers, and is Africa’s oldest LGBTQ+ celebration. Those who march each year march not just for South Africa’s LGBTQ+ population, but wider Africa where LGBTQ+ rights are very much restricted. Haven’t got enough Pride at the festival? Head into the city for queer-friendly events at famous bars like Babylon, The Rec Room Bar & Gay Sauna, and more bars in the Melville and Illovo queer neighborhoods.
SITGES, SPAIN (June 5 – 9. gaysitgespride.com)
This is your chance to celebrate Pride with the gorgeous coastal views of ancient Sitges less than 50 miles outside Barcelona. Here, Pride is a highly anticipated event bringing thousands of attendees out each year. Sitges is famous for its Pride Village which runs along the seafront during the city’s designated Pride week. In the village, thousands of attendees mingle During Pride week in Sitges, rainbow banners hang over crowded streets, and amazing musical and dance performances, drag shows, and theatrical acts take to the stage. On Sunday, the final day of celebrations, the Sitges Pride Parade steps off from Kansas Restaurant and journeys along the seafront throughout the town to end at the PrideVillage. Over 20 beautiful floats will accompany thousands of marchers to celebrate this year’s Sitges Pride theme: #SitgesLovesYou. Following the parade, enjoy the Afternoon Tea Dance in Pride Village and party into the evening.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (October 24 – 27. gaytravel4u.com/event/taiwan-gay-pride)
Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, so naturally their Pride celebrations are some of the best and biggest in East Asia, bringing in around 200,000 visitors each year. This year, dance, sing, and mingle in the official Gay Pride Village located in front of town hall. Here live performances and parties are held all day and into the evening. Attend special circuit events like the Formosa Rainbow Music Festival, a gay music festival which overlaps with Taipei Pride and hosts three night parties and one tea dance. Various DJs, GoGo dancers, and drag performers will entertain the masses at Zepp New Taipei, a concert venue less than 20 minutes from Taipei’s gay bar scene. On Saturday, Taipei’s Pride Parade steps off from town hall and marches through Taipei to end back at the Pride Village.
THESSALONIKI, GREECE (June 21 – 29 epoa.eu/home)
This year’s EuroPride celebration is setting up camp in Thessaloniki in late June. For three decades, EuroPride has taken Pride celebrations to the next level all over Europe. This year the festivities start on June 21 with an Opening Ceremony and concert from the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra. Through the week attendees can enjoy film screenings, plays, walking tours, human rights conferences, the EuroPride Fair, and live music at the city’s waterfront promenade. The EuroPride Parade will meander through the historical city center and circle Thessaloniki’s white tower, which will be illuminated in rainbow colors. Other activities throughout the nine day festival include sports events, interactive street games, and parties throughout the city. *Editor’s Note: In March, 2024, a mob of people attacked a trans couple in the main square of Thessaloniki (advocate.com/world/greek-transgender-couple-mobbed). This horrific incident was condemned by both local and national officials, and Thessaloniki Pride (thessalonikipride.com) said: “Fear and insecurity have no place in our city and in our lives.” We contacted the people who organize EuroPride (epoa.eu) and ask: “Will EuroPride 2024 Thessaloniki be safe for visitors?” They replied: “Based on our attendance at Thessaloniki Pride over many years, and many additional visits to the city, there is nothing to suggest this attack increases the risk to participants and have no reason to believe EuroPride 2024 will be unsafe for visitors.” In light of these circumstance, we advise increased caution and awareness if you decide to attend this event.
Photo by Mix Tape
VANCOUVER, CANADA (July 26 – August 4. vancouverpride.ca)
Canada Pride returns to Vancouver for another year with an opening ceremony on July 26. To follow is VanPrideFest at Concord Pacific Place on August 3-4.Attendees can enjoy two days of live music, fantastic drag, and upbeat DJ sets. This event is family-friendly, complete with local vendors, food trucks, and fun activities for all ages. Colorful floats, marching bands, and community members and businesses take to Pacific Boulevard and Beach Avenue for the Vancouver Pride Parade on August 4. Following the parade, the festival caps off with a Closing Ceremony at the Granville Island Lounge. Other special activities taking place during Vancouver’s Pride week include Pride at the Pier, which typically includes an incredible lineup of performances, along with food trucks, a beer garden, and cocktails available for purchase. This year’s pride theme is “Infinite Horizons,” symbolizing the call to look beyond the horizon and embrace Canada’s diverse and vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
