Washington, D.C
After a two-year hiatus, D.C’s Capital Pride will be held in person with fun events throughout early June leading up to the parade, festival, and concert taking place the weekend of June 10th! Along with these main events, you will also be able to partake in a series of other pride-related events throughout the month of June including the much-anticipated Taste of Pride Brunch on the 13th, and Pride Talks: We Are Colorful, a virtual event where pertinent LGBTQ+ topics will be discussed. An important celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, the theme this year is ReUNITED, a fitting concept as we come back together to build connections that can be used to create positive change not only in the nation’s capital but in the world.
RIOT: Opening Dance Party | Friday, Jun 10, 2022
Presented by echostage & Trade, the Capital Pride Offical Opening Party is stacked with a line-up of local, national, and international queer performance artists that represent the talented and diverse LGBTQ+ community. The perfect place to kick off your Pride weekend, RIOT is considered D.C’s largest Pride party so you don’t want to miss it!
Pride Parade | Saturday, Jun 11, 2022
Proudly presented by Marriott International, join the LGBTQ+ community for the return of the historic Capital Pride Parade! Respecting the origins and importance of taking to the streets to fight for equality, the parade will follow a modified route this year that will honor the history and evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Washington D.C.
Pride Festival | Sunday, Jun 12, 2022
Free to the public, join the LGBTQ+ community for the return of the Capital Pride Festival, the largest annual event in the national capital region. Enjoy a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors.
Photo Credit: Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock
Where to Stay in D.C:
Chic design meets historic culture at the Kimpton Banneker Hotel which resides on a charming tree-lined street with a view straight down to the White House! This spot is perfect for those who want to take in the historical side of D.C, all while enjoying modern amenities such as a rooftop bar that encourages spontaneous connections and unfettered views of the landmarks that make the city so iconic. Nearby in Dupont Circle in the heart of the Gay District, The St. Gregory Hotel is another great place to stay during Pride festivities. Designed for the well-versed traveler, this GayTravel Approved hotel brings elevated dining, sophisticated interiors, and an overall refined hotel experience to one of the most coveted areas of the nation’s capital. If local charm is what you are looking for, we recommend checking out The Westin Georgetown, a deluxe hotel that empowers your well-being with world-class services and amenities all while granting you easy access to all of the festivities taking place in D.C.
Los Angeles
LA Pride will be returning to the streets to commemorate its 50th anniversary at the parade’s original and first location, Hollywood - a shift from its traditional route in the neighboring WeHo area. With organizers promising more than just a location shift, events this year will aim to build more experiences that represent a broader range of the LGBTQ+ community. Considered one of the largest pride celebrations in the country, the parade and accompanying in-person events are expected to be bigger and better than ever this year with tens and thousands of people expected to fill the City of Angels to celebrate the resilience and strength of the community.
Pride Parade | Sunday, Jun 12, 2022
The original hosts of the first permitted gay parade in the world back in 1970, LA Pride presents a parade each year that reflects the current social and cultural happenings within the LGBTQ+ community. Since its beginnings in the early 1970s, the parade now known as LA PRIDE has had a carnivalesque quality, presenting political platforms and viewpoints in a fun and celebratory manner.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Guglielmino
Pride in the Park | Saturday, Jun 11, 2022
A large-scale event, LA Pride’s “Pride in the Park” is an outdoor music event with multiple stages, pride experiences, community marketplace bars, and food trucks in the Los Angeles State Historic Park. Set to become the largest official Pride concert in the country, Christina Aguilera will headline this unique series of concerts and events that will go on for over 10 hours.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles:
Take in the spectacular views at Andaz West Hollywood and soak in all the festivities from the best rooftop pool in town. The Andaz is the spot to be at for easy access to various pride events and after-parties. It even is the host hotel for the famed SpLAsh Pool Party. With world-famous DJs and a full open bar, it’s no wonder that this event is regarded as the hottest ticket in town during the annual LA Pride week of celebrations. If you are looking to recuperate after Pride, we suggest taking a short trip down to Pasadena to pay a visit to the charming GayTravelApproved Langham Huntington Hotel - Los Angeles' original getaway!
Iowa City
Often flying under the radar, Iowa City attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community due to its gay nightlife, diverse cultural opportunities, and well-established Pride celebrations. Interestingly enough, The Advocate has listed Iowa City among the “Gayest Cities in America” for being infused with intellectual curiosity, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation scored the city a 100/100 on the 2018 Municipal Equality Index. Iowa City Pride aims to increase the positive visibility of the LGBTQ+ community by providing opportunities to celebrate diversity and self-expression and by emphasizing acceptance of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender.
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Photo Credit: Abbie Schuchard
PrideFest | Saturday, Jun 18, 2022
One of the oldest and longest-running Pride Events not only in the Midwest but in the nation, Iowa City Pride Fest was established one year after the Stonewall Riots. Now one of the city’s most colorful events, this must-see celebration hosts performances by iconic drag queens, local musicians, and vendors of pride merchandise for all to enjoy.
Iowa City Pride Picnic at City Park | Friday, Jun 17, 2022
This free annual picnic is an all-ages, family-friendly event with entertainment and food for all. Located in Upper City Park, the donated menu normally includes burgers, hot dogs, and more, and will include a vegetarian option as well for the main course.
Where to Stay in Iowa City:
Looking for a unique stay when visiting Iowa City for Pride? We recommend checking out the work of Angela Harrington, who has the rare distinction of being the only woman in Iowa to own not just one, but two hotel projects. The newly renovated, rock-n-roll-themed Highlander Hotel is a retro revival of the 1967 original Highlander Inn and Supper Club and a destination where you absolutely can get some satisfaction. From the inviting indoor pool to a vinyl lending library, the real fun is this five-star meets rockstar hotel, but if you are looking to venture out, this urban resort is located smack dab in the epicenter of the city and only moments from whatever brings you to town. Likewise, the sister property Hotel Grinnell is unlike any hotel in Iowa. What used to stand as a junior high school is now a modern, eco-friendly boutique hotel and the city’s most popular spot - a favorite of leisure and business travelers alike! Located in the heart of the city’s picturesque center square, this charming hotel offers free bikes so that you can explore the charming surroundings on your own terms.
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