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11 Gay Pride Parades Where You Can Be Loud and Be Proud

LGBTQI writers and allies have come together to give you the latest on some of the most popular gay pride parades and where to stay.

Summer is inching ever-so-nearer and that means Gay Pride Season is upon us. With all the straight-to-mobile news alerts and screaming cable news headlines, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that humanity has been making big strides over the past years toward equality for same-sex couples.

Last year Germany, with little fuss, marched ahead with the rallying cry of Ehe Für Alle followed closely behind by Australia’s resounding 61 percent popular vote to legalize same-sex marriage. And who can forget where they were when the U.S. Supreme Court said “love is love” with the bang of a gavel just three years ago?

Sure, there’s plenty of work left to be done, but it’s just as important to take some time and celebrate what’s been accomplished. To celebrate this swing toward equality, we huddled together with LGBTQI writers and straight allies to bring you the best Gay Pride Parades where you can celebrate who you are openly, safely, and proudly.

Miami Beach Pride: April 7

Miami Beach Gay Pride

Miami Beach Pride hosts its annual beach party, festival, and parade for the LGBTQI community with plenty of glitz and glamour. It’s a weekend with tons of fun-filled events taking place right in the middle of Miami Beach’s most prominent street, Ocean Drive. During Miami Beach Pride couples, friends and families dress up in creative, colorful costumes as they gather together to celebrate the freedom to be who you are. It’s one of the most mind-blowing, spectacular and entertaining events you can attend in Miami for the LGBTQI community.

Read the latest on Miami Beach Pride Week here.

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The Crowne Plaza South Beach – Z Ocean Hotel is not only LGBTQI-friendly, but it’s surrounded by all the Pride action. Their hotel offers complimentary breakfast and scenic views of the crystal-clear ocean water. You can practically feel the breeze from the waves and taste the salt water from your room. Staying here is an exceptional way to kick off your Miami Beach Pride weekend experience. — Dominique Dawson, Blogionista

Z Ocean Hotel, Classico a Sonesta Collection

Miami Beach
8.2 Very good (2312 reviews)

Cleveland Pride: June 1

Lance Anderson, Unsplash

The LGBTQ Center & Cleveland Pride Inc. are coming together to celebrate unity with one big event called Pride in the CLE. The parade begins at noon and ends in Public Square where the festival will be held until 6 pm. You can find more information here.

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Aloft Cleveland Downtown, located on W. 10th Street in the Flats, is a central location between Pride in CLE’s Official Opening Party on June 1st on the East Bank of the Flats and the Pride Festival on June 2nd located at Public Square. Cleveland’s Aloft is also known for its great views of the city and trendy accommodations besides being close to the celebration. — Terry Goodman, Platinum Photography Ohio

Aloft Cleveland Downtown

Cleveland
8.2 Very good (2068 reviews)

Washington D.C. Pride: June 8

Hundreds of thousands will descend upon our nation’s capital for an iconic celebration of LGBTQI rights on Saturday, June 8th. Most of the festivities take place around the historically gay district of Dupont Circle and of course the National Mall. What better way to celebrate pride than in front of the Capitol? With daily parties ranging from boozy brunches and rooftop cocktails to 5K front-runners at the parade – you can’t help but immerse yourself in the experience. You can read more about the parade here.

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With presenting sponsors like Hilton and Marriott, it’s not difficult to find Pride-friendly hotel options in D.C. However, I opt for more local digs where you can actually catch some R&R in the midst of the long weekend’s festivities.

Swann House is a renowned, historic-chic B&B with complimentary breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, and whirlpool tubs in every room. In the heart of Dupont Circle and a stone’s throw from the parade route and parties, this is the place to refresh yourself while staying in touch with the weekend’s itinerary. After record-breaking crowds and headliners like Miley Cyrus at last year’s event, this year is bound to be bigger than ever, so book your reservation now. Weston Lyons

Swann House

Top rated
Washington D.C.
9.2 Excellent (308 reviews)

Boston Pride: June 8

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Boston Pride is a week-long celebration of the hurdles we’ve overcome as a community, culminating in the Pride Parade. Glitter fills the air and rainbows take over the streets. With neighborhood-specific events, you can adventure across the city and experience all of what Boston’s eclectic neighborhoods have to offer. Block parties shut down entire areas as the city celebrates loudly and proudly. More information here.

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The Godfrey Hotel Boston, located across from the Boston Common where the Pride Parade route travels, hosts a Pride kick-off party. ‘COLOR IN MOTION’ features the live-creation of an LGBTQI-inspired art piece. It’s presented by local LGBTQI dancers with signature cocktails and live music. It’s a great way to start your celebrating in a unique space with artsy vibes and elegant accommodations. — Becca Santos, Femme Violet

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Top rated
Boston
9.4 Excellent (5084 reviews)

Puerto Rican Pride: June 8

Photo courtesy of Wojtek Witkowski on Unsplash

If you are looking to have an awesome time during Pride month, you can’t miss one of the hottest celebrations in the Caribbean. In the town of Cabo Rojo located in the West Coast of Puerto Rico, Boquerón Pride Fest is the island’s most anticipated with allies coming from all corners of the island and the world to celebrate equality.

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The Cofresí Beach Hotel is always my pick when traveling to Boquerón for Pride. First, the hotel is in the heart of the action and only five minutes by foot from El Poblado where all the street vendors, bars, delicious food, the party stage, and basically all the fun happens during the days of the festival.

People usually book the hotel a year in advance to ensure their spot at Pride Fest, so don’t leave it to luck by booking at the last minute. All you should be concerned about is what swimsuit you’ll bring for chilling poolside before heading out to celebrate Pride, Puerto Rico style! — Meryland Cuevas, Otros Veinte Pesos

Cofresí Beach

Cabo Rojo

Columbus Pride: June 14 - 16

Levi Saunders, Unsplash

Stonewall Columbus Pride presents Pride For All, celebrating inclusiveness and community in Central Ohio. The Columbus Gay Pride weekend kicks off with the festival in the heart of downtown Columbus at Bicentennial and Genoa Park.

Diversity is celebrated as the parade includes corporations, spiritual institutions, local LGBTQI-owned businesses, and fun and leisure organizations. Festival entry also includes performances from local LGBTQI artists, ranging from live music to drag. Plan to celebrate one of the largest Prides in the country and get caught up in the glitter, rainbows, and community atmosphere.

Find out the latest on Columbus Pride Festival here.

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Hotel Leveque, situated in Leveque Tower, boasts historic and contemporary design. As a Pride traveler, you’ll be right on the Pride Parade route and a hop, skip, and jump from the Pride Festival. Be sure to look towards the tower at night and see it lit up with all the colors of the rainbow. — Patrick Anderson, Patricks Life Out Loud

Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection

Top rated
Columbus
9.4 Excellent (1367 reviews)

Denver Pride: June 15 - 16

Stevie and Debbie Crecelius, Wonderworks Photography

Denver Pride is held both Saturday and Sunday, spreading love and equality throughout colorful downtown Denver. Saturday, June 15th is the big family day of the festival, and there are activities, live music, and over 200 vendors. Sunday is left for the Pride Parade which starts bright and early at 9 am and leaves from Cheesman Park which is arguably our most eclectic and LGBTQI-filled neighborhood.

The Parade fills the streets with smiling faces, rainbow flags, and thumping club music. The energy is absolutely contagious. Several bars, clubs, and restaurants throw parties all weekend long showing their love for the LGBTQI community. (Glow sticks, glitter, and body paint optional.)

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Although there are several hotels near the festival, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is the official hotel of Pridefest and is located in the heart of downtown, just a five-minute walk to Civic Center Park. The hotel staff is extremely supportive and accommodating. Not only is the hotel near the festival and Parade routes, it’s walking distance to the 16th Street Mall which is a must for any visitor. — Kai Malm, Comrade Brewing Company

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

Denver
8.3 Very good (1236 reviews)

Toronto Pride: June 23

Charlotte Butcher, Unsplash

Toronto Pride has firmly been a summer festival mainstay for decades and continues to grow year on year (though it’s hard to beat the million-plus attendees of the city’s WorldPride 2014). While the LGBTQI community may find itself at home in all different corners of Toronto these days, the midsummer homecoming to the Church-Wellesley Village is never without full pomp and extravagance. Bodacious drag performances, late night clubbing, and street food by day bring community members and allies (hi Mom and Dad!) alike to Church Street.

The week culminates with three different parades: the Trans’ Pride March, the Dyke March and then Sunday’s Pride Parade. The Parade highlights inclusivity and intersectionality that prove, especially in the case of Toronto, that LGBTQI individuals come from all corners of the earth, of different creeds, confessions, and professions. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a darling Justin Trudeau cameo.

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When it comes to a Toronto Pride hotel, visitors are looking for a stay that is both welcoming and safe, suited to their travel style and celebrates the week with them. While removed from the Village, The Gladstone Hotel is considered a hub of its own during Pride Week. Keep an eye out in June for events like Pride Karaoke and a Queer Slowdance. Each of the 37 guestrooms at this art hotel has been undertaken by a different designer, while the three gallery spaces in-house often showcase LGBTQI visual artists, too. Andrew Wong, trivago Magazine Canada

Gladstone House

Top rated
Toronto
8.8 Excellent (2091 reviews)

San Francisco Pride: June 29 - 30

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As Pride season kicks off, choosing the perfect location that offers scenic views, an entertaining atmosphere, and exclusive parties could seem like an overwhelming challenge. But take it from this Los Angeles to San Francisco transplant — San Francisco Pride has everything you’d want in one of the world’s best cities.

Whether you’re partying alongside the LGBTQI locals while taking advantage of the legendary nightlife, breathing in the historic locales, or carving out your own path in this classic city of new age ideas, every moment you spend in San Francisco will become an unforgettable part of your Pride experience.

The city prides itself on its reputation as one of the most LGBTQI-friendly cities — and for good reason. If your ideal Pride experience includes being surrounded by thousands of other individuals celebrating equality and love in a place unlike any other, San Francisco Pride 2019 is ready to welcome you. (Find out more about this year’s festivities here.)

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When visiting San Francisco for Pride, it’s not too difficult to find welcoming accommodations in the thick of the action. However, my need for a wide range of dining options and a variety of quality amenities always leads me back to my favorite hotel in the city — W San Francisco. This hotel has always gone above and beyond to ensure my Pride weekend was top notch.

Adjacent to the Pride parade, W San Francisco offers a variety of amenities in the perfect location, such as distinctive restaurants, luxury lounges, an upgraded gym, and an annual party that hosts Pride attendees, making all of their guests feel celebrated and appreciated throughout the entirety of their stay. Given its incomparable views and extraordinary attention to detail, W San Francisco continues to prove itself as the best location and my recommended accommodation for San Francisco Pride. — Tyler Salaam, Fashion Killed The Kid

W San Francisco

Top rated
San Francisco
8.8 Excellent (2494 reviews)

Chicago Pride: June 30

Sawyer Bengtson, Unsplash

Chicago celebrates Pride like Germany or Italy do Carnival or even Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It’s a cultural event where anyone and everyone is welcome — encouraged, even —  to line up along Halsted and scream your head off with a beverage or two in hand as some of the most, let’s say, eye-catching floats work their way down through Boystown. Pride is such a staple of Chicago that not only do you have the parade, traditionally on the last Sunday of June, but you have a two-day festival the week before on Halsted — the historic heart of Chicago’s LGBTQI community.

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Chicago certainly has no shortage of excellent hotels, and with some of the best public transportation in the country (shout out to the “L)”, you’ll have no problem getting to the parade and other festivities no matter where you stay. But if you want to be right in the thick of it, you can’t beat The Willows‘ location on Surf just off the parade route and around the corner from Lincoln Park Joe Baur, trivago Magazine/Without A Path

The Willows Hotel

Chicago
8.4 Very good (2178 reviews)

San Diego Pride: July 13

San Diego Pride

With near-perfect weather, famous beach locations, and a sea of suntanned Southern California beach bods, San Diego is one of the most popular Pride Celebrations in the Western United States. The Saturday parade contingent is enormous, with everything from famous drag queens and elected officials to LGBTQI families and elaborate floats filled with dancing men and women. The Pride Festival is just as fun, lasting all weekend in nearby Balboa Park with multiple stages and over 90 acts including top performers like TLC, along with food, a beer garden, and loads of socializing.

Get the latest on San Diego Pride here.

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A San Diego Pride sponsor and one of the host hotels, the legendary and historic Hotel Del Coronado, is the grande dame of the city. “The Del,” as it’s lovingly known by locals, has played home-away-from-home to many Hollywood celebrities over its 100-plus years, including Marilyn Monroe during production for the comedy classic Some Like It Hot— Jon Bailey, 2 Dads With Baggage

Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

Coronado
7.5 Good (2890 reviews)

Feature image courtesy of Marilyn Humphries