It’s time to paint the town a rainbow as Pride weekend arrives in Denver. Boasting one of the top in the nation, we have festivals, drag queens, marches and a slew of entertainment livening up Mile High.
Big Top: Presented by BAD – Babes Around Denver – this pride party will highlight circus performances as well as burlesque and hula. Musician Lori Michaels will perform. Fri., June 17, doors open at 7pm; $10 coverTracks Nightclub, 3500 Walnut St.; 303.863.7326
Drag Nation: Touch up your lipstick, spray in the volume and envelope yourself in glitz and glamour at Tracks’ Drag Nation at the Exdo Center. Expect to be dazzled by host Raja as well as performers Nina Flowers and Lady Bunny. Fri., June 17, 9pm - 2am; $12 at the doorExdo Center, 303-863-7326
PrideFest: Central to the weekend’s festivities is PrideFest, held in Civic Center Park. Produced by GLBT Community Center, Denver’s two-day extravaganza boasts an impressive list of vendors, musicians, artists and performers, including appearances on the main stage by Carmen Carerra of “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” Justin Utley, Gertrude’s Stein Band and Cazwell. The transgender resource area will also be returning to PrideFest this year, located at 14th and Broadway.Sat., June 18, 11am - 7pm, Sun., June 19, 10am - 6pm; freeCivic Center Park, 14th & Bannock
Denver Dyke March: Make a day of it at Charlie’s beginning with a barbecue at 11am, followed by a rally and entertainment at 3pm, then a march to Civic Center Park at 4pm with motorcycles leading the way. Sidenote: Charlie’s will house a Bud Light Beer Garden in the parking lot on both Saturday and Sunday.Sat., June 18: barbecue, 11am; rider line-up, 2:30pm; rally, 3pm; march, 4pm900 E. Colfax; 303-839-8890
Youth Alley: Youth Alley is in conjunction with PrideFest, but we feel it’s worthy of its own mention. In addition to an entertainment stage and a Saturday evening party with music and free food, multiple resources will be available including HIV testing and resources, suicide prevention and sexual health and wellness information.Sat., June 18, 11am - 7pm, Sun., June 19, 10am - 6pm; freeYouth Alley Party, Sat., June 18, 5pm - 7pm Civic Center Park, 14th & Bannock
Parade: Grab a spot along Colfax Sunday morning to cheer the on the train of vibrant floats, lively marchers, colorfully attired dancers, and in-line skaters passing by. The procession will leave Cheesman Park at 9:30am; all service members and veterans are welcome to participate in the parade.Sun., June 18 at 9:30am; freeBegins at Cheesman Park & follows Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park
Climax: Don’t let the weekend end in a fizzle… Wrap up Pride at Club Vinyl with the Climax Sundays After Party. Presented by DJ Tatiana & CafeVivid.com, get shakin’ on four dance floors with The Sexy Climax Dancers and more than 10 local DJs. Across the street at The Living Room you’ll find Drag for Pride -- a display of fabulousness showcasing performances by Mariah Spanic, Stretch Shane Bottom, Felony Misdemeanor and more.Sun., June 19, 4pm - 2am; cover $10/21+, $15/18+ Club Vinyl, 1082 Broadway; 303-506-8078Sun., June 19, 7pm - 10pmThe Living Room, 1055 Broadway; 303-339-6636