Boston Gay Pride - June 9-10, 2012

Some things really do get better with age and Boston Gay Pride is no exception. Started in 1970 by a small group of gay and lesbian Vietnam War protesters, it grew up to become one of the oldest surviving festivals of its kind, and by all accounts, one of the most popular as evidenced by the fact that it attracts well over 400,000 participants annually. Although Boston Pride officially begins on June 1st (with the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony), the main parade, festival and block parties kick off the weekend of June 9 and 10.

Take a closer look at the 2012 highlights below, which include information on live entertainment and other events you will not want to miss.

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SATURDAY – PARADE

42nd Annual Boston Pride Parade
Staging Area: Copley Square
(Due to limited parking, Parade officials strongly recommend that you take the “T” Green line to Copley Square)

WHEN
Begins at 12:00 PM

Mix 104.1’s Fast Freddy has been named this year’s Grand Marshal in addition to the late Brendan Burke (who has been chosen as the Honorary Marshal). The 2012 Parade route is as follows: Start at Boylston St and Clarendon St; turn right onto Clarendon St; turn left onto Tremont St; turn left onto Berkeley St; turn right onto Boylston St; turn left onto Charles St; turn right onto Beacon St; turn left onto Tremont St; arrive at City Hall Plaza on Cambridge St. Visit Boston Pride for a map and more information.

SATURDAY – FESTIVAL

Boston Pride Festival City Hall Plaza
(last stop on the Parade route)

WHEN
Saturday: 12:00 - 6:00 PM

PARKING
Given that the Festival attracts some 400,000 participants, parking is scarce. It’s best to take the Green or Blue subway lines to Government Center.

ENTERTAINMENT
The Pride Festival takes place Saturday, June 9th and features over 100 vendors, a tented Artesian Avenue filled with handmade arts and crafts and live performances by such notables as Alexis Jordan, Rye Rye and Kerli, among many others. Click here for more information.

SUNDAY – BLOCK PARTIES

Jamaica Plains Block Party
Perkins Street, JP (all ages welcome)

WHEN
12:00 - 7:00 PM

TICKETS
$10
(a portion of the proceeds will benefit Boston Pride)

In the realm of board shorts, bikini tops and flip flops, Boston Pride and Dyke Night offer a “Hawaiian inspired afternoon” that spans seven full hours and includes a Dogs and Drag Fashion Show and live music by Shelly Cullen, Double D, Super Squirrel, Magee and LeahV. Click here for more information.

Back Bay Block Party
St. James Ave.
(Due to construction on Stuart St, the party will move one block over to St. James Ave.)

WHEN
12:00 – 8:00 PM

The signature event, customarily the last of Pride Week, moves one block North to St. James Ave. where it will feature a whole lot of the same sort of entertainment you’ve come to expect over the last few years. Like good food and drink, for example, and rollicking good tunes by DJ Tracy Young. Click here for more information.

Don't forget to send us your photos and submit your videos. You could be featured in our Gay Pride Gallery.