Denver PrideFest - June 18-19, 2011
By: Joe Thompson
6.13.2011
Words by Jim Guttau
Celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2011, Denver PrideFest is produced by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center). The festival is expecting over 300,000 visitors to Civic Center Park on June 18 and 19, and the event offers four stages of entertainment for everyone’s individual taste—Dance World, latino, country, and the main stage.
Get all the info you need to come, stay and play, below.
We want to celebrate with you!
Send us your Gay Pride photos. This year you can also upload videos from your phone!
Share your Pride with everyone in 2011! And don’t forget to check out our Gay Pride Gallery.
www.glbtcolorado.org/PrideFest.aspx
VISITING DENVER
For out-of-town visitors, discover the best in Denver dining, nightlife, hotels, and more at http://www.denver.org/visitdenver.
Friday, June 17
Big Top, the PrideFest Women's Kickoff Party at Tracks. $10 cover. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Look for circus performances alongside DJs Trina J and Shannon.
Saturday, June 18
Family Day
Saturday is family day, and the morning's entertainment features a petting zoo, field games, a kids’ parade, kiddie karaoke and the PETCO Dogs in Drag pageant, hosted by comedy queen, Nuclia Waste. This canine contest will take place at noon on the Main Stage in the Greek Amphitheater, with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m.
New for 2011 is the Pooch Pavilion, which will provide free shade and water for dogs from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (PrideFest note: Bring dogs to Civic Center Park on Saturday—not on Sunday.)
On Saturday’s main stage, musicians Carmen Carrera, Carlo Riley, Justin Utley and Lori Michaels will be featured.
Denver Dyke March
Rally begins at Charlie’s (http://www.charliesdenver.com/) at 3:00PM. The march starts at 4:00PM and heads down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. All motorcycle riders are invited to line up at 2:30PM.
Tracks
Don’t miss the hottest nightclub party of Pride at Tracks, which is known for its over-the-top décor and themes. This year’s theme, “Over the Big Top,” will coordinate with Friday’s PrideFest Women’s Kickoff Party. DJs Hector Fonseca, Sean O, and Markie will mix in the many rooms that comprise this massive warehouse of a nightclub. Pre-sale tickets for $20 can be purchased through www.tracksdenver.com; tickets at the door are $30.
Sunday, June 19
Parade
The Coors Light PrideFest Parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from Cheesman Park and proceeds down Colfax Avenue to Civic Center Park.
PrideFest Celebration
10:00AM to 6:00PM in Civic Center Park
Attendees can peruse over 200 booths, 40 food and beverage stands, watch live entertainment, and much more. Sunday’s entertainment headliner is Motown Disco Diva, Thelma Houston.
Post-party
If you’re up for more excitement after the day in Civic Center Park, walk/stumble to Vinyl (see below) for the best Pride closing party.
GAY BARS
While the list of gay bars in Denver numbers around 20, here are my top 5 to visit:
Tracks
3500 Walnut St., Denver
http://tracksdenver.com/
JR’s
777 E. 17th Ave., Denver
myjrs.com
Compound
145 Broadway, Denver
www.compounddenver.com
X Bar
629 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
http://www.xbardenver.com/
Vinyl
082 Broadway, Denver
(Rooftop open for Sunday of PrideFest.)
http://www.coclubs.com/venue/detail/vinyl- 1
Denver PrideFest Tips
Lodging
Book your hotel close to Civic Center Park, so you can refuel or take a disco nap. The Magnolia Hotel, located exactly 0.57 miles from Civic Center Park, is a proud sponsor of Denver PrideFest for the third consecutive year. The Magnolia’s intimate watering hole, Harry’s Bar, will feature “GLBT-ini’s” the whole weekend. Special room rates begin at $119. To make reservations, visit www.magnoliahotels.com.
Your Designated Driver
Denver makes it easy to call a taxi; you can call the “7’s” or the “3’s,” connecting you to two of the largest cab companies in the city.
Metro Transportation: http://www.metrotaxidenver.com/ 303-333-3333
Yellow Cab: http://www.yellowtrans.com/ 303-777-7777
High altitude tips.
• A cheap date: At high elevation, you’re bound to feel the effects of alcohol quicker. Staying hydrated is the key, especially on a hot summer’s Pride day.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen. At Denver’s elevation, the atmosphere is thinner and provides less protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.
For more on Denver PrideFest, visit http://glbtcolorado.org.
Don't forget to send us your Gay Pride photos and upload videos from your phone! You could be featured in our Gay Pride Gallery.
