Houston has one of the largest and most visible gay communities in the country, a fact that often surprises outsiders who think of Texas as being quite conservative. If you need any evidence that Houston's gay scene packs plenty of punch, check out the Pride Festival and Parade, which takes place in late June (June 23 in 2012), capping a full week of gathering and events. This will be the 34th anniversary of Houston's Gay Pride celebration, which typically draws more than 300,000 participants and spectators. Logo TV star Jonathan Lovitz is the Houston Pride Parade's celebrity grand marshal last year.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Houston during Gay Pride.
Details about Houston Pride 2012 will appear here as they become available. Here's a look at last year's event, in the meantime.
During the days leading up to Pride, you can attend a number of related parties and gatherings. These include Pride Opening ceremonies, and Gay Men's Chorus concert, a Matt Alber concert at downtown's Hard Rock Cafe, a "Divas of Diversity" comedy show, a "Dine With Pride" fund-raiser, the Pride SuperStar Finale at Meteor Lounge, and several other events.
The Houston Pride Festival takes place on Saturday from 1 pm until 7 pm in the city's main gay neighborhood Montrose. It's Commonwealth Street and Yoakum Boulevard, just south of Westheimer Road. There's a main Pride Stage featuring performances by a range of prominent artists - here's a look at this year's entertainment. There are also pop and other music performances on other stages, a food court, a Community Zone of some 200 local retail vendors and GLBT organizations, and a safe and secure Kids' Zone with fun activities. Admission to the festival is free.
More than 300,000 spectators and 1,000 participants take part in the Houston Pride Parade, also held on Saturday. This parade is unusual in that it takes place at night, following the Pride Festival - it commences at 8:15 pm and lasts until 11 pm. Festivities begin on Westheimer Road, at Dunlavy Street, and continues east along Westheimer for about a mile to Crocker Street.
Additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers and websites, such as Out Smart Magazine and HoustonGayGuide.com, for details. Also take a look at the excellent GLBT site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Houston CVB.
