The state's largest city, Anchorage, hosts the Alaska Gay Pride Festival and Parade each June, right in the heart of this rugged metropolis that lies in the shadows of the Chugach Mountains, along the famous Turnagain Arm fjord. Alaska Pride takes place over a full week, culminating in on the big day of the march and festival, Saturday, June 15, 2013.
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There are a number of events leading up to the big weekend: an Anchorage Market and Festival booth that's set up on the west side of the Pride grounds the weekend before (Delaney Park Strip, between L and P Sts.), lube wrestling with the Last Frontier Men's Club on Wednesday night, drag bingo on Thursday night - here's the official Anchorage Pride calendar.
On Saturday, June 15, the Alaska Pride Diversity March starts at 11 am outside the fabulous Snow City Cafe at L Street and West 4th Avenue (do not miss Kodiak Benedict here, served with Alaska King crab) and proceeds down L Street to the festival grounds at the Rose Block of the Delaney Park Strip (between L and P St., and 9th and 10th avenues). Then from noon throughout the afternoon, participants enjoy food, entertainment, and networking at the Alaska PrideFestival, held in Delaney Park.
Additionally, gay-popular bars (be sure to check out Mad Myrna's, the city's hottest gay club, and also the terrific Glacier Brewhouse, a sponsor of Alaska Pride), restaurants, hotels, and shops in the area have more going on than usual during Pride week. Check local resources, like Identity GLBT Community Center and Anchorage Press (the progressive alternative newsweekly) for more on the local scene. Also take a look at the excellent gay travel site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau.
