The largest city in the conservative state of Alabama, Birmingham (metro population 1.2 million) is also home to the largest concentration of LGBT residents and gay and lesbian bars and related businesses in the state. Each year beginning in early June, the city is host to the Central Alabama Pride Celebration, which includes a variety of parties, events, and observances known as the "10 Days of Pride" and culminates with a Gay Pride "Mardi Gras" Parade and day-long Birmingham PRIDEFest - the unconfirmed date this year is Saturday, June 8, 2013, and the Pride Festival would likely take place the following day (Sunday, June 9, 2013).
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Birmingham during Gay Pride.
Birmingham Pride 2013 details will be posted here as information is confirmed.
Last year, the parade kicked off around 6 pm and passed through Birmingham's hip and bustling Five Points neighborhood. The Pride Festival took place on Sunday from 1 pm and continued throughout the day - it was held at Birmingham's famed Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark park.
Events included a Pride Art Show, and including an Interfaith Service, Cosmic Bowling, a PFLAG fundraiser at Edge Theater, a Pride Skate, and much more.
Additionally, numerous bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Weekend. For tips on visiting the area, take a look at the excellent site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
