Idaho's state capital and largest city is the city of Boise Gay Pride in mid-June - this year's festival dates hadn't been announced as of this writing, but based on last year, the event is expected to take place June 15, 2013.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Boise during Gay Pride.
Those unfamiliar with Idaho may wonder a bit about the size and visibility of the gay community here. Idaho's relatively conservative politics and controversies a few years ago concerning then Sen. Larry Craig and his arrest in a Minneapolis men's room for lewd conduct (he eventually plead guilty to the lesser charge of disorderly conduct) gives some gay visitors pause. On the other hand, Boise is a beautifully situated university town with an increasingly progressive population and more and more gays and lesbians moving into the region to take advantage of the sunny climate, attractive scenery, friendly manner, and excellent economic climate and high quality of life.
More on Boise Pride will post here as the date approaches - here's a look at last year's event, in the meantime:
During the preceding week, there are a number of fun events leading up to Saturday's Pride parade and festival - these include a Pride BBQ, Movie Night and After Toga Party, Queen Idol, and Leather Night.
Saturday is the big day for Boise Gay Pride, as there's a Pride Rally, Parade, and Festival throughout the day, with the activities centered around Ann Morrison Park.
The rally runs from 11 am until noon at the Idaho Capitol Building, at which time the Pride Parade begins, running from the capitol to the festival grounds at Ann Morrison Park.
The parade is followed by the Boise Gay Pride Festival, with live entertainment throughout the day, ending at 8:30 pm. Then at 10 pm, there's a Pride Block Party held in the parking lot of the popular gay bar, Lucky Dog Tavern, at 2223 Fairview Avenue.
Additionally, plenty of gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops will be extra busy during the weekend, and catering heavily to LGBT visitors. Check the local gay paper, Diversity Idaho News, for details. Also keep in mind that downtown Boise is home to a very hip, cool, and gay-friendly accommodation, the swanky Hotel 43, an excellent place to stay if you're planning a visit. Also take a look at the travel site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau.
