El Paso, which is in western Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border with Juarez as well as being very close to the southern border of New Mexico, has a population of nearly 800,000 - to the surprise of many, it's among the top 25 cities in the country in population, and the sixth-largest city in Texas. Although it's a somewhat conservative metropolis with a comparatively mild gay scene (at least relative to other cities its size around the country), El Paso does have a growing GLBT presence. The city's gay pride celebration, El Paso Sun City Pridefest, has become better attended in recent years, especially since the very recent change of timing. It used to be held in March but now takes place in early June - the dates this year are anticipated to be around June 6 through June 10, 2012.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in El Paso during Gay Pride.
El Paso Gay Pride comprises five days' worth of parties beginning with a party at the Tool Box Bar. The next night there's an Official El Paso Pride Kickoff Party at Club Alive, and then on June 10 the famed New OP dance club hosts a Pride Dance Party. The El Paso Pride Parade and Festival is held in downtown El Paso. And finally, on Sunday, there's a Pride Glow Party at Wet-N-Wild Waterworld Park.
Additionally, numerous bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events throughout Pride Weekend. Check the helpful El Paso GLBT Community Center website as well as the statewide This Week in Texas Magazine. Also take a look at the useful travel site produced by the city's official tourism organization, Visit El Paso.
