America's 13th-largest city, Indianapolis has experienced ups and downs over the past half-century, but it's definitely in an "up" mood of late, with ambitious redevelopments of downtown neighborhoods; outstanding museums, theaters, and sports venues; and an increasingly visible gay and lesbian community. The city is host of a quite popular Indy Gay Pride celebration in mid-June, which includes a number of smaller events and parties during the preceding week. Indy's Circle City Gay Pride falls over the weekend of June 13 and June 14, 2009, a full two weeks before the Midwest's most famous such event, Chicago Gay Pride.
Book rooms and compare rates at hotels in Indianapolis during Gay Pride
Here's a preview of Indianapolis Gay Pride in 2009:
During the week leading up to Pride, you can attend a number of related events and activities, including a Pride of Indy Band concert, a Pride Night at the Theater (to see Wicked!), an IYG (Indiana Youth Group) event, and several other gatherings. See the Indy Pride June Calendar for more information.
The Circle City Pride Parade takes place at 10 am on Saturday, June 13, and begins in the Mass Avenue Arts District at the corner of Mass Ave. and N. College Ave.. It and then continues southwest down Mass Avenue, turning west onto Vermont Street, and ending at the Pride Festival grounds in University Park. Here's a map of the route. Note that there's a pre-parade breakfast at the acclaimed restaurant Forty Five Degrees (right in the heart of the neighborhood) - it starts at 8 am and features a DJ spinning upbeat tunes and plenty of tasty food.
From 11 am until 7 pm on Saturday, June 13, there's also the Circle City IN Pride Festival, right where the parade ends, in University Park. The festival includes dozens of vendors and organizations from the community as well as a Main Stage, with live music performances and DJ tunes all day long. Singer Kat DeLuna is the headlining act this year, but you can also hear Derek Hartley, Halcyon, Holly Petree, Tobin Strader, and music by DJ Logan Matthews, DJ Deanne, and DJ Jared Curry. There are also appearances by local acts like the Pride of Indy Band, the Pride of Indy Jazz Band, the Indianapolis Mens Choir, and the JMCC Choir, as well as several drag performances.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Gay Pride. Check local gay papers, such as The Letter and the The Word for details. And be sure to check out the helpful link on Gay Pride provided by the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.
