Bustling if somewhat sprawling Kansas City is one of the country's more underrated destinations on a number of fronts: culture, dining, shopping, architecture, and - unquestionably - gay travel. It's laid-back and unassuming vibe, a place where locals respect and accept each other's differences. And it's where GLBT folks who've grown up in the more conservative surrounding region often gravitate. The city is host of a three-day KC Gay Pride celebration in early June. The 34th Annual Kansas City Gay Pride takes place over June 1, 2, and 3, 2012, and it's one of the largest such festivals in the Midwest, drawing more than 30,000 people in recent years. Although the festival has traditional been held in city parks, Kansas City Gay Pride shifted last year to a new and exciting venue, downtown's dynamic Power and Light District.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Kansas City during Gay Pride.
Details regarding KC Pride 2012 will be posted here as information is made available. Here's a look at last year's festivities:
During the week leading up to Pride, you can attend a number of related events and activities, including an annual Skate Party, an InterFaith service, an AIDS Memorial Quilt Dinner, and more. See the Kansas City Pride June Calendar for more information.
The weekend's festivities kick off on Friday night with the Power the Light with PRIDE party. This five-hour party (from 6 pm until 11 pm) takes place at the Living Room, between Walnut and Grand and 13th and 14th streets, and includes food, drink, and a entertainment by Wynter Gordon, DJ Jerry Griffith, Cyon Flare, and many others.
Then from noon until 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday, you can attend the Kansas City Gay Pride Festival, which again takes place in the Power and Light District at the same location as the previous night's party. There will also be a Pride Night party following the festival, again at the Living Room the Live Block, on Sunday night from 7 until 10 pm. The festival includes dozens of vendors and organizations from the community as well as music performances by a host of entertainers.
Also on Sunday, the Kansas City Gay Pride March and Ralley will take place from 1 until 2 pm - more details will be posted here as they become available.
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 Camp KC, for details. And be sure to check out the informative gay visitor site produced by the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
