One of the earliest major gay pride events in the country, Phoenix Pride takes place the weekend of April 18 and 19, 2009 - perfect timing, given the mild, sunny weather of central Arizona at this time of year. The city's Pride event has become a major draw in recent years, especially as it draws participants and spectators from throughout the fast-growing metro area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, and Glendale, not to mention quite a few LGBT folks from Tucson (which has its own stellar Pride in the Desert parade and celebration in October). Phoenix is also abuzz these days with a rejuvenated downtown that includes a brand-new light rail service (it runs all the way from northwest Phoenix through downtown and on into Tempe and Mesa) and a number of new or newly renovated restaurants, hotels, and bars.
The Phoenix Pride celebrations center around a handful of events over a two-day weekend. Here's a look at some of the key activities that make up Phoenix Pride in 2009:
Phoenix Pride kicks off on Saturday with a Pride Parade, commencing at the Pride grounds in Steele Indian School Park 11 am along (3rd Street from Indian School Road south to Thomas Road If you're arriving by light rail, you're best bets are the Thomas Road or Indian School Road stops along Central Avenue. Phoenix Pride also has its own excellent map of the festivities.
Over both Saturday and Sunday, from noon until 9 pm, the Phoenix Pride Festival takes place in the park and includes a Pride Marketplace with some 250 businesses and organizations exhibiting; an art expo, food vendors, a children's play area, and several stages providing live music and entertainment throughout the day and evening.
There will be a number of acclaimed performers at 2009 Phoenix Pride, including hilarious comic Poppy Champlain, SIRIUS Satellite Radio hosts Derek and Romaine, "The Promise" singer Deborah Cox,, Arizona dance band Tribe 7, songstress Inaya Day, "progressive folk" chanteuse Summer Mencher, the internationally renowned (but Tempe-based) pop act the Gin Blossoms (okay, I once sat on a Southwest flight next to one of these guys, who seemed extremely nice...), the up-and-coming band The Cliks, Opium Symphony, and many others.
There are six different stages and pavilions: Festival Stage (with the main headlining acts), Lakeside Community Stage (local speakers, youth performers, and community members), Pride Dance Pavilion (think club tunes), Bistro Stage (a bit mellower on the music - jazz and acoustic), and Pride Metro Stage (a mix of music styles provided by local DJs). A full weekend pass to all festivities costs $25 and is available online; one-day passes are $15.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, such as Echo Magazine and 'N Touch Magazine, for details.
