San Diego, L.A., and San Francisco might throw the largest and most famous gay pride celebrations in California, but don't overlook some of the state's smaller cities. Gay Pride San Luis Obispo and Central Coast is an impressive weeklong festival in early July, drawing significant crowds, offering plenty to see and do, and hosting some terrific entertainment. Central Coast Pride, which was begun in 1996, takes place in 2009 from July 10 through July 12. Last year's festival drew great crowds, as it featured a fabulous Wanda Sykes concert at the San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center (the year before was Kathy Griffin). This year, there's yet again a major act popular with GLBT folks coming to town: the Indigo Girls are performing at the same venue, on July 11.
In the attractive, sunny college town of San Luis Obispo is 3.5-hour drive south of San Francisco and a 3-hour drive north of Los Angeles. Pride celebrations here center around a handful of events in early July. Here's a look at some of the key activities for Central Coast Pride 2009:
There are a handful of events taking place the weekend before Pride, including a Pride Art Reception on July 3. Saturday, July 4, there's a Gay Pride Beach Bash at Pismo State Beach, which is a short drive south of San Luis Obispo. The party takes place near the Grand Avenue access ramp and begins at 1 pm, with different events throughout the day, including a barbecue at 5:30, s'mores and a bonfire at 8 pm, and a fireworks show as the sun sets.
Friday, July 10, you can attend Life is A Cabaret at Downtown Brew (1119 Garden St..
In addition to the aforementioned 8 pm concert by the Indigo Girls on Saturday, July 11, there's a post-concert Pride Dance from 9 pm until 2 am that same evening at Native Lounge (1023 Chorro St..
On Sunday, July 12, the official Central Coast Pride on the Plaza takes place at downtown's Mission Plaza (near corner of Chorro and Higuera Sts.), from noon through 5 pm. There are also local vendors and community organizations. The festival is followed by a Pride Party next door, from 5 pm on, at the excellent Novo Restaurant Bakery.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce's online Visitor Guide for advice on where to stay and what to do while in town. And keep in mind that this is one of the nation's hottest emerging wine-growing areas - there are a number of great vineyards in the region. The San Luis Obispo Vintners Association has a great online map of wineries in the area.
Shop for the best hotel deals in San Luis Obispo during Gay Pride.
