Burlington is the largest city in one of America's most progressive and gay-friendly states, Vermont. Although this leafy college town (home to University of Vermont) on the shores of rippling Lake Champlain has just over 42,000 residents, the metro region has a population of over 200,000, and the entire area has become a haven over the years for GLBT folks, especially couples (Vermont was the first state in the country to legalize same-sex civil unions (in 2000), and in 2009, the state legalized gay marriage. The Vermont Gay Pride Festival had taken place in Burlington in July in the past, but this past year organizers moved the event to autumn, a favorite time for visiting Vermont and also advantageous in this college town because it will take place when students are in town. Dates for 2013 will be posted here as they're announced, but based on last year's dates, it's like to be around the third week in September. The event now also includes the annual Northern Decadence Food & Travel Expo.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Burlington during Gay Pride.
More on Vermont Gay Pride will be posted here as details are released. Here's a look at last year's event, in the meantime.
Vermont Pride actually includes a number of related events taking place during the days leading up to the festival - these include parties at various local venues, including a women's music concert, a High Heel race, Drag Idol, and several other events. Also, on Friday night before the big day, there are Pride Eve Parties, including a Pride Cruise on the Lake Champlain Ferry, leaving from King Street Docks at 8 pm, with an after party at Red Square nightclub; and Pop-Up Queer Dance Party from 9 pm until 1 am at Signal Kitchen. See the events calendar for details.
The Vermont Pride Festival takes place on Saturday from 1 until 4 pm on the west side of downtown, at Battery Park (1 North Ave.), and features performances by several musicians, vendors and local LGBT organizations, a beer tent, and other good fun. The Northern Decadence Food & Travel Expo takes place the same afternoon at Battery Park, running from noon until 5 pm. On that same day, the Vermont Gay Pride Parade takes place at noon and runs along Church Street (starting at King St.), lasting until 1 pm. There's also a Bear Tea dance at 4 pm at Red Square nightclub, and a dance party and Drag Idol competition starting at 8 pm that night at Higher Ground club.
Finally, on Sunday there's a Women's Tea Dance party, again at the above-mentioned Red Square, from 1 until 4 pm.
Additionally, gay-popular bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops in the area have more going on than usual during Pride week. Check online resources about the Burlington gay scene, such as the Vermont Gay Tourism Association. Also take a look at the visitor site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce.
