With a population of nearly 190,000, the city of Grand Rapids is the largest in western Michigan and the second-largest in the state (only Detroit has a larger event). As such, it's also one of the state's largest GLBT hubs, and it's also the closest large city to arguably the most prominent gay resort enclave in the Midwest, the twin towns of Saugatuck and Douglas, which overlook a beautiful stretch of sand on Lake Michigan.
In Mid-June, taking place the same week this year as Michigan Gay Pride in Lansing, the city of Grand Rapids plays host to the increasingly well-attended Western Michigan Gay Pride Festival, which draws GLBT folks locally as well as from nearby communities like Holland, Muskegon, and of course Saugatuck. The date this year is June 15, 2013.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Grand Rapids during Gay Pride.
Additionally, gay-popular bars as well as restaurants, hotels, and shops in Grand Rapids as well as out in Saugatuck will likely have a bit more going on that weekend. Check local gay papers, such as Metra Magazine and Between The Lines/Pride Source for details. Also take a look at the useful travel site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Grand Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau. If you're headed to the Saugatuck/Douglas region, check out the wonderfully helpful Saugatuck and Douglas Gay Travel Site, and for more travel info, visit the Saugatuck/Douglas Visitors Bureau site.
