Pride before the Fall? 8 Can’t miss Pride celebrations happening in October

For over 50 years, Atlanta Pride has been a beacon of joy, community, and celebration for the Southern LGBTQ+ members and their allies. On Sunday, the parade winds its way through the throngs that line the streets of Downtown Atlanta. Don’t miss the Starlight Cabaret- the largest outdoor drag show in the country!

The City of Sin is famous for many things- world-class performances, killer food, and a seemingly endless supply of slot machines. The Las Vegas Pride Parade is no different. Leave it to Vegas to do things differently- this parade takes place after sunset, winding through the downtown area where the locals frequent. Rainbow lights and glitz drip and sparkle from every corner and lamppost, while local talents take to the stage for a night of unparalleled entertainment and community engagement. There will be food trucks a-plenty!

We could always use more Pride celebrations down South, and Charleston is leading the charge. For over 15 years, this free parade and festival has transformed this town into a vibrant rainbow palooza. Although the event is free to attend, we highly recommend splurging on a VIP ticket – we’re talking an open bar, an air-conditioned lounge, and meet-and-greets with the artists!

This Pride event is massive. We’re talking over 200,000 people, massive. A fireworks display to rival Texas on the 4th of July kind of massive. This family-friendly event strives to bring the LGBTQ+ community and allies together to celebrate living authentically. Dozens of entertainers and vendors take over Eola Park for the largest single-day event in Central Florida.

What would be better than celebrating Pride in paradise? This tropical party transforms Waikiki into an LGBTQ+ party haven. The majesty of Hawaii is put in the spotlight with educational panels, local entertainers, fundraisers, and endless pool parties. While everyone else is digging sweaters out of storage, give that Speedo one last hurrah before next year.

Phoenix takes its Pride celebration very seriously. It’s more than just a party filled with incredible live performances and tasty food; it has, for 43 years, stood as a statement of solidarity and resistance. Over 55,000 people flock to the desert streets to enjoy a weekend of community engagement, local art, and family-friendly fun.

Even just a cursory glance at this year’s festival schedule has us planning our trip down to Georgia. From a Drag Story Hour to a designated “neurosensitive Pride market”: a dedicated two hours where folks who may be sensitive to crowds can shop before the throngs of rainbow-clad people arrive. With hours of live entertainment planned and a wild after-party, this is one Pride celebration we don’t want to miss.

To finish our round-up, we are going abroad! This is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Asia, and as it returns for its 23rd year, it reminds us that we are a global community and must all stand together. Gathering outside of Taipei City Hall, thousands of people come together for a weekend of live music, marching, and much more.