The Biggest & Best Pride Events in the World

June is one colorful month! From bedazzled floats gliding down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue to throngs of LGBQT+ tourists overtaking Disney theme parks, Pride is back in all its rainbow-hued glory. Though most revelers associate Pride with audacious outfits, dancing until dawn, and shenanigans that will inevitably end up flooding Facebook and Instagram feeds, Pride is much more than a party. This celebration also commemorates the 1969 rebellion at New York City’s Stonewall Inn against police raids on gay bars. Like the Civil Rights sit-ins of the 1950s and ‘60s, a “Gay-In” was held one year after Stonewall. Out of these defiant cries for equality, our modern-day marches and celebrations were born.

Today, these festivities are adding color, life, and diversity to cities across the globe. Though the fight for full equality for LGBQT+ people continues, Pride is a time to celebrate who we are, where we’re going, and how far we’ve come. Here are some great pride destinations and celebrations across the world, waiting for you to join the party!

Disney Gay Days

We’ve yet to see a LGBTQ+ princess (hear that, Disney?), but that doesn’t stop more than 100,000 LGBQT+ people and their families from descending on the Disney theme parks every summer in Orlando. The first Saturday in June usually marks Gay Days in the Magic Kingdom, when tens of thousands of red-shirted attendees make Magic Kingdom, well, magic. While it’s not an official Walt Disney World event, you’ll get to be around Mickey Mouse, the Orlando sunshine, roller coasters, and LGBQT+ folks. Could you really ask for more?

NYC Gay Pride

As a Manhattan-based company, we might be biased, but there’s really no argument here. To paraphrase Hamilton, New York City really is the greatest city in the world. Plus, as we’ve said, it’s the birthplace of Pride. Millions converge on the city to watch as more than 50 floats and hundreds of banner-carrying organizations process down Fifth Avenue every year in late June. From Dykes on Bikes revving up the action, to sashaying drag queens just really slaying in general, to proud LGBQT+ parents with the kiddos in tow, New York Pride‘s got it all — and it’s not afraid to show it off!

Sao Paulo Pride

Sao Paulo has more pride than your city does — and it has a Guinness World Record title to prove it! Boasting over 5 million participants, Sao Paulo’s Pride parade is the largest in the entire world. Expect masses of dancing carousers, vibrant costumes, and floats straight out of your most imaginative daydream. Anyone looking for cheap international flights should schedule them for the start of the month, when parade-goers kick off Pride month with a blast. And to think that only around 2,000 people attended Sao Paulo’s first parade in ’97! It’s clear we’ve come a long way, baby.

San Francisco Pride

More than three decades ago, Harvey Milk — California’s first openly gay elected public official — addressed Pride attendees at City Hall. Today, Pride-goers celebrate that historic moment and Milk’s groundbreaking life of activism with a festival in that very location. The entire Parade weaves through the sunny streets of San Francisco, featuring an array of exciting performances, colorful costumes, and throngs of flag-waving supporters. Plus, you’ll be in San Francisco the whole time, so there’s that.

Sydney Pride Festival

Sydney is the most popular gay destination in Australia. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and amazing nightlife. Sydney has many gay bars and clubs that provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The city is a popular destination for gay tourists and travelers because of its beauty and welcoming atmosphere. Sydney has many gay-friendly accommodations, and the city offers plenty of activities and attractions for LGBT travelers. Plus, Sydney has Pride events scheduled throughout the month of June, so there’s plenty of reason to stick around for a while and soak up all that beautiful Sydney has to offer.

Taiwan Pride

Taipei is a city famous for its hot springs and night markets, but it’s also a city that celebrates its LGBTQ+ denizens in a really big way. A few years ago Taiwan became quite famous for its main gay event, the Taipei Pride Parade. The parade is held every year on the last Saturday of October, and it lasts for about 4 hours. During this time you can see different floats with different themes and performers such as drag queens, dancers, bands, and many others. There are also plenty of parties, attractions, performances to take in. Sure, it’s not in June. But is it ever a bad time to watch happy people in colorful clothing dance around the streets of Taipei with reckless abandon? The answer, of course, is “No!”

Chicago Pride Month

If you are a proud Chicagoan, then you should definitely enjoy the pride parade in Chicago! This city is known for its many different cultures and ethnicities, which makes it a great place to celebrate Pride. The parade is held every year on the last Saturday of June. According to the Chicago Tribune, it’s one of the largest LGBT celebrations in the country and typically draws up to 50,000 people. The parade is officially known as “Buddy’s Freedom March” and it starts at Diversey Harbor and then travels along the spectacular Lake Shore Drive.

Denver Pride Fest

Denver is one of the most welcoming and inclusive cities in the United States, making it a great destination to celebrate Pride. The city hosts a number of events throughout the year leading up to the big celebration in June, including a film festival, parade, and rally. Many businesses in Denver also show their support for the LGBTQ+ community by flying the Pride flag. According to a recent study, several neighborhoods in Denver are also some of the most gay-friendly in the country. This makes the city an ideal choice if you’re looking to book flights to Colorado in search for a cool Pride celebration!

Got Pride? Tell us in our comments section below if there’s a big and colorful pride event we forgot to mention! We’re listening.