Top US Destinations to Celebrate Pride in 2022
Rainbow paint and feather boas at the ready – it’s time for Pride season. This year, Pride comes back to life after two years of virtual celebrations – so expect even more joyful, colorful affairs filled with parties, activist meet-ups, live music, and parades.
From queer capital San Francisco to non-stop party town NOLA, there are lots of incredible events taking place. Here’s our guide to where and how you can celebrate Pride in 2022.
Portland, Oregon
Portland has a thriving LGBTIQ+ scene year-round, but the highlight is the annual Pride parade and festival, started in 1977. This year, the festivities return with in-person events on June 18-19 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The parade draws around 60,000 spectators.
Where to stay: For easy access to Waterfront Park and downtown nightlife, try the Ace Hotel, the Nines, or the Jupiter Hotel.
Washington, DC
DC’s Capital Pride is one of the nation’s oldest, with the first event organized in 1975 as a one-day block party and street festival. This year, Washington DC is hosting a colorful pride parade on June 11 – with a caravan of decorated Pride cars following a new route. Expect vibrant displays as local businesses and residents in DC are encouraged to show their support for Pride by decorating their buildings for the ‘Paint the Town Colorful’ campaign.
Where to stay: The major locations are Dupont Circle and Pennsylvania Avenue, with both offering excellent accommodation options. Try the Kimpton Palomar in Dupont, and several Marriotts near Pennsylvania Ave. If you need peace and quiet, opt for Georgetown instead (try the quirky-yet-sophisticated Graham).
New York, New York
The first Pride event in US history was the Christopher Street Liberation Day March in 1970 – a protest march spurred by the 1969 Stonewall Riots that signaled the beginning of the gay rights movement. Over 50 years later, Pride in NYC has evolved into a city-wide celebration far beyond its party-hard reputation of previous decades. ‘Unapologetically Us’ is the theme of Pride 2022 in New York, reflecting ongoing campaigns for members of the LGBTQIA community.
The NYC Pride March will take place on June 26 with grand marshals leading the event that includes live performances and street-side activities. The Rally on June 24 is back in person this year, hosting a number of speakers throughout the city. Other festival highlights include a human rights conference and PrideFest street festival on June 26.
Where to stay: New York is generally gay-friendly. The Standard is in high demand. For more Pride fun, head to the West Village to bar-hop at iconic spots like Stonewall Inn, Julius’ Bar, Cubbyhole, and Henrietta Hudson.
Chicago, Illinois
Pride month is a major affair in Chicago, centering around vibrant Boystown, known for its welcoming clubs, restaurants, and shops, which form one of the country’s longest-established gayborhoods. This year marks the 51st year of Chicago’s Pride Parade with a four-mile procession through Lincoln Park, Uptown, and Boystown on June 26.
Where to stay: The lively Best Western Hawthorne Terrace is centrally located, providing easy access to all festivities.
Los Angeles, California
The centerpiece of a month of events, the LA Pride Parade and Festival traditionally attracts crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands along Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. Live events return this year with performances from Christina Aguilera, Bob The Drag Queen, Syd, Chika, and many others at LA Pride in the Park on June 11. The LA Pride Parade returns for its 52nd annual procession through Hollywood on June 12.
Where to stay: Previously the party could be found at the Standard Hollywood, offering plenty of eye candy poolside and impressive views across the LA basin. For a quieter retreat, try the boho chic Petit Ermitage with all suite rooms.
Denver, Colorado
Denver’s LGBTIQ+ scene is vibrant and alive – the Rocky Mountain region’s largest festival returns this June 25-26. Denver PrideFest is a weekend-long celebration drawing over 350,000 people to Civic Center Park. Highlights include two parties at Meow Wolf, a 5k race, and Denver’s Dyke March on June 25.
Where to stay: Stay downtown at the chic hotel Art. For something quieter yet urban, consider the Queen Anne B&B in Five Points.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has embraced the LGBTIQ+ community long before many American cities were established. Pride celebrations date back to the 1970s, with publicized gay Mardi Gras events since 1949. In 2022, live events return for the weekend of June 9 – 12, featuring the Pride Parade on June 11 and New Orleans PrideFest, a large block party along Bourbon Street.
Where to stay: All French Quarter hotels are welcoming, and many specifically gay-friendly B&Bs are located in Faubourg Marigny, including the Burgundy Bed & Breakfast and Lions Inn B&B.
San Francisco, California
When it comes to celebrating Pride, few cities rival the spectacle and commitment of San Francisco. While Castro is the city’s oldest pro-gay neighborhood, Pride takes place throughout San Francisco. This year’s large-scale weekend of events returns live with the theme ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’, June 25 – 26.
Where to stay: Parker House offers B&B chic; Inn on Castro transports you back to the 70s; and Beck’s Motor Lodge, while not specifically LGBTIQ+ oriented, is in the heart of the Castro, making it a perfect base for exploring SF. It’s wise to book in advance.
This article was originally published on Jun 11, 2019, and updated on May 26, 2022.
