The people behind it
Seattle Pride is about much more than a parade. The organization spends the whole year on advocacy and allyship, pushing for inclusion and rallying the community to act. PrideFest is its own nonprofit, producing the Seattle Pride Festival since 2007 and now reaching more than 200,000 people.
More ways to celebrate
Summer actually brings two annual Pride festivals to the city, so keep Trans Pride Seattle on your radar too. Gender Justice League organizes it each year together with local groups that support trans and gender nonconforming people across the region.
Capitol Hill, the Heart of It All
Head just east of downtown to Capitol Hill, the focal point of gay Seattle for generations, and look down to find rainbow crosswalks painted on the streets. Artists, students and musicians gather here, and the neighborhood is packed with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, music venues and parks to explore.
Queer life spreads well beyond one zip code, though. You will find gay-friendly and LGBTQ+ owned businesses in nearly every corner of the city, from Wallingford to the south end.
A summer art walk
Mark the second Thursday of July for the Capitol Hill Art Walk, and grab the route map and vendor list when they come out the week before. Past participants have included the LGBTQ+ center Gay City, so you can meet local organizations while you browse.
Drag, Music and Nights Out
Drag is a cornerstone of the local scene, and two venues lead the way. At Julia's on Broadway, catch Le Faux, the longest-running drag show in Seattle history. Its alumni include Jinkx Monsoon, who hosted the show for about a year and a half before winning season five of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Unicorn is the other name to know. Spend a Sunday at Mimosas Cabaret, its award-winning drag brunch, or come by on Tuesday nights at 8pm for Gayme Night, a drag queen bingo with prizes. Schedules can change, so check with the venue before you go.
Choral powerhouses
For an evening with history behind it, look up the Seattle Men's Chorus and the Seattle Women's Chorus. They are the largest LGBTQ-identified men's and women's choruses in the world, and their performances are a point of civic pride.
Bars and clubs for every mood
Seattle nightlife covers a lot of ground, and a few spots show just how wide the range runs:
- The Cuff is a leather club known for bringing in local, national and international DJs.
- The Seattle Eagle is a leather and kink-friendly bar that throws themed parties.
- Changes is a relaxed LGBTQ+ neighborhood pub in Wallingford.
- Kremwerk is where to go when you want to dance late.
Pride for Kids and Families
Pride in Seattle welcomes every age, chosen families included. Bring everyone to Pride in the Park at Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill, or make a full day of PrideFest or the parade, as many families do.
Neighborhood gatherings add even more to the calendar, including the PhinneyWood Rainbow Hop and the Burien Pride Festival. Active families can lace up for Run and Walk with Pride, and dog owners can bring their pets along to the Paws and Pride Dog Walk.
Quieter moments
Settle in with young readers at Pride Storytimes, offered at Seattle Public Library branches. For some indoor spectacle, catch the laser show at the Pacific Science Center, where bright visuals are set to music from artists such as Beyoncé and Prince.
Shop and Eat at Queer-Owned Businesses
Spending at LGBTQ+ owned businesses is one of the easiest ways to celebrate. Start with The Intentionalist, an online guide to small and diverse local businesses that highlights queer-owned spots and related events around town.
Places with a story
Stop into Wildrose Bar on Capitol Hill, the oldest lesbian bar on the West Coast and still a community anchor. Order something simple like popcorn, nachos or panini and stay a while.
Browse LGBTQ+ titles and gifts at Charlie's Queer Books, dig into comfort food at Fat's Chicken and Waffles, and catch a game at Rough and Tumble Pub.
Pride sweets
In June, treat yourself to the seasonal rainbow cupcakes Cupcake Royale bakes for Pride Month. Bakery Nouveau joins in too, with rainbow macarons among its Pride desserts.
