Seattle’s gay all year, but our Big Pride Weekend just so happens to line up with the World Cup. So whether you’re missing your hometown celebrations to be here, or you’re coming from somewhere that doesn’t show up for Pride, here’s how to do Pride your way in Seattle.
The Gay Bars
To start, let’s get a lay (gay?) of the land. You probably already know that Capitol Hill is Seattle’s historically gay neighborhood—if not by reputation, at least because you’ve seen all of the rainbow sidewalks. Unsurprisingly, the Hill is also where you’ll find our densest block of gay bars. Pony is your favorite gay bar’s favorite gay bar. The sign next to the front door reads: “This is a GAY Bar. A Very Gay Bar. If you aren’t queer, or a respectful ally, do not enter.” I recommend heeding this advice. From the glory hole in the bathroom to the porn on the walls, it’s inescapably, impeccably queer. Just a couple blocks away, Wildrose on 11th and Pike is Seattle’s last remaining lesbian bar, and one of just a few dozen in the country. Massive on Pine and Boylston is, well, massive. It’s three levels of dance floor, and during June, they will be packed. Queer/Bar and Neighbors also bring the dance-party energy. For a more laid-back night, Madison Pub has two pool tables and the coldest kegs in the city. If you’re into leather, Cuff Complex is your bar (just watch out for that urinal). Union is cruisy (complimentary). And the circus-themed Unicorn hosts some of the best drag in the neighborhood.
If you want a queer bar off the Hill, you’re in luck there, too. Go to Kremwerk downtown if you’re into electronic music. White Center’s Lumber Yard is worth the trek for bears and their friends. Changes is one of Seattle’s longest-running gay bars, tucked into Wallingford.
Pride Weekend
There are Pride celebrations all month, but if you’re here for the World Cup, chances are you got here just in time for our Big Gay Weekend, June 26–28.
On Friday, you’ll find the Trans Pride festival at Volunteer Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s one of the largest trans-specific gatherings in the country, with an all-trans lineup of performers and a huge selection of vendors.
That’s also when we start partying in the street. Wildrose, Queer/Bar, the Unicorn, and Cuff Complex all shut down their surrounding streets and set up outdoor stages for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The good news: The lineups are consistently pretty great. The bad news: They’re ticketed, and not cheap, so unless you’re planning to drop a lot of cash that weekend, you shouldn’t plan to bounce between the shows. Check out the lineups before you get here and decide which bar you’re married to each night.
Or you can save (some of) your money and bop around the rest of Capitol Hill. The whole neighborhood is one big party that weekend, and any of the bars (gay or not) will have something to offer. Or just grab a blanket, post up in Cal Anderson Park, and watch the cuties stroll by.
Straight & Feeling Left Out?
If you’re an ally, there’s still a lot of Big Queer Fun to be had. The most obvious is the Pride Parade, which is on Sunday, June 28, starting at 11 a.m. It’s the largest parade in the state, and usually clocks more than a quarter of a million people in the crowd along Fourth Avenue. (Keep an eye out for the Stranger truck!) And on Saturday, June 27, you can catch PrideFest, a street festival on Broadway on Capitol Hill.
Want more? Our comprehensive Pride calendar is here.
