Missed Pride? Here's Where to Celebrate in August

Article written by Maya Vukovska

If you've done your homework in Gay Pride 101, you should be able to answer the question why Pride is celebrated in June, without using the “Phone a friend” or “Ask the Audience” lifeline. Pride is internationally celebrated in June to coincide with the month in which Stonewall Riots occurred in 1969. Around the USA, a lot is going on during that month - parades, parties, concerts, and even all-inclusive, safe-consenting sex orgies. But if you missed all these events for one reason or another, it doesn’t mean you don’t get a second chance this summer to get involved and celebrate Pride. Here are my suggestions for Pride events in August.

Austin, TX

My very first pick is a domestic festival that will kick off on August, 10th at Fiesta Gardens in Austin, and will go on for an entire week. Ticket prices are affordable - $20 for adults, and $10 for children ages 7-17. Among the many exciting events the festival offers are the Drag at the Drive-in show (preceding the viewing of the 2017 movie Freak Show), The Creek at the Cave comedy show, and the special night at Oilcan Harry’s, Austin’s oldest gay venue, where the organizers promise one can satisfy all their carnal desires. The parade will be held on the opening day, from 8 pm to 11 pm. It will start at the Capitol Building and will end up on the rooftop of the popular gay bar, Rain.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

If this isn’t heaven on earth for every gay man born after World War II, I don’t know which other place is! Pride Amsterdam is one of the biggest and most exuberant LGBTQI+ yearly events in Europe and the world! The 2022 theme is “My Gender, My Pride”, and what is really impressive about this year’s issue of the festival is that the calendar consists of more than 300 events! The main event, the Pride Walk, begins at 11 am on July, 30th, at Dam Square. In the following seven days, there will be a massive amount of all sorts of parties, like Bear Necessity, a large dance party “for real men”, and Rapido, a popular circuit gay dance party. The Pride closing party will be held on the outdoor stage in front of Royal Place at the same Dam square the Pride Week has started.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Since we have flown already over the Atlantic Ocean to visit Amsterdam, let's make another stop at probably the gay friendliest city in the whole of Europe, Copenhagen. Last year, this popular among locals and foreigners Pride festival week was held almost entirely virtually (we all know why), but this year it will return at full blast. What’s new this year is that Copenhagen Pride is looking for LGBTQI+ people to participate in a photoshoot and a brief interview with the theme “Freedom”. The idea behind this brand new photo campaign is to capture the diversity of the community, so literally, everyone is welcome to apply - no matter your background, gender, sexuality, body type, age, or whether you prefer broccoli over pizza. In case you’re planning a trip to Scandinavia this summer, keep in mind that Pride Week in the capital city of Denmark will be held between the 13th and 21st of August.

Antwerp, Belgium

Well, my squirrel friends, let me tell you that Belgium is worth visiting not only for tasting the world’s finest chocolate, and taking selfies with the notorious 24-inch-high Manneken Pis. The country can offer much more than this - especially in the month of August, and especially to gay people who are enthusiastic to explore new destinations. The city of Antwerp, which is the largest in Belgium (although the population is only 600.000!), hosts some of the best after- and circuit parties you can imagine and I am sure that the city's Pride festival is something to remember until your final breath. This year, the Pride will kick off on August 11th, and all the parties will be taking place in the vibrant Zurenborg neighborhood. The main parade is on the 13th, and will start at Sint-Jansplein.

Prague, the Czech Republic

The Prague Pride may not be as covered with patina and glory as the others on my list, but it’s worth attending for many other reasons. This year, the Pride will be celebrating its 11th anniversary, and I can assure you that this ancient, and absolutely fascinating city will come alive with rainbow spirit. What you can expect is seven days (between the 8th and 14th of August) packed with concerts, exhibitions, debates, shows, entertainment, and of course, tons of high-quality beer. So, besides your sex appeal, bring along also a spare stomach because you definitely gonna need one.