Portland has never been short on gay pride, but once a year, Pride seizes the city and demands that we acknowledge all that is fabulous. Here's your "what not to miss" list for Pride weekend:
Thursday, June 12
Wig Out!
The Q Center deserves recognition for this "evening of coifs, costumes, wine, and dancing." Prizes for Biggest Bouffant, of course (no, I'm serious).
Q Center, 69 SE Taylor, 7-10 pm, free, all ages, 234-7837, pdxqcenter.org
Friday, June 13
Gaycation
Gaycation is always a win-win in terms of sweaty dance parties with good music. This time it starts out with Deep Lez, a variety of film shorts created by two artists from Vancouver, BC.
w/Freeshow Seymour, DJ Snowtiger, Mr. Charming, DJ Ruggedly Handsome; Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, 8 pm, $5
Saturday, June 14
Beach Party Weekend
It's very necessary to stop by CC Slaughters this weekend, and this is the night to do it.
w/DJ Alex Hollywood, Diva Bolivia Carmichaels; CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis, 9 pm, free
Blow Pony
We would've given this the "go ahead" based on the name alone, but there's also a shitload of sweet DJs there.
w/DJs Airick, Kinetic, Darkcloud, Transfat, Ehren Adams, Mr. Charming; Eagle PDX Underground, 27 NW 6th, 9 pm, $3
Dyke March
If you're a lady who likes other ladies, take your love to the streets! (The Trans March takes place at the same time.)
NW 9th & Davis, meet up at 6 pm, march at 7 pm
Girl4Girl
DJ Beyonda and go-go dancers... need we say more?
Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell, 9 pm, $10-12, 21+
Out Like That
Can something be sweet and corporate sponsored? Signs point to yes; a full set of good DJs and grubbin' Mexican food guarantee this ladies-only event will rock.
w/Vicci Martinez, Rose City Sirens, DJ Mel, DJ Keys, DJ Equestrian, Malice, Sahara Dunes, and more; Jupiter Hotel, 800 E Burnside, 7 pm, $10-12 (more for VIP)
Sunday, June 15
Pride Parade
The pinnacle of the weekend, when floats, flags, balloons, and confetti assault the senses. Check out the Waterfront, too, where the festival will be continuing its second day.
NW Park Blocks & Davis, 11 am
It's Not Over 'Til I Say It's Over
After a long day of Pride, what's better than a bit of karaoke and a body-painting contest?
Egyptian Club, 3701 SE Division, 9 pm, free
Stark Street Block Party
Some claim this is the highlight of Pride. Competition is fierce, though.
w/Stacey Q, Kevin Aviance, the Wet Spots, the D-Word, Rose City Sirens, Burlesquire, FSO DJ, Harmonix, DJE, Seth Hutton, Alvin Black, Heklina; Boxxes, 1035 SW Stark, 2 pm, $5
