Gay Pride Month Over? Best Pride Events Outside June

Gay Pride month might be ending, but that doesn’t mean the festivities have to fizzle out. Here's how you can support pride all year round.

Keep supporting the LGBTQ+ community while doing something you love. Donating to non-profit charities is definitely impactful, but sometimes it’s funner getting involved with a hobby, like running a 5K or visiting a winery. You don’t need to be on a huge budget either to make a difference. Check out all the gay-friendly things to do to keep the energy of gay pride month alive all year round.

Wine and dine on a gay wine tour.

Everyone knows Napa Valley is wine country, but there are also gay-friendly wine tours and events around the world. From New York to Argentina, attending a gay wine tour is a great way to meet people and support LGBT sommeliers and wineries from that area.

Visit at an LGBT museum.

Immerse yourself in queer culture by visiting an LGBT museum, like NYC's National LGBT Museum or San Francisco's GLBT History Museum. For art enthusiasts, the Leslie-Lohman Museum in New York City is home to thousands of gay and lesbian art exhibitions. Hours and suggested donations vary by location.

Hit up a queer concert.

Support LGBT musicians, like Mika, Sam Smith and the Scissor Sisters, by attending their concerts when they’re in town. You can also buy their songs on iTunes for a cheaper alternative.

Eat at a queer-owned restaurant. 

Embrace your inner foodie and pig out at an eatery owned by a gay chef or restaurant owner. Grab a cone at the Big Gay Ice Cream shop in New York City or indulge at Tout Sweet Patisserie in CA owned by Top Chef: Just Desserts winner, Yigit Pura.

Compete at a gay sporting event.

There are a ton of gay sporting and cultural events for jocks and fitness buffs, like the World Outgames. Keep an eye out for 5K’s in your area, escape to Aspen for Gay Ski Week, or dance for a cause at a gay dance benefit. If you’re not the athletic, gay sportsmen type, you can still participate by supporting your friends on the sidelines.

Treat yourself to a gay-friendly spa.

Although spas are usually on the pricier end, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth at an upscale retreat, like East Canyon Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA. Remember to do your research before booking a “gay-friendly” spa to ensure you’re investing your money at a premier location that’s actually gay-owned and operated.

Party with the gay circuit scene.

Even if Gay Pride Month is over, the party energy is never on pause. Try hitting up gay circuit parties in your area. Usually these events also donate their proceeds to worthy causes, such as The Purple Party in Dallas.

Explore a gay-friendly city.

Whether you’re visiting the next town over or flying internationally, visiting a gay-friendly city is a fun way to support gay businesses while vacationing. Check out some gay tourism spots outside the U.S., like Montreal’s Village and Cologne’s gayborhoods in Germany.   

Attend an LGBTQ+ film festival.

You’ll be amazed at how many LGBT film festivals are running throughout the year, even after Gay Pride Month. The “big queer film festival list” on Queerfilmfestivals.org displays an exhaustive list of gay film fests around the world. Some of these festivals offer upgraded ticket passes if you’re looking for the VIP experience.

Wear pride outfits all year.

Keep supporting pride by wearing pride outfits all year round! More importantly, you'll be supporting gay stores. Check out the best pride outfits right here, from gay underwear to graphic tanks. Explore gay clothing styles for everyone (bears, daddies, twinks, wolves, and beyond)!