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Given all the rainbow glitter, drag brunches, and block parties, it can be easy to forget that Pride month sprouted from the Stonewall Riots in June of 1969. The police raided the Stonewall Inn, a well-known gay bar in New York City, and sparked a six-day series of protests in the neighborhood, a historic event that’s now seen as a pivotal point in the gay rights movement. Each June since these demonstrations, people have congregated in cities and towns around the world to show support for equal rights.
In Denver, Pride began in 1974 as a celebratory picnic in Cheesman Park and has since blossomed into a citywide celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that draws half a million attendees each year. Although there’s always more to do, Denver has made significant progress toward equal rights since Stonewall, and we think that’s something to celebrate. Here, eight ways to do just that.
Pride in Place: Detective Convention
“You should be allowed to be how you are and who you are,” Dolly Parton once said. EmmyJean Jenkins, a queer country artist based in Boulder, took these words to heart when she created Pride in Place: Detective Convention, a cabaret that fuses Parton-like shenanigans, murder, comedic relief, and unabashed queer joy. Come ready to laugh, poke fun at the patriarchy, and lift up the LGBTQ+ community. June 11; 7–9 p.m.; free, registration is required
Smutty Scholastic Book Fair
For anyone who spent elementary school circling book fair wish lists and adulthood filling up a TBR stacked with romance novels, this one’s for you. Awakening and Spicy Librarian are teaming up to turn the beloved Scholastic experience into something decidedly more grown-up, complete with steamy book pairings, interactive demos, sensory experiences and live performances. And yes, there will still be trinkets; expect various thong bookmarks, boob erasers and other cheeky treasures from local artists. Consider it the book fair of your dreams, all grown up and gloriously spicy. June 13; 5–9 p.m.; $15
Sundrop’s HEAVY Pride Pilates Celebration
During Pride month, we don’t sweat. We glisten. You’re guaranteed to leave Sundrop Pilates, a new infrared-red mat pilates studio in Edgewater, with a newfound shine after attending one (or both) of their special Pride classes led by instructor Nick Streby. This class format is designed to get your heart rate up and build endurance—so you’ll be better equipped to party hard all month long. June 14; 10:10 and 11:15 a.m.; $35 for one-credit class
Gettin’ Sticky
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Pride weekend, but only one involves voluntarily diving into a pool of Jell-O. At Moodswing, sapphics can sip, snack and cheer on a lineup of Jell-O wrestling matches under neon lights and thumping music. Feeling competitive? For $10, you can claim a spot in the ring yourself. Just don’t expect to leave with clean clothes—or your dignity fully intact. June 25; 8 p.m.–2 a.m.; $25
Rowdy Poppy Pride Crown Workshop
Drag queens aren’t the only royalty this month. Floral design firm Rowdy Poppy thinks everyone deserves to wear a crown, and they’ll help you craft your very own during this workshop. Over the course of two hours, participants will learn how to fashion a festive crown out of dahlias, roses, tulips, and other seasonal blooms. If your new accessory inspires you to leave with more florals, you can take 10 percent off any additional shopping you do in-store that day. June 27; noon–2 p.m.; $75
Read More: Meet the Denver Florist Who Is Saving the Planet, One Flower at a Time
La Vista Motel x El Piñon Rooftop Pride Party
Is it really a Pride celebration if you can’t shout it from the rooftops? Disco legend Gary Givant will be spinning the soundtrack for this all-vinyl party on the rooftop patio at La Vista Motel. Pair your moves with El Piñon’s special cocktail, the GiGi-a-GoGo. The name is a nod to Gary, a nickname bestowed on him by the LGBTQ+ community, and the drink combines agave vodka, guava liqueur, and fresh lime juice. El Piñon will also be donating $2 from every drink sold throughout the entire month of June to the Center on Colfax. June 27; 2–6 p.m.; free
Denver PrideFest
The Mile High City’s marquee Pride event is always a can’t-miss celebration—and it has been for over 50 years. Although there are numerous events all throughout the month, the excitement culminates in a two-day festival the last weekend in June. Strut (or sprint) your stuff in the 5K on Saturday morning, then reward your athletic accomplishments with bubbles and brunch in Cheesman Park. On Sunday, catch the Pride parade alongside half a million other Denverites as it marches down 17th Street, before making your way to the official PrideFest on 16th street, between Broadway and Arapahoe streets. This year’s headliners include drag queen/environmentalist Pattie Gonia, Denver’s Nini Coco from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the king of drag himself, King Molasses. Don’t miss the Gayborhood Market in Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, where more than 100 small businesses and artisans will display their wares. June 27–28; Saturday 9 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; 5K registration is $50, Sunday festivities are free
Pride at Larimer Square
No need to sashay all around the city, Larimer Square will be a one-stop shop for Pride parties on June 28. Kick off your Sunday with an alfresco drag brunch at Osteria Marco featuring local royalty Shirley Delta Blow, Amerikah J Misdemeanor, and LaLa Queen. After brunch, go grab your boots and return between 2 and 8 p.m. for the disco cowboy–themed street party hosted by Garage Sale Vintage. June 28; Brunch from 11 a.m.–1 p.m, street party from 2 p.m.–8 p.m..; brunch general admission is $25, VIP $250 for four people, street party free
