A Guide to Pride at the Bars
During the Pride Celebration each June, our community often considers the Pride Festival to be the center of everything. However, since the first Twin Cities Pride 38 years ago, it’s the GLBT bars that are the true focus of Pride festivities. Here’s a capsule Guide to Pride at the Bars.
19 Bar
Our oldest local GLBT establishment, the 19 Bar, which celebrated its 58th GLBT anniversary this year, is the closest to the Pride Festival itself—just a couple of blocks away.
Bootleggers
Bootleggers is mounting the first annual Somerset, Wisconsin, Pride: Amateur Drag Show on Friday, June 18; Fierce: A Show for Everyone on Saturday, June 19; Cookout on Sunday, June 20.
Brass Rail
Whether you’re inside the completely remodeled Brass Rail looking out past the open front windows, or outside watching from the patio, you’ll have a spectacular view of the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 27.
Camp
During Pride Month, Camp in Downtown St. Paul—with its classy decor and live entertainment—celebrates its third anniversary of serving the Twin Cities GLBT community.
Epic
For the third year in a row, Epic hosts The Big Gay Pride Party, on Friday, June 25, featuring a special DJ and fabulous entertainment.
Gay 90’s
The Gay 90’s awesome Pride lineup: Miss City of the Lakes Pageant, Thursday, June 24; Pride Foam Party, Friday, June 25; Special LaFemme Guest Host Monica West, Saturday, June 26; and Pride Breakfast Buffet, Sunday, June 27.
Gladius
The newest GLBT bar on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, and the closest to Loring Park, hosts a gala four-day outdoor block party, Thursday-Sunday, June 24-27.
Jetset
Just in time for Pride, Jetset begins its 10th year in the Twin Cities GLBT community, with its annual Girl Flight Pride Weekend Kickoff Party on Thursday, June 24.
Tickles
Having relocated to Downtown Minneapolis, Tickles does Pride right again for its second year: free shuttle bus to Loring Park, Saturday-Sunday, June 26-27; free Pig Roast, Saturday, June 27; and free vacation package drawing, Sunday, June 27.
Town House
At St. Paul’s oldest GLBT bar, an Official Pride Event is Transtastic, put on by the transgender community, on Thursday, June 24, the same night as the popular Pumps & Pearls Drag Revue.
