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 36 years ago, it’s the GLBT bars that are the real focus of Pride festivities. Here’s a capsule Guide to Pride at the bars.

19 Bar
The oldest local GLBT establishment, the 19 Bar is the closest to the Pride Festival itself—just a couple of blocks away. Shoot a game of pool to celebrate Pride.

Bolt/Minneapolis Eagle
On June 27-29, Scorch IX Fireball packs the Eagle Parking Lot. The Blaze Party on June 28 features DJ Chi Chi LaRue, along with porn stars Josh West and Josh Vaughn.

Brass Rail
Two major contests highlight Pride at the Brass Rail: on June 22, the Miss Brass Rail Pageant; and on June 27, the inaugural Playgirl Manhunt 2008 Contest.

Bryant-Lake Bowl
In what has become a GLBT tradition here, Bryant-Lake Bowl again puts on the Uptown Block Party on June 27, spotlighting the talents of chanteuse Tina Schlieske.

Camp
During Pride Month, Camp—with its classy decor, and live entertainment three nights a week—celebrates its first anniversary in the Twin Cities GLBT community.

Epic
A newcomer to the Pride scene this year is The Big Gay Pride Party at Epic on June 27, which touts itself with the slogan “Size Matters,” and offers DJ Joe Gauthreaux.

Gay 90’s
Now under dynamic new ownership, the half-century-old Gay 90’s launches Pride Weekend on June 27 with a classic: the Miss City of the Lakes Pageant.

Innuendo
Having become headquarters for many community groups during its first year, Innuendo hosts the Pride Kickoff Block Party on June 21, showcasing Pepper Mashay.

Jetset
Just in time for this year’s Pride, Jetset, known for its upscale ambience, marks its lucky seventh anniversary of serving the local GLBT community.

Pi
Now in its second year, Pi proclaims Pride with its second annual Outdoor Festival on June 28, providing a musical cornucopia including singer Tina Schlieske.

Saloon
Unfortunately the headliner was yet to be announced at press time, but lady Bunny will emcee the longest-running local Pride Block Party, at the Saloon on June 29.

Town House
Although St. Paul’s oldest GLBT bar has no specific Pride activities planned, you can catch the awesome sound of The Girls in the Piano Lounge on Thursdays.

Trocaderos
For Pride this year, Trocaderos is the place to be for two events: the annual Twilight Pride for women on June 27; and the sensational Splash Bash II on June 28.