Q-Seattle Events: Tacky Tourist Clubs

Although there have been events of various types throughout the month, Pride begins officially this year, with a Kick Off party on Friday from 11pm to 4am at Timberline Spirits . DJ Jaime J Sanchez will spin. The night is highlighted with a guest appearance by Centaur recording artist Colton Ford. (And, yes... If you recognize the name from a different kind of performance, you'll be happy to know that it's the same Colton Ford who can be seen in many porn titles.)

Ford will also host the northwest premier on Thursday night of Naked Fame which features his music and chronicles Ford's journey from music to porn and back again to music.

Margaret Cho brings her hilarious Assassin Tour to the Paramount on Friday from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Her Seattle appearance is sponsored by Lifelong AIDS Alliance.

On Saturday night, Cruise sponsor manray contributes to the explosive excitement with a Bewitched CD Release Party from 7pm to midnight.

The Wildrose features a weekend-long outdoor beer garden with a full slate of live bands, other entertainments, and sunshine under the tents. DJs spin beats for dancing inside. Saturday hours are 1pm to 12am. Sunday hours are 12pm to 10pm.

Seattle Pride festivities continue on Saturday with the festival and entertainment in Volunteer Park from 11am until 6 pm. Following the Festival, Gay Bingo -- hosted by GLAMAZONIA, Miss Intermission, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence -- will be held in the park amphitheater from 6:30 until 8:30, followed by a movie, Clueless, in the amphitheater at dusk. The movie is presented by $3 Bill Cinema and Magazine 99.

Sunday is parade day, but also offers plenty of entertainment and parties. It will also be your first chance to buy tickets for Queen City Cruise: Flambuoyant!

More than 180 groups are registered to march on behalf of gay pride. Among the groups are the infamous "Dykes on Bikes", state Rep. Ed Murray who fought for gay civil rights legislation in Olympia this year, and many more colorful participants. Tacky Tourist Clubs will delight you with a small boatload of Flambuoyant! Queen City Cruise pirates. The parade kicks off at 11 am, and will wind down Broadway on Capitol Hill.

The grand marshals this year are Mary Dzieweczynski, Executive Director of Verbena (formerly the Seattle Lesbian Cancer Project), Jamie Pedersen, a partner at Preston Gates & Ellis who was Co-Chair of the national board of directors of Lambda Legal, the nation's oldest and largest legal organization working to achieve civil rights for gays, Dunshee House which provides emotional support to those living with HIV and AIDS, and Rachel Maddow who hosts Air America Radio?s national morning drive news program the "Rachel Maddow Show."

The festival continues after the march in Volunteer Park with booths by dozens of northwest organizations, and a full slate of entertainment.

Cruise sponsor The Cuff Complex hosts its wildly popular Pride Day Street Party from 10am to 9pm on Sunday. It features guest DJs, live entertainment, 16 bar stations, and dancing both inside the bar and out front on the street.

Cruise sponsor Timberline Spirits closes out the weekend with SuperPride T-Dance from 6pm to 2am on Sunday featuring DJ Dana Dub and DJ PhilB.

[Saturday, 25-June: Minor edits, plus added Wildrose.]

Labels: Gay events, LGBTQ, Seattle Pride