Tired of the same old vacation spots? Ready to explore the vibrant world of global queer culture? Unforgettable adventure awaits with this ultimate guide to over 60 amazing LGBTQ events. Imagine yourself dancing at a world-renowned Pride parade in Sรฃo Paulo, getting inspired by a visit to our community’s first National Monument, the Stonewall Monument, while in NYC for Pride, watching sapphic films at a queer film festival or experiencing a queer Mardi gras parade while on a bucket list Australia vacation.
This curated list features 60+ LGBTQ events that celebrate the diversity and creativity of the global queer community. Events include major Pride parades, epic LGBTQ festivals, and legendary queer dance parties.
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Introverted like me? Not to worry. There are niche celebrations and community events where you don’t have to go all out. I packed the guide with queer comic cons, film festivals, wine festivals and SO MUCH more. I’m honestly excited by the diversity of events I was able to find!
Top 10 LGBTQ Events Worth Traveling For
Below, I’ve highlighted our top 10 must-visit LGBTQ events to whet your appetite. But these are just the beginning! Sign up for our newsletter to get instant access get a free, downloadable 14-page guide to all 60+ events, complete with dates and locations!
Worldpride (varies)
A series of international pride events that take place in a different city each year, WorldPride amplifies local pride celebrations and uniquely includes an LGBTQ+ human rights conference.
Sรฃo Paulo Gay Pride Parade
An estimated 3 million people travel to Sao Paulo for Pride each year, making it the worldโs largest Pride parade. The parade is outfitted with flags, costumes, floats, and performances โ a carnival-esc celebration of the queer community.
NYC Pride March
New York City is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world. It’s of course home to the Stonewall Inn, where our community’s liberation movement began. So of course NYC’s massive, star-studded Pride parade is one of the biggest in the world โ and belongs on any Pride travel bucket list.
Amsterdam Pride
The Netherlands was the first country to legalize gay marriage in 2001 and is one of the best European cities for queer women. Amsterdam hosts an incredible pride celebration in Amsterdam outfitted with parties, open-air exhibitions, sporting events, and the worldโs only gay canal parade!
Folsom Street Fair
The Folsom Street Fair is the worldโs biggest leather, kink, and BDSM festival. Committed to centering BIPOC and LGBTQ2I people, Folsom features artists, musicians, performers, DJs, and hosts crowds up to 400,000 people large.
Barcelona Circuit Festival
The Circuit Festival in Barcelona is the biggest international LGBTQ+ event, bringing together thousands of people for over a week of clubbing, partying, and celebrations.
Dinah Shore Weekend
A five-day get away, party, and music festival in Palm Springs, The Dinah is the worldโs largest lesbian and queer women event, featuring past headliners such as the Pussycat Dolls, the stars of the L Word, Lizzo, FLETCHER, and more.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
The biggest Pride event in the Oceanic region hosts around 500,000 people annually for the pride parade, parties, drag races, panels, a queer film festival, and Fair Day.
Reel Affirmations LGBTQ Film Festival
Reel Affirmations is one of the top ranked film festivals in the nation, showcasing films across a wide array of genres. Notably, this festival has presented and co-presented numerous Academy Award winning and nominated films such as Gods and Monsters, Boys Donโt Cry, and Moonlight.
OutFest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival
One of the worldโs largest LGBTQ+ film festivals, set in the city where movie magic gets made. Past versions of this iconic festival have featured screenings of over 200 films on 9 different venues.
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