Before I dive into the review, I would like to take a moment to thank all the great parade participants whom worked hard and dressed up and displayed the true diversity in Tucson. I would also like to especially thank the fun and welcoming crowd which hooted and hollered and came together to celebrate our diversity.
Pride on Parade 2015 was probably the most active and well-attended Tucson Pride Parade I have ever been to. The floats were elaborate and colorful and the costumes and makeup were absolutely fabulous! It was perfectly staged on the busiest downtown avenue and the weather gave us a vintage Tucson Fall evening, with cool temperatures and an amazing sunset backdrop.
Grand Marshall’d by the inimitable Tempest DuJour (looking fantastic as always), the floats and parade entrants really stole the show. From the hilariously under-costumed Old Lesbians Organizing for Change to the full-blown costumes worn by the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast, you could easily identify with each of them. Then the rolling party that is the SAAF long-bed float crawls past and you can’t help but smile as you catch candy and Mardi Gras beads affixed with condoms. I can finally write this: “The event truly offered something for everyone” 🙂
The Tucson Pride on Parade couldn’t have been any better planned or executed. It was a wonderful time for the entire family to come out and honor the common differences that provide spice and excitement to our community. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next time!
Winter has traditionally been the time for bears around the world to hibernate. In Tucson, however, our bears do things a bit differently. Join Bears of the Old Pueblo each year in the early January to celebrate Fiesta De Los Osos! This once-a-year party is an incredible opportunity to make some new friends while you explore our amazing city!
Going on for almost 20 years, Fiesta De Los Osos has brought over 3,000 bears and buddies from around the world to enjoy the heat and friendliness of our desert town. In fact, it has become one of the largest and most anticipated Bear events in the country!
At each event, you can expect to find hundreds of fun, interesting bears to meet. creating La fete weekend one among the foremost anticipated bear events within the U.S.! As such, BOTOP decided to cap their attendance at 300 Bears, creating a fun and intimate experience for everyone. Get your tickets early to make sure you get a spot!
Retro Game Show Night is a hilarious event held every 2nd Saturday at Hotel Congress. Hosted by Tempest DuJour, Retro Game Show Night takes a fun new spin on old game shows from the 80’s and 90’s. Complete with high-quality lighting and stage setup, you become fully immersed in the event and will howl and laugh along with the rest of the audience. Feeling brave? Enter your name to become a contestant to win some amazing prizes! Check the Calendar for the next event and join GayTucson.com on the 2nd Saturday of each month for Retro Game Show Night at Hotel Congress!
Tucson Gay Pride is known as “Pride in the Desert” and was held at Reid Park on October 9, 2010. Check out over 100 photos of Tucson Pride’s GLBT community celebrating pride below.
Tucson Pride is in October, but for the rest of the country, it’s in June. You’ll know it by the mass rainbow apparel that starts popping up everywhere. Literally everywhere. But, if you’re like us and love seeing new pride merch up for grabs keep on keeping on. If you are interested in still participating in Pride here are some of the events you can find around Arizona in June while you wait for October to get here.
In Tucson
Sophie McTearPride Exhibition at Crooked Tooth Brewing
Local artists Sophie McTear and Trevor Mock will have their work up on display while the bar serves Pride-themed drinks and specials. Opening June 4th at 6 pm.Pride Night with the FC Team
FC Tucson is the pro soccer team in town. They are celebrating their LGBT+ Pride Night at our match on Saturday, June 11th at 7:00 PM. Great group rates for 10 or more. Friends of GayTucson.com get the early bird special even if it’s not early!
Tucson Pride Bar Crawl
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. A pub crawl. So, if you’re into libations you might want to get tickets early! Happening on June 18th.
For more pride events check out our calendar!
Elsewhere
Mojave County Pride, Glow
Do you have friends in Mojave County? If so you can enjoy Pride with them on June 11 & 12th from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. This is a completely family fun weekend. Adult themes are only available at the afterparties.
Bisbee Pride, Express Yourself:Bisbee Pride returns on June 17, 18, & 19th 2022. It’s always a good time at Bisbee Pride, there is Pride Village, street dancing, a tea dance, a Gayme Night and so much more. Grab some friends, rent an Air B&B and enjoy the entire weekend!
Pride in the Pines
Those of you in Northern Arizona have Flagstaff Pride to look forward to on June 18th from 12-9:00 pm. Thorpe Park Ball Fields is the venue so remember to wear sunscreen.
Proud To Be Seen in Tubac
This is a national juried art exhibition that will be up for the entirety of June at the Bruce Baughman Studio and Gallery. Exhibiting artists are interpreting PRIDE.
Rocky Point Diversity Pride ParadeThis is the 2nd annual Puerto Peñasco Pride Parade happening on June 25that 5 pm. Technically it’s not in Arizona but it’s close enough if you want a little getaway a little south of the border. Meeting at the Plaza de la Madre o Malecon Fundadores to kick things off.
We hope to see you there!
