How to Enjoy a Gay Pride Festival in St. Louis

St. Louis is home to PrideFest, one of the largest gay festivals in the Midwest. Started in 1979 as a celebration of tolerance and diversity, PrideFest has developed into a major event.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Accomodations
• Computer with Internet access
• Camera
• Map of St. Louis
• Event schedule

1. Find a festival. Besides PrideFest, which is typically held in June, there are a number of other gay events throughout the year. You can find a complete listing online at Gay St. Louis (see Resources below).
2. Pack accordingly. The St. Louis weather varies greatly from season to season, so check your calendar.
3. Meet me in St. Louis. Lambert International Airport is the seventh-busiest in the nation, and flights on the legacy airlines, as well as discount carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Allegiant and USA 3000, are easy to find. The city is served by Amtrak and is less than a day's drive from most parts of the country.
4. Book a room. While St. Louis doesn't currently have any gay-specific hotels, there are a number of gay-friendly bed and breakfasts, which book up quickly during PrideFest. The Clayton business district is recommended for its proximity to the city’s gay districts and easy access to public transportation.
5. Plan your itinerary. The St. Louis gay-pride festivals vary in color and character. Most have Web sites where you can learn about the events and goings-on. You can find them through any search engine.
6. Check out the scene. St. Louis is home to a fairly large gay community, and there's a thriving nightlife that picks up considerably during pride festivals. Oh, check out the Gateway Arch, too!

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a camera.
• Certain events require tickets, so check beforehand.
• Practice safe sex. Always.
• Pickpockets thrive at major events, so keep your wits about you.