Things You'll Need:
- Map of Detroit
- Camera
- Accommodations
- Event schedule
- Computer with Internet access
-
Step 1
Choose the festival for you. Detroit is a positive place for the gay community, and there's a major event to prove it--Motor City Pride. This massive pride fest takes place near the beginning of June and lasts several days. There are other gay events at different times throughout the year; you can usually find these listed online at Web sites such as Out in Detroit (see Resources below).
-
Step 2
Make travel arrangements. The city is serviced by several airports, Detroit Metro being the largest. A major hub for Northwest, most major airlines fly there, as do a number of discount carriers. Of course, you can always drive to Motown; once you enter Michigan, it's really the only way to go.
-
Step 3
Find accommodations: Detroit has a number of gay-friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts. Many of the smaller spots fill quickly, so reserve your room as early as possible. There are also some very nice larger hotels, including the stylish Westin Detroit Metropolitan, which has easy access to many of the city’s more sophisticated areas.
-
Step 4
Pack. Detroit can be hot in June, but it's also subject to sudden storms rolling through, so be prepared. If you plan on attending a parade, bring sun block and sunglasses; if you plan on marching, you may wish to consider a costume of some kind.
-
Step 5
Plan your time. Like festivals everywhere, Motor City Pride has a detailed plan of events. Once the schedule is set, it can be found on its Web site (see Resources below). Some events may require tickets, so purchase them in advance if possible.
-
Step 6
Take in the local gay scene: Detroit is home to several of America’s oldest playhouses and museums, and there's a thriving nightlife. Bring your finest club clothes and check out the Rainbow Room and Stiletto’s.
