01 June 2021
Get Your Pride On: Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with IHG Hotels & Resorts
Whether you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, we have rounded up our top destinations and events from around the world where you can celebrate love and – of course – get your pride on.
NYC Pride in New York
Where it all started. In 1969, riots at New York City's Stonewall Inn marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights following a police raid at a gay bar on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. This event was the beginning of the modern Gay Rights movement and led to demonstrations not only in New York City, but in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Today, New York City is home to one of the largest Pride parades in the world. While several of this year’s events will be presented in a virtual format, as well as to-be-determined in-person elements, key events include the NYC Pride March, PrideFest and Pride Island on June 27.
Where to stay: To get close to the action, make a reservation at Kimpton Hotel Eventi – located in the heart of Chelsea – and the hotel will donate $10 per night to The Trevor Project (oh, and guests also get 15 percent off best flexible rates)! Or, book a stay at voco The Franklin and be on the doorstep of Central Park – a popular area long associated with the LGBTQ+ community (and where the first-ever Gay Pride march concluded). While several events are virtual this year, New York’s must-visit attractions for all pride-goers are the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art – one of the only museums of LGBTQ+ history and culture in the world – featuring famous artworks from unknown LGBTQ+ artists to Andy Warhol – and popular bars Cubbyhole and Marie’s Crisis.
San Francisco Pride in California
Known for its contribution in bringing gay culture to mainstream attention, San Francisco Pride is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ parades in the world. While San Francisco Pride is pausing its popular Celebration at the Civic Center and Parade down Market Street this year, LGBTQ+ communities will once again be able to gather for limited, in-person events throughout the month of June, such as: Pride Expo, Pride Movie Night at Oracle Park and the Black Liberation Event with AAACC.
Where to stay: Explore the city’s culture and charm with a luxury stay at InterContinental San Francisco and have an elevated dining experience at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant and Bar 888. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour concierge on staff that can help plan the perfect must-visit itinerary for pride-goers.
Madrid Orgullo in Spain
Spanish for pride, Orgullo, is one of the largest Pride events in Europe and includes a full line-up of outdoor parties and concerts throughout the Chueca neighborhood. Taking place the first Saturday in July, the parade is the main event, where people take to the streets celebrating and embracing diversity – while demanding equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to the parade, Madrid Orgullo features other must-experience events throughout June such as, concerts, Mr. Gay Pride España, and the infamous high-heels race.
Where to stay: Situated in the heart of Madrid's eclectic Moncloa-Argüelles district, Hotel Indigo Madrid Princesa is just a stroll away from the metro that can transport guests to this year’s festivities in under 15 minutes. Enjoy a special stay with a partner when booking the romantic package and receive a bottle of champagne and chocolates upon arrival and even enjoy a late check-out (yes, 11:59 pm is ok!).
Mexico City Pride in Mexico
Widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, Mexico City hosts the largest Pride march, known locally as Marcha del Orgullo, in all of Latin America. The annual march starts at the famous landmark ‘Angel of Independence’ and continues downtown through Avenue Paseo de la Reforma, until it reaches the heart of the city known as The Zocalo. A concert and public merrymaking then take place until well into the evening. While this year’s march will take place virtually, there are several gay-friendly neighborhoods to explore with lively cafes, beautiful architecture, art galleries and night life.
Where to stay: Conveniently located at the intersection of Paseo de la Reforma and Insurgentes, two of the most important avenues in Mexico City, Holiday Inn Express Reforma, is a sleek and modern budget-friendly stay in the heart of the city. It is a short walk to Zona Rosa, Mexico City’s gay-friendly neighborhood filled with bars and clubs that host events throughout Pride. For a more traditional Mexican experience, InterContinental Presidente Mexico City offers an upscale, cosmopolitan stay located in the exclusive Polanco district and features Chapulín – the famed restaurant inspired by the country’s history, traditions, diversity, and cultural wealth.
Paris Pride in France
The French capital, rightly deemed the “City of Love,” is an ideal destination for Pride festivities. Set to take place June 26 through June 30, Le Marais, Paris’ gay district, will host a week of non-stop parties that will end with one big event –Marche des Fiertés LGBTQ (Paris Gay Pride Parade). Marche des Fiertés LGBTQ – which winds its way through Châtelet, Le Marais, Pont de Sully, and Bastille – was born in the ‘80s when a group of locals united over a fight for gay rights and remains a historic event for the city to this day. It signifies visibility, equality, and respect for all.
Where to stay: On Place de la République, Crowne Plaza Paris – République is the perfect location for this year’s Pride. Not only is it in the heart of the trendy, party-going Marais district, five nearby metro lines take you to everywhere in Paris. Here guests can cruise the lively streets dotted with designer shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars.
Pittsburgh Pride in Pennsylvania
Hosting both virtual and in-person events this year, Pittsburgh Pride is two days full of food trucks, face paint, glitter, music, and performances. This year’s festivities will kick off on June 5 with an in-person Pride Revolution March followed by two mini-festivals and several after-parties scattered throughout the city to support LGBTQ+ bars.
Where to stay: The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh will feature a Pride-inspired cocktail all month long and will donate $1 per drink to PGH Equality Center. The hotel will also host two Drag Brunches at The Commoner on June 5 and June 12 where guests can purchase a package of Pride-themed cocktails to enjoy and $10 will go back to PGH Equality Center.
Toronto Pride in Canada
As one of the most advanced countries when it comes to rights for the LGBTQ+ community, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Pride in Toronto. While all celebrations will take place virtually this year, there will still be more than 70 individual events and two Festival Weekends on June 18 and June 25 for the community to tune into and celebrate.
Where to stay: Enjoy the virtual celebrations from Toronto’s iconic Bloor – Yorkville neighborhood with a staycation package at the new Kimpton Saint George, which includes breakfast for two and overnight parking. Or, stay in the heart of the entertainment district at InterContinental Toronto Centre, where the hotel has put together Pride-inspired boozy beverage recipes, such as Life & Liberation (1.5oz Bombay Sapphire Gin, .25oz Triple Sec, .25oz Lemon Juice and a dash of Grenadine) and Freedom (1.25oz Grey Goose, .25oz Cointreau and 1.5oz Pomegranate Juice), so guests can still revel and radiate love from the comfort of their room!
While the pandemic has continued travel restrictions and social distancing measures in certain parts of the world – leading to canceled in-person events – it has also brought about new opportunities to reach, inspire and educate those not able to be at the forefront of some of the world’s most famous celebrations.
To make the most of your stay during Pride, check out our Enroll and Stay offer, where new IHG Rewards members can earn a free night.
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