Gay Travel Buddy

Rupert Street Bar and Cafe is the Cheers of London – where everyone knows your name – or at least may very well want to by the end of the night.

Located near where SoHo meets Chinatown in London’s gay nightlife district, Rupert’s is always a good stop to make upon arrival. The nearest tube stop is Piccadilly Circus, located just a few blocks away.

It was the first place we went after leaving our hotel, and served as a great meeting spot for friends throughout our trip due to its central location and infamous reputation. We arrived there in the afternoon, when the bar and lounge area were still calm and nearly empty. We were greeted by a very attractive bartender, who took his time to flirt and welcome us to his city.

The other reason this is a great first stop is the plethora of London LGBT magazines and event listings they have available for patrons inside the bar. Pick up a copy and find out what’s going on in the LGBT scene that week throughout the city. The bartenders are also knowledgable about parties and shindigs, and are more than happy to direct you elsewhere should you be looking for something later on down the road.

Reviews around the web will make mention of the attractiveness of the staff – always a good staple to rely upon when you can’t make any promises concerning the caliber of the clientele. Some of these same reviews will also make note of the poor service from said attractive bartenders, but we didn’t experience anything but prompt attention and friendly attentiveness from them. They gave us a WiFi password, bootlegged from a nearby establishment when we asked, which allowed us to catch up on our internet duties after touching down, and were warm and welcoming each time we came in.

Rupert’s is open everyday of the week, transforming from a relaxed daytime drink and grub spot to a vivacious nightlife local after sunset. The clientele was, indeed, attractive and varied, flirtatious and keen to socialize, and willing to make new friends.

A person can eat day or night for under 10 pounds a person, with food such as burgers, fries, mac and cheese, and more to offer. Drinks ranged from a healthy selection of beers (complete with foam decorations should you choose a frothy brew. Two Guinnesses got us a penis picture and boobs built into our drinks.) Cocktail prices were average with options ranging from cosmos, mules, mojitos, vodka redbulls, whiskey and more. Take note however – they’ll make it a double automatically unless you ask them for a single.

The place had a modern look to it, which was a nice departure form the usual hundred year old bar establishments London is known for. The front half has a metal retro feel, while the back lounge area is darker, with plush cushions and couches surrounding tables lit by interesting light fixtures. There are plenty of dark corners to hide in should the place become busy enough – which it’s always sure to do on weekend nights.

Big windows in the front area of the bar allow you to check out the scenery – both from outside and from within. They also speak to Rupert’s history of being one of the first openly gay bars in London to shed their black curtains and say to the city “Here we are – drunk, gay, and proud.”

Smokers and wanders canget a plastic cup to take outside with them so they can continue with uninterrupted drinking while taking a break from the bevy of beauties inside.

All in all, day or night, meetingfriends or looking for new ones, for food or drink, Rupert’s will continue to be this traveler’s first stop shop in London. Pretty soon, maybe everyone there will know my name.

50 Rupert Street, Soho, London, W1D 6DR

(020) 7494 3059

Gay Houston Calendar of Events

 3rd Annual Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest at Galveston Railroad Museum  

 http://www.yagaspresents.com/chiliquest/

  January 20-22nd, 2012

  Tickets: https://tix.extremetix.com/Online/?siteID=3245&cartID=5f2df727-d5f7-413f-adf7-86b8b17530da

Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest will return to Galveston’s Historic Strand District, with a revamped lineup of craft and imported beer selections presented by Del Papa Distributing Company and Pint Jockeys. The third annual event is set to feature over 80 cook off teams serving up some of the tastiest chili in    Texas and more than 100 different brew varieties.

The event officially opens to the public at 11 a.m. when the chili teams will begin serving their delicious concoctions on the Strand. Guests and attendees are encouraged to walk around the event and experience the wide variety of chilies as well as the other events taking place throughout the day. Some of the  other events include a washer tournament,margarita making contest, jalapeno eating contest, 5k fun-run and a Strand merchant walk-about. An awards ceremony will conclude the event and announce the best chili on Galveston Island.

Last year’s event drew over 6,000 chili and beer lovers, and this year proves to be even larger with the addition of the Pint Jockeys, a group of Del Papa’s craft beer enthusiasts. Yaga’s and the Pint Jockeys will transform the Tremont House’s Davidson Ballroom into a beer Mecca, located at 2300 Ships Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550. The ballroom will open to the public at noon on.

  34th Annual Corvette Chevy Expo at George R. Brown Convention Center

  http://corvettechevyexpo.com/

  Cost: Admission Fee: $15.00, Children under 12 free.

The largest ALL Indoor Corvette & Chevy Event in the Lone Star State. Over 130,000 sq. ft. of Corvette & Chevy Excitement! Large Swap Meet with Major vendors from all over the US selling hard to find parts and accessories by the truckload. See the south’s best Chevrolet Show Cars, NCRS Display, Car        Sales Mart, and Sunday Miss Swimsuit USA Contest.
Saturday 9am to 7pm
Sunday 9am to 6pm
http://corvettechevyexpo.com/
Email: info@corvettechevyexpo.com
Phone: 386-775-2512 Fax: 386-267-3150

 Houston Liberty Festival Benefiting Homes For Our Troops at American Shooting Centers

 Cost: Free –

January 27 – 29

Celebrate our Armed Forces, honor their sacrifices January 27 – 29, and raise funds to build specially-adapted homes for severely combat wounded veterans The three-day festival includes live music, The Inland Empire Carnival, Viet Nam battle reenactment with helicopter, vendors, auctions, powered parachute demo, helicopter rides, moving presentations with honored Veterans, Sporting Clays Tournament, GNAT Shooting (www.gnatusa.com), a Classic and Exotic Car Exhibit, Flag Retirement Ceremony, , US Army Marksmanship Unit Exhibition Shooters, The US Honor Flag (www.ushonorflag.org), battle reenactments, rides in a Huey and a fully tracked M113 armored personnel carrier, girls on horseback, military equipment displays, impersonators, former POWs from WWII, Korea and Vietnam, War Dogs, Rolling Tributes to our Veterans, Cook Teams and more.

Homes for Our Troops, is a national non-profit whose mission is to build specially adapted homes for service members who have been severely wounded in combat operations since September 11, 2001. All specially adapted homes are built at NO COST to the veteran. HFOT relies completely on private donations, and receives no government funding whatsoever. All monies raised allows the vets the chance to live their lives, as independently as possible, in their own homes.

   GO GREEN ART AND ECO-FAIR at SPIRIT KEY

Cost: Free –

http://eventful.com/houston_tx/events/go-green-art-and-ecofair-/E0-001-037327486-7@2011071609

Every Third Saturday of each month

Go Green Art and Eco-Fair Every Third Saturday of each month.
Admission is FREE! Come out and enjoy the great outdoors on 5 beautiful park like acres, and enjoy free music provided by local musicians/bands, along with getting some great deals and great food and great green information that can save you money.

  International Quilt Festival Houston at George R. Brown Convention Center

  Cost: Daily admission – $10 adult/$8; senior & student. Children 10 and under free with paying adult. Full Show Pass – $35 (includes Preview Night) Preview Night ticket – $10

http://www.quilts.com/newHome/shows/viewer.php?page=FallFestival

  November 1-4, 2012

The International Quilt Festival Houston is a premier trade event for the textile and quilts industry in the United States of America. Organized by Quilts Inc., this International Quilt Festival Houston event focuses primarily on the display of quilts and draws a large number of trade visitors each year.                           Geographically located some degrees above the Tropic of Cancer, the country, especially its Northern part, represents a large market for quilts and related items and thus attracts exhibitors from various states who get the opportunity to showcase their creations in unique designs and cloth materials to a discerning set of attendees. Exhibitors can also form new contacts and gather ideas for providing customized services to their clients.

  Katy Home & Garden Show at Leonard E Merrell Center

  Cost:  Admission $9.00 Military ID $5.00 Seniors $7.00 Kids 12 and under FREE

http://www.katyhomeandgardenshow.com/

January 28-29, 2012

On January 28-29, 2012 the 6th Annual Katy Home & Garden Show bursts on to the scene again with some pre-Spring indoor sunshine at the Merrell Center and Robinson Pavilion.

Give spring a try while you shop the great deals at more than 250 exhibits from reputable companies. Stroll through two buildings and two floors of all things blooming home improvement and garden ideas. The one-stop shopping includes decorating, gardening, remodeling, window treatments, home theater, landscaping, kitchens & baths, do-it-yourself, flooring, windows & doors, siding, heating/cooling and a myriad of other home related products and services.

Go to the Katy Home & Garden Show website to enter for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree and free tickets to the show!.

  MLK Grande Parade-Midtown at HCC – Midtown

Cost: Free -

The 2012 MLK Events-Houston Moves To Midtown Bringing Culturally Diverse Events And Activities To One Of Houston’s Largest And Fastest Growing Neighborhoods. The Parade Will Originate On San Jacinto Street @ Elgin Street And Will Proceed N/B 1.0 To Webster Street. For More Information Across   All MLK Events Visit Us Online @ http://www.mlkgrandeparade.org Or Call 713-953-1633

  Gulf Shores Tattoo Expo!! Galveston Island, TX!! at Galveston Island Convention Center

  April 27, 28 and 29 of 2012

  Galveston Is lands first tattoo expo! Loaded with entertainment, awards, ink and most importantly the best tattoo artists in the country! $1000 prize to best of show tattoo! April 27, 28 and 29 of 2012! More information TBA! To book a booth as an artist or vendor please visit www.gulfshoresexpo.com

   Anime Matsuri 2012

   Apr 6, 2012 all day | Friday to Apr 8, 2012 | Sunday

www.animematsuri.com

$15-$100

Anime Matsuri focuses on the promotion of anime and Japanese culture and its related industries in a fun event for the entire family.

Anime Matsuri also serves as a meeting place for members of the industry to connect with the fans and gather feedback on their products and services.

For the three day weekend, Anime Matsuri creates an atmosphere for talented artists, business leaders, ambitious students and many more who come together to express creative ideas and find solutions to industry questions. But most importantly, we host Anime Matsuri because we are passionate about the amazing world   of Japanese culture. YES we love it!

   The 15th Annual Oak Tree Festival at League Park

The 15th Annual Oak Tree Festival brought to you by The League City Heritage Foundation. Takes place at League Park in the heart of League City under the oaks. There will be free entertainment, free kids games, silent auction, common market, martial art demonstrations, live music, Moonwalks, face painting, and lots of edible treats. This year we will be having a pie baking contest with local celebrity judges. We will be showing a family movie in the park on Saturday September 26th at 8pm. For information on joining our organization, corporate sponsorship, or scheduling an interview with the LCHF, please contact Marta    . . .  Vargas at 281-338-1599 or Melissa DeFlora at 832-372-8170. For booth space, contact Chris Wood at 281-554-2003.For the Pie Contest contact Tammy Bolton at 361-774-5162. Any questions can also be answered by Jamie DeFabio 281-316-1751.
The League City Heritage Foundation is a non-profit 501 © (3) organized 15 years ago for the betterment of League City. Our main benefactors are Clear Creek High School seniors as we give scholarships each year to deserving students. We have also donated park benches to the city, a tree for League Park, money for the YMCA after school program, money for the Butler Longhorn Museum, as well as hosting a free Easter Egg Hunt every spring. This year, in addition to our scholarships, we are raising money for the St. Christopher community garden, scholarship awards to the first senior class graduating from Clear Springs HighSchool, and for Clear View High School’s spring 2010 prom. Clear View is a school for at risk students with low enrollment making it difficult to raise adequate funds for functions of this nature.

   Westheimer Block Party at Numbers Night Club

   Cost: Free –

   November 14 -15

The Westheimer Block Party is a FREE, twice-yearly arts and music festival held in the Montrose area of Houston, Texas. Since 2005, Free Press Houston has produced 8 of these festivals, receiving wide acclaim from local media, arts organizations and fans.

Featuring hundreds of local artists, street performers, and vendors of all types, the Westheimer Block Party takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 -15 along the 300-500 blocks of Westheimer Road. Venues participating in the festival include Numbers Night Club, La Strada, Mango’s, and Avant Garden.      Music lovers will enjoy over 250 bands of all genres on 8 stages along with more than 12 dozen artist tables displaying local and regional artist’s works and creating interactive hubs for the dissemination of “underground culture.”

Last year the Festival won the “Best Music Festival – Readers Choice Award” in the Houston Press’s 2008 “Best of Houston” issue. The March, 2009 festival featured National touring music acts performing on 6 of the Festival’s 8 stages during Saturday evening. Daytime admission remained free, but in the evening paid admission to the evening Festival allowed patrons to circulate between stages experiencing each of the acts. This introduction of evening performances, a first for the event, raised attendance levels to over 15,000.

  Party Gras! Procession at The Tremont House Hotel

http://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/uptown/parades.asp

  Location:
The Tremont House
2300 Mechanic
Galveston, TX
Join us for a Dixieland jazz band walking procession. To kick-off a parade in their honor, Doug and Joan McLeod will be parading from M&M Restaurant to The Tremont House with friends, family, supporters and Mardi Gras revelers in true Mardi Gras! Galveston style with the Pizazz Dixie Jazz Brass Band leading the charge. This will be the ultimate crowd pleaser!

  Groundhog Day Celebration at Weather Museum

  Cost: Free – The activities at The Weather Museum are free. The gala at Hotel ZaZa starts at $300

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Will there be six more weeks of winter in Texas or is spring coming early this year? Folks are encouraged to come to The Weather Museum on Groundhog Day to find out! Alamo the Texas Longhorn will look for his shadow and help The Weather Museum’s meteorologists with the official forecast. Visitors will have a chance to take pictures with Alamo and participate in fun Groundhog Day related activities throughout The Weather Museum.

Later in the evening, the Museum will host its 4th Annual Groundhog Day Gala at the Hotel ZaZa. The evening program includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner, silent auction, raffle and annual awards for Weather Heroes. The Weather Hero Awards are given to individuals or groups who have demonstrated heroic qualities in the education of others in the fields of science or math, volunteer efforts in the meteorological community or assistance to others during a weather crisis. In addition, since 2011 was host to a large number of severe weather events, The Weather Museum will also recognize a handful of groups or organizations who played an important role during or after some of this year’s major weather events, including Hurricane Irene, the Mississippi River / Tennessee floods, Texas wildfires and numerous tornado outbreaks, presenting them with a special community weather recognition award.

  Krewe of Gambrinus Parade at Four Points by Sheraton Galveston

  Location:
2300 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston, TXhttp://www.kreweofgambrinus.org/royalty.html
  Free
King Gambrinus throws a party for 200,000 of his closest friends with over 650,000 throws and a fantastic fireworks display. Open and free to the public! Parade runs along Seawall Blvd. from 23rd St. to Central City Blvd.

  International Piano Festival at University of Houston

  Cost: $25/$15

Works by Mozart, Franck, Liszt, Chopin

Location: Moores Opera House, 3271 Cullen Blvd. Houston, TX 77004

Price: $25/$15

Sponsor: Moores School of Music

Contact: 713-743-3388 for more information.

  Worldfest: Houston International Film Festival at 9898 Bissonnet Street

  Address: 9898 BISSONNET, SUITE # 650
Houston TX 77036
  Phone: 713-965-9955
  Start Date: April 13, 2012
  End Date: April 22, 2012
http://www.worldfest.org/

  Cost: $15-$150; http://www.worldfest.org/PAGES/ticketinfo.htm
The 45th Annual WorldFest: Houston International Film and Video Festival brings a blend of feature films, shorts, screenplays, TV commercials, music videos and documentaries to viewers throughout the area. Founded in 1968, past winners include Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, George Lucas and David Lynch-all   early in their careers.

All Premieres & Shows at The AMC Studio 30 at Dunvale – Just 2 Miles west of The Galleria!

Profile and LoProfile in London – gay bar, lounge, and house music

If you want to get down low and dirty till the early hours of the morning, LoProfile Club and lounge in SoHo is a viable option. Located close to everywhere else worth going in London’s trendiest gay district, the club is open Mondays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm till 4am, perfect for the post-bar, pre-sunrise time span.

Above LoProfile is simply Profile, a more casual bar and lounge where you can relax before the party or catch up with friends before entering the milieu of music below. Both are decorated in a questionably chosen pink and yellow motif, but after enough cocktails, the colors blur and you don’t care anymore.

There was a line to get into LoProfile every night we went, which is annoying at the time, but better to have too many people wanting to get into a place than an empty inside.

The scene is a little British circuit party meets trashed and trashy go go dancers, but it can’t be denied it’s a fun place to lose oneself in for a while. House music is what you’ll find bumping in the air, and a slew of gliterati guys is what you’ll find bumping on the dance floor.

The bathroom situation is worth mentioning. Let’s just say, don’t wait until the last minute to go. Give yourself a solid 10 at least to make it through the line. Signs on the doors of the stalls ask that only one person at a time occupy the space, but it doesn’t always hold up – and what happens in a bathroom stall, better stay in a bathroom stall. There is, however, a slew of colognes in case you need to freshen up your stench before heading back out to the trenches to rub up against some more (probably) shirtless boys.

The club throws a number of regular themed parties like BearTrap – an evening for bears and their friends. Polar bears, panda bears, black bears, brown bears, every kind of bear welcome. Fridays are Playtime, a weekly party which claims to bring the sexiest pornstars within a patron’s reach. Described as a red light district wonderland, host Jay Roberts controls just who gets in to the special playtime bedroom to mingle with the mighty.

One of my complaints with this place was a few of the bartenders were either too drunk to move quickly, didn’t care enough to deliver quality service, or simply didn’t want to help a girl out in a predominately male gay scene. Regardless, expect to wait for a drink like you’ll have waited for the bathrooms or coat check. You’ll have to wait as long for the latter once you’re inside the club as you did to get in in the first place – especially on those cold and rainy London nights when no one, no matter how hot they are, can leave their jackets at home.

Entrance to get in ranges from 5 pounds to upwards of 15 depending on the party.

84-86 Wardour Street, London, UK

Chicago Gay Calendar Of Events

Snow Days

01/27-29/12

http://www.navypier.com/snowdays/snowdays.html

Free

Each year at the end of January, there is an event called the Winter Festival in Chicago or Snow Days Chicago during which teams compete in a snow sculpture competition. Watch national and international teams fight for the top spot by recreating Medusa, sea life, and Duchamp works, just to name a few, out of nothing else but pure snow. Pretty incredible right? Come out to the Chicago Snow Festival in Gateway Park at Navy Pier.

Gay Baseball Days

For our gay sports fans, there is a site dedicated to gay baseball events.  Located at http://www.gaybaseballdays.com/

Chicago Motorcycle Show and Parts Expo

http://www.chicagomotorcycleswap.com/index.php

02/03-04/12

$5-$50  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2404720584/chicagositetix

World’s Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show, Parts Expo, and Motorcycle Swap Meet

Now at a new venue Tinley Park convention center, Tinley Park IL, this brand new facility has easy highway access and free parking. Enjoy over 150,000 square feet of custom motorcycles, new parts, used parts, vintage parts, hard to find parts, accessories, chrome, steel, leather, and everything in between. Huge bike show, leather and laced fashion show, models, celebrity appearances, food, beer, live music, and more.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show

Friday, February 10 3:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday, February 11 9:00am-9:00pm

Sunday, February 12 9:00am-5:00pm

http://www.motorcycleshows.com

$13-$55

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show is an annual Chicago event that attracts the best motorcycle builders, parts retailers and vendors in the Midwest. A must for gearheads in Chicago, the International Motorcycle Show is one-day event that takes place the first half of February annually.

The Midwest Film Festival

The Midwest Independent Film Festival takes place every First Tuesday of the month at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, 2828 North Clark, in Chicago.

6:00 p.m. Pre-show Reception

6:30 p.m. The Producers Panel!

7:30 p.m. Film Program Begins
9:30 p.m. After-party

The Midwest Film Festival is a unique, year-round Chicago film festival dedicated to showcasing the best filmmakers from the Midwest. The Midwest Film Festival in Chicago takes place the first Tuesday of every month at the Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, and has hosted the Midwest premiere of dozens of great Indie movies over the years.

Chicago Auto Show

02/10-19/12

$7-$11

http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/default.aspx

One of the largest auto shows in North America, the Auto Show Chicago is any car lover’s dream. Over a million visitors attend this extremely popular show each year and hundreds of cars are showcased. Auto Show Chicago is located at McCormick Place, America’s biggest convention center that features several restaurants and a food court for your convenience.

The Chicago Flower And Garden Show

http://www.chicagoflower.com/

03/10-18/12

$15-17 (http://www.chicagoflower.com/individuals.php)

The Flower Show Chicago is located at Navy Pier, and is one of the most colorful exhibitions around! Held in the Spring, the Chicago Flower and Garden Show is a welcome break from the cold Chicago winter. Hundreds of people attend the event every year, making it one of the most popular garden shows in the area.

Latino Film Festival

http://chicagolatinofilmfestival.org/

04/01-15/12

$10-$11

The Latino Film Festival is one of Chicago’s biggest and most diverse international cultural events. The Latino Film Festival is a jewel for the City of Chicago, and has contributed greatly to its positioning as a world-class city. Over the years, the Chicago Film Festival has hosted more than 2,000 filmmakers and journalists. In turn, they have experienced the cultural scene and life of Chicago.

Nowadays, the Latino Film Festival Chicago shows over 100 films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, the United States, and many other countries. The growth of the Latino Film Festival Chicago from 500 attendees in 1985 to more than 35,000 last year is clear evidence of the great success this Chicago Film Festival has enjoyed over the years.

Chicago Improv Festival

04/23-29/12

http://www.chicagoimprovfestival.org/web/cif_home.php

$7-15

Chicago is a city famous for its hilarious Improv troupes and comedy showcases, so it’s no surprise that the Improv Festival Chicago is one of the premier comedy festivals in the country. This annual comedy festival Chicago attracts the top Improv troupes and comedians from around the globe, and takes place in numerous Chicago theaters and comedy clubs throughout the city.

Next Art Chicago

04/27-29/12

$18-$20

http://www.artchicago.com/

NEXT ART CHICAGO is the result of the merger of two successful and long-running art fairs, Art Chicago and NEXT, The Invitational Exhibition of Emerging Art.  As the largest, most important visual arts event in the Midwest, it provides collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the most compelling art of our day.

With a combined history of 35 years the fair will take a considered, cohesive, and tightly-curated approach where the most exciting emerging artists will be shown alongside more established figures, affording a lively dialogue between generations as well as a survey of the newest developments in contemporary art. This new model is being implemented by a staff focused in the visual arts and led by Staci Boris, former curator at the Spertus Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.

NEXT ART CHICAGO will showcase a broad range of important works of art in tandem with a continued our emphasis on intelligent and innovative educational programming, exhibitions, and special events.

Chicago Blues Festival

06/08-10/12

Free

http://www.chicagofestivals.net/category/city-of-chicago-festivals/blues-festival

The Blues Festival Chicago has presented countless number of blues notes and moments to millions of blues fans from around the world on Chicago’s lakefront Grant Park. For three days the park turns into a haven for blues fanatics, or anyone looking for a good time. Food vendors and legendary blues musicians come to share their passion with thousands of people at the Chicago Blues Fest.

Chicago Underground Film Festival

$6-$11

06/08-10/12

http://cuff.org/

The Chicago Underground Film event isn’t your average stuffy film festival. The Chicago Underground Film Festival is designed to make the film festival experience more accessible to the general public. This annual cultural event is one of Chicago’s top film festivals that draws film makers and film fans from all over the country and from around the world. Chicago Film Festival films fall into 7 different categories: Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Experimental, Animation, Music Video and “Made in Chicago.

NeoCon World’s Trade Fair

06/11-13/12

$25-$65

http://www.neocon.com/Neocon/index.cfm/splash/

NeoCon World’s Trade Fair Chicago is a huge annual fair that exhibits the very best in home design, art, architecture and building materials. Prepare to be amazed at the sheer size and diversity of exhibitions at this extremely popular Chicago trade fair.

FESTA! PASTA! VINO!

06/14-17/12

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicagos-23rd-Annual-Onesti-Festa-Pasta-Vino/188627411172925?sk=info

Free

This annual celebration of Italian culture located in the classic “The Heart of Chicago” generations –old Italian neighborhood draws approximately 25,000 attendees annually. Great Italian wines, authentic Italian food specialties from the incredible restaurants located in that “Little Tuscany” area, Venetian-costumed performers, statues that line the street and a Florentine market filled with finely crafted Italian merchandise has added to what has become a Father’s Day weekend tradition for many families.

Music Without Borders

Thursdays, June and July

Free

Explore the world and discover music from cultures spanning the entire globe when Music Without Borders returns to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for its sixth summer.  Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.

Wells Street Art Festival

06/09-10/12

free

One of the city’s largest and most acclaimed fine arts happenings, it’s held in the heart of Chicago’s historic Old Town neighborhood. The annual art extravaganza features the works of more than 250 juried artists with the eclectic mix running the gamut from paintings, sculptures and glasswork to photography, ceramics, woodwork and much more. It also features the tasty cuisine of Old Town restaurants, the always-hoppin’ music stage, and a silent auction.

Chicago Annual Pride Parade

http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org/

06/24/12

The Chicago Pride Parade has been a staple of the Chicago gay community for more than 40 years, and is the culmination of a month-long series of events celebrating gay pride. The event is held every year on the last Sunday of June, and is the largest event in the gay community. Thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people celebrate their sexuality, and plenty of straight people come to celebrate with them!

SummerDance

Thursday, Friday, Saturdays, Summer 2012

4-7pm

Free

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture presents the Chicago SummerDance festival. For eleven weeks each summer, the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park blossoms into an urban dance space. The series offers an introductory one-hour dance lesson by professional instructors followed by two hours of live music and dancing on a  4,900 square-foot, open-air dance floor designed by artist Dan Peterman out of 100% recycled materials. Chicago SummerDance is located in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, at 601 S. Michigan Avenue.

Dearborn Garden Walk

http://www.dearborngardenwalk.com/

$30-$35

Residents of Chicago

Gold Coast neighborhood open their garden gates to visitors during the annual Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival. This pleasant day out includes many beautiful gardens on Dearborn, State, Astor and LaSalle Streets and Sandburg Terrace, between Division Street and North Avenue. Many of the walks offer small guides which describe all the gardens being shown. Most of the proud gardeners are on hand to discuss their green-fingered work. The Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival is the oldest garden walk in the country and all the gardens featured have won awards. The event also includes architectural tours, activities for children and an exhibition.

Taste of Chicago

7/12-15/12

Free

http://tasteofchicago2012.eventbrite.com/

The City of Chicago and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events presents the annual Taste of Chicago. Each day more than 70 local restaurateurs offer a delicious combination of ethnic items, family favorites, exotic and Chicago specialties feeding more than 3 million people in Grant Park, in downtown Chicago. Live entertainment is also provided every day by a variety of musical performances on multiple stages. Be sure to check the website for updated information concerning musical guests and other Taste of Chicago events.

Chicago Folk and Roots Festival

07/07-08/12

Free

http://www.chicagofolkandroots.org/

Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is a two day celebration that attracts 30,000 people for a spectacular array of music and dance performances, workshops, children’s activities, and an assortment of locally-owned food, drink and retail vendors. Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is one of the most anticipated neighborhood festivals of the summer and has built a solid reputation for artistic quality.

Chicago West Fest

07/07-08/12

Free

www.westfestchicago.com

There is something for everyone at West Fest, the Chicago street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of its West Town environs. Held annually on Chicago Avenue at Damen, the two-day party features live cutting edge music booked by Empty Bottle Presents, the BassbythePound DJ Stage, Kid Fest with kid activities and entertainment, Pet Fest with pet product vendors and dog activities for charity, plus a multitude of booths from popular neighborhood restaurants, retailers, and artists. What makes this fest unique is that it’s locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is all-things “local,” from the food to the talent.

Kane County Fair

http://www.kanecountyfair.com/

07/18-22/12

$0-$8

The Kane County Fair Chicago has been a staple of the Chicagoland Events Calendar for years. This classic Chicago fair includes all of the events you’ve come to expect from a local county fair, and takes place the third week of July each year at the Kane County Fairgrounds an hour west of Chicago.

Lollapalooza

08/03-05/12

www.lollapalooza.com

$90-$250

A Grant Park Chicago tradition since 2005, the Lollapalooza Music Festival Chicago is one of the top annual U.S. concerts each year. Attracting the hottest music acts from the worlds of rock, pop, punk music and more, Lollapalooza Music Festival Chicago combines great music with a fun atmosphere that makes for one of the best annual music festivals around.

Market Days on Halsted

Annually in August

Market Days is a large and well attended gay street fair, we have been to this event and its a ton of fun and if you are going to be in Chicago in August, this is a must see.  Check out their website for details about the event.  Chicago Events.

Chicago International Film Festival

10/11-25/12

www.chicagofilmfestival.com

$10-$13

The Chicago International Film Festival plays host to the latest and most groundbreaking in international cinema. Enjoy phenomenal international movies often showcased for the first time and discover new directors and stars in the process.

HRC Chicago Gala

Annually in November

http://www.hrcchicago.org/

The Human Rights Campaign holds an annual Gala in Chicago, HRC is a charity that helps the GLBT community by fighting for our rights and so far has failed in California for equal rights and instead of going out to the small towns in California where most of the hate and prejudice is found, they provide information in the Castro where obviously of course we would vote against the ban on gay marriage.  Hopefully the Chicago group has a better chance of getting this to pass in Illinois.

Gay Salt Lake City

A hermaphroditic, golden angel blows his/her trumpet towards the imposing mountains, offering reassurance and religious guidance to the worker bees residing in the suburban sprawl below her/him. This is Salt Lake City, once declared “the place” a couple hundred years ago, and now instills feelings of trepidation and curiosity in gays the world over.

You may ask yourself, “Can I drink there?” or, “Do gay people live there” and “Are there places for me?”  These can be tough and confusing questions, but I’m here to answer them.

Though you may willingly travel to Salt Lake for a fabulous ski vacation a la Wham’s “Last Christmas” music video, you will probably find yourself here because of a strange layover or business conference. Never fear, the gays are here. There are plenty of gay bars to tide you over until you are back in whichever megalopolis you come from, and has enough lisping to confuse Marcus Bachmann and alcohol to heavens. In fact, Salt Lake City was recently ranked “The Gayest City in America” by The Advocate magazine.

From a sociological standpoint, gay bars in Salt Lake are interesting and unique insofar as every type of gay mixes together. The city has a large enough gay population to support a number of different gay bars but unlike other cities, you won’t find the segregated “muscle bars,” “bear bars,” “hipster bars,” etc. Everyone gets down together in Salt Lake! But just remember to bring your scannable ID because it’s strictly 18 to come, 21 to swallow.

Club Jam  – The hippest of the hip, the coolest of the cool. This is the place for the young and the beautiful A-Gays of Salt Lake. From the minute this bar-turned-nightclub opened to the public, its been in the headlines. First, for protesting the city’s refusal to administer a liquor license (that has since been handed out – there is a full bar) and then, for being one of very few nightclubs to be eco-friendly, with recycling, composting and even a bamboo dance floor. But none of that really matters with music this good. There is no Top-40 here, only the best from the undergrowth of dance and electronic music to make you shake your skivvies off. If you go anywhere in Salt Lake, go to Jam.

Located in the Marmalade District at 751 North 300 West (That’s “Seven Fifty-One North, Third West”)

The Tavernacle Social Club – No, this is not the Tabernacle, the famous Mormon-owned music hall whose choir tours the world. This is the Tavernacle, a dueling pianos and karaoke bar that lets anyone in, but has a particularly strong following from the gays on Saturday nights. The pianists take any requests, as long as someone is up there to play their best Jessica Rabbit. Other than the martinis, the best part about this place is the secret requests where friends can have others from their group brought up on stage to sing their terrible rendition of whatever evil song you choose, from “Poker Face” to “Love Shack.” And trust me, the embarrassment of not getting on stage is much more than the embarrassment waiting in the spotlight.

Located downtown on 201 East 300 South (That’s “Two-Oh-One East Three-Hundred South”)

Club TryAngels – Not so much club as bar, but there is a small dance floor nonetheless. You may go here if you feel like going out in the simple jeans-and-t-shirt frock so you can “hang.” The people are friendly, if older, and the drinks are big. If a relaxed atmosphere where you can “be yourself” is your thing, then this is your place.

Located south of Downtown at 251 West 900 South.

Püre – Let’s keep this simple: if you like underaged, drunken, skinny youths whose bodies are ripe with the smell of “Fierce” from Abercrombie and Fitch and whose polo from the same retailer was taken off and stuffed under the gogo-boy’s cage when they entered, then go here.

Located Downtown at 579 West 200 South

Pago – One needs food to absorb alcohol, either before, during or after. Pago is the best place for a morning after brunch. The restaurant is part of the farm-to-plate trend going on across America and has an evolving and revolving menu. Some of the mainstays to try are the Croque Monsieur or Madam or the chicken hash (as you please) preferably with a locally-brewed St. Provo Girl Pilsner. Hair of the dog.

Located in the 9th and 9th district on 878 South 900 East

Coffee Garden – Hang-out spot of yours truly, circa 16 years old, this place has been where the gays get caffeinated for years. The locally-roasted coffee and the playlist of Brahms and Vivaldi makes the Coffee Garden a step up from Starbucks.

Located in the 9th and 9th district on 878 East 900 South

Are you planning on a trip to San Diego?  Undoubtedly you will wind up in Hillcrest at some point, the majority of the gay bars and clubs are located in Hillcrest with a few in Down Town, North Park and Old Town.

Hillcrest has a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and boutique shops to keep you busy for days.  There is an abundant supply of furniture shops, however much of what you see will be nearly impossible to take back on the plane with you and may be a bit pricey to ship.  There is a nice selection of clothing shops that have a nice array of lightly used clothing and new designer labels.  There have been higher end shops that have come and left over the years, the average gay resident in San Diego cannot afford such clothing.  As beautiful as San Diego may be it is not known for big industry due to its high cost and lack of quality talent, I have hired many people in San Diego and have found them to be very lazy and without experience.  I am originally from San Diego myself.

The majority of gay bars, clubs and restaurants are centrally located on University Ave, the range stretches from 3rd ave to Park on the far other end.  The West end of Hillcrest has Urban Moe’s a fun lively large bar with generous outdoor seating and a large range of diverse events every evening, check their site for details.  Fiesta Cantina is also near Urban Mo’s on the West end and is a very open bar with great drinks and a lively crowd.  The Brass Rail is also on the West end on 5th St, this bar is one of the oldest and has a difficult time creating an identity for itself so I cannot tell you what crowd you will find as it changes all the time.  #1 5th Ave is also on the West end, it is a large venue with outdoor seating in the back, the staff is friendly and they service a wickedly strong cocktail, this bar typically serves a more mature crowd but has a wide range of patrons.

The south end of Hillcrest has a gay hotel called the Park Manor Hotel, there is a very large bar on the roof.  Every Friday early is a happy hour that starts around 5pm and gets packed!  They have great views of Hillcrest and downtown, I highly suggest if you are not staying at this hotel to stop by for the happy hour, it is a ton of fun and you will likely meet some fun locals or tourists.  Some of best hotels are in the Gaslamp District, I suggest hotels from the Starwood chain like the W.

Centrally on University you will find Flicks a small video bar that has a pool table and has a nice range of events nightly.  I have had some great times at this bar over the years.  Just steps away is Rich’s a large dance club that tends to fill up after 10 or 11pm, there is commonly a cover charge and their drinks are a bit on the pricey side.  Recently a club called Universal was just across the street with a mix of Metro Sexual’s and twinky 20 something gay boys.  This place had attitude and the staff was very snooty, I was not sad to hear they went under.   Baja Betty’s a wonderful restaurant and gay bar is also in the center of Hillcrest with great food, service and a fun crowd.  Baja Betty can be quite a mess during Cinco de Drinko or Cinco de Mayo the 5th of May a big Mexican holiday.

On the East end of Hillcrest is Numbers, a large multi room dance club.  Numbers is generally your 20 something crowd and has great music, usually a cover charge and pricey drinks on Park.  Just across the street is the Flame another dance club with a nice range of events depending on the night, check their website to see what is going on as it changes.  100% worth the trip, my absolue favorite gay bar is on the other end of Park is called Bourbon Street. my personal favorite bar that has a generous patio out back and multiple bars, this is not a dance club but is a ton of fun.  Bourbon St now serves food as well, their events change from night to night so check out their website to find out what you are into.  Just around the corner is Cheers a small gay bar with a pool table, the staff is friendly and the crowd is a nice range of both younger and older.  You will also find Lei Lounge a bar/restaurant right next to Bourbon St.  The food is really good, the service is great, there are some really hot waiters there!

Like many gay centers, Hillcrest has a nice selection of gay gym’s.  You can find 24 hour fatness err fitness which is located on 5th near University, I went to take a picture of Gold’s and found it to be closed.  Also, I been asked several times if their are any Gay Bath Houses in San Diego, there is a very large one centrally located in Hillcrest called Club San Diego, on 4th ave.

Hillcrest Restaurants

While visiting Hillcrest you must eat at either the Tractor Room or Hash House a Go Go, located right across from each other on 5th.  They get PACKED! be sure to plan on getting their early in order to get a table.

San Diego Pride is a very large event, the celebration is found all around Hillcrest but the focus of the event will be found in Balboa Park, just south of Hillcrest.  The pictures below are of the part of Balboa Park where they setup the festival.  Balboa park is very large so be sure you know where you are going.  During pride taxi’s are a commodity that is very scarce, you will see tons of rickshaws around.  A word of warning, these guys are not cheap and you could pay 3-10x a normal taxi fare.  Make sure you ask how much before you hop in, they will try to lure you in.  Some of these guys are rather hot, and may be fun to watch sweat while you get a ride to your next bar.

Bourbon Street Hillcrest – Gay Bar – Restaurant

Posh Gay Bar – Hell’s Kitchen NYC

405 West 51st, Hells Kitchen NYC.  Click for Google Map

The Ritz Hell’s Kitchen NYC

The Ritz is a definite must-see spot for any one passing through the Hell’s Kitchen area.  Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon happy hour or a packed Friday night dance scene, the Ritz has it all.  You’ll find a mix of both local regulars and new visitors any time you visit.  The crowd is very relaxed and friendly and usually consists of lots of attractive 20-somethings and plenty of professional guys in their late 20′s and 30′s as well.  During the day the guys tends to be slightly older, but on busy nights the younger ones take over.  The bar staff are friendly and efficient (and usually quite attractive), and will make strong drinks if you tip them well.  Prices are typical for the area ($6 beers and $8 wells), and well worth it if you’re in good with the bartender.  If you meet one of the nightly promoters you can usually score a free drink ticket or two as well.  The bar accepts all major credit cards at all times and it’s dangerously easy to start up a tab (two drink minimum).  There’s a very cheap happy hour all-day Sunday, but it’s cash-only at night.  (Make sure you bring some cash if you plan to pay in that because the ATM is always broken.) Talk to the staff if you plan on showing up with a large group of friends, and they might set you up with a free bottle.  There’s usually a professional photographer in the bar Thu.-Sat. nights, so get a picture with your friends if you have the chance.  You can find it on the Ritz’s Facebook page a few days later.  Best of all, there’s never ever a cover.

369 West 46th Street (212) 333-2554

Cuff Complex Seattle – Gay Bar

This has to be one of the best gay bars I’ve come across in my travels. The Cuff Complex, 21 and over, has a mixed gay crowd that changes throughout the night and week. The crowd earlier in the night consists of older, after-five groups and then graduates to a more twinkish crowd by late night. This place has some kind of killer drink special every night. After talking to a very friendly bartender for a few minutes, I began to question how this place turns a profit. Monday nights offer free pool, free darts, and even free pinball as well as $5 pitchers. Tuesday night is bear-eoke night and $2.75 microbrews. $6 pitchers and more free pool Wednesdays and regular karaoke on Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays offer extended happy hours from 2pm to 7pm and Sunday boasts $1.00 drafts and $2.00 well drinks. Besides the daily specials that the Cuff Complex offers, there are a multitude of events happening monthly including a Memorial Day Underwear Party in May and Photos with Santa in December. I don’t know how much money they can make per customer here, but the Seattle gay community loves this place and always keeps it packed. Street parking is available, but with these drink specials I would definitely cab it.

1533 13th Ave
Seattle WA, 98122

206–323-1525