I like to shamelessly chameleon myself to celebrations with which I have little-to-zero connection. On St. Patrick's Day, I am emerald-clad, reminding those around me that I am 1/48th Irish (possibly). On Cinco de Mayo, I proudly bust out my sombrero and high-school Spanish and "Hola, compadre!" all my fellow Mexicans. This weekend at Pride Fest will be no exception.
Whatever your sexual proclivity, Pride Fest is arguably the most fun weekend of the year. And St. Louis is leveling up this year with a star-studded lineup that includes Frenchie (from American Idol and The Voice) and Pandora Boxx, who, for those of you who aren't well-versed in drag queen superstars, is quite the performer.
Kicking off tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Tower Grove Park and going until Sunday at 7:30 p.m., the fest will boast a frenzy of fabulousness, which will of course be on its fullest display during the parade at noon on Sunday. But while the park part of Pride is undeniably fun, things get wonderfully raunchy as night falls in The Grove, the hub of the local LGBT community, with the bars and clubs hosting special parties all weekend long.
Novak's (4121 Manchester, 314-531-3699) merriment is color-coded and has been making its way through the rainbow all week. Tonight is the Blue Party (dress in your best blues!) with $10 bottomless cups from 6 till 10 p.m. Saturday is the Purple Party and $10 keeps things a-flowin' from 4 till 8 p.m. with Three Olives drink specials all night.
At the Just John's (4112 Manchester, 314-371-1333) Black Out Party on Friday, expect a sea of tight white get-ups complete with glow sticks. The Carwash Party on Saturday will be packed and presumably very wet. If you prefer a slower pace, head to Just John's on Sunday from 4 till 9 p.m. for a show-tune singalong.
Glowsticks and Broadway numbers not your thing? Other area bars offer specials with less flair. Tonight, Handlebar (4127 Manchester, 314-652-2212) 'tenders will be slinging $3 wells, and tomorrow night it's $4 Jamesons.
So giddy on up to Pride Fest and the after-parties. Its gonna be a scorcher this weekend, so prepare to see less clothing than usual.
