It’s almost Pride weekend, and we’re gearing up for the LGBTQ events by curating a list of must-do’s leading up to the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade!
So, how should you prep for PRIDE?
FIRST, THE DETAILS
This year marks the 36th Annual Dallas PRIDE Parade, taking place on Sunday, June 2nd at Fair Park (for the first time ever)! The theme is Stonewall Strong, Dallas Proud in honor of the New York City Stonewall riots and it is sure to be another inclusive, colorful commemoration!
Photo courtesy of Dallas Pride
GET THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO DALLAS PRIDE
There is a fabulous and very extensive “Pride Guide” produced by Dallas Pride and The Dallas Voice, available for free digital download here. In 80 pages, it covers the logistics for the parade and festival, plus A LOT more about the LGBTQ community in Dallas.
Photo courtesy of Dallasites101
HAVE A PREGAME FIESTA AT LA VENTANA IN OAK LAWN
The La Ventana location in Oak Lawn, popularly known as Dallas’ “Gayborhood,” has one of the most vibrant, yet relaxed patios in the city! What better way to make plans for the Pride events, than over tacos and margs with your LGBT+ friends and allies?!
Photo courtesy of Out Of the Closet
SHOP FOR RAINBOW SWAG
There are a few stops you can make to shop for your parade outfit! Out of the Closet Thrift Store in Oak Lawn actively supports and markets towards the LGBT+ community. Beyond being able to find bomb-dot-com vintage and recycled clothing, you could also take advantage of their free HIV testing and pharmacy.
Other places worth checking out include Buffalo Exchange on Greenville for more thrifty options, Flea Style in Deep Ellum for select, fashionable finds, Norcostco Texas Costume for an over-the-top ensemble, and Target, which designs an entire collection dedicated to gay pride!
TAKE A PHOTO WITH THE MURAL AT SMART CITY APARTMENT LOCATING
Smart City Apartment Locating is on a mission to connect Dallasites with the space to be themselves, aka really awesome apartments and/or an inclusive place to work. Glassdoor ranked Smart City one of the Best Places to Work in 2018 and they proudly work with clients of all genders, races and identities. The team has walked in the PRIDE Parade for the last three years declaring “love whoever, live wherever” but this year, they’re going all out with a space themed float (a la, “a space to be yourself”).
You can pose for the perfect Pride Instagram pic in front of Smart City Apartment Locating’s colorful mural, painted by Mariel Pohlman before heading over to the parade. Find the mural in the parking lot of Fiction Coffee.
Photo courtesy of Round-Up Saloon
WARM UP YOUR VOICE & DANCE MOVES
Spend a night out at Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall! Depending on the day of the week, you could take a swing or 2 step class, see a drag show, sing karaoke, or dance dirty to a DJ! Also, Round-Up is hosting a Watch Party for the parade! Watch the live broadcast on their big screen while dancing and drinking cocktails (in the AC)!
Photo courtesy of Dallas Pride
BE READY TO RIDESHARE WITH ALTO
Avoid the mayhem that is Dallas traffic and put the $10 parking fee towards ride-sharing instead! You won’t deal with the stress of finding a parking space and you’ll be able to drink and ride responsibly! Rideshare in style with the local service ALTO, and use promo code “DALLASPRIDE” to get $5 off your ride!
Written by Kara Shannon of Dallasites101
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