Just because we’re in the dog days of summer that doesn’t mean our calendars should slow down. There are plenty of LGBT summer events across the country where you can either pack up the car or score cheap airfare to explore a new city. From coast-to-coast, we’re still celebrating our community with Pride events to parties under a scorching sun to flashbacks of Mardi Gras.
Pack your sunblock and boogie on down with one of these four fabulous remaining summer events.
Tropical Heat
Key West, Florida
August 9–13, 2023
The southernmost point of the continental U.S., heats up with art shows, dance parties, boating adventures and trolley tours August 9–13. This all-male event fills the island with more than just sandy shores and sun-kissed faces proving to be a steamy weekend for all. Some cultural events keep the days going, but, in true Key West fashion, a few events are clothing-optional (tip: make sure you read the fine print before buying tickets.)
Carnival
Provincetown, Massachusetts
August 12–19, 2023
Provincetown celebrates all things Carnival! August 12–19, PTown is celebrating all things toys as 5,000+ visitors will enter this toy box. Parades, day markets, and performances will fill the week, including an sunset cruise and drag bingo. While in Cape Cod make sure to rent a bike to cruise Commerical Street (and the boys) and nosh on a lobster roll (you won’t regret it!).
Austin Pride
Austin, Texas
August 12, 2023
Yee Haw! Head down to the Texas capital for more than bbq on August 12. Technically, Pride Week starts August 7 with Rainbow Skate. However, the Saturday Pride parade marching down Congress Avenue is the main event. Make sure you use the impressive state capitol building as a backdrop for rainbow selfies.
Burning Man
Black Rock City, Nevada
August 27–September 4, 2023
If you’re looking for one of America’s most unique experiences, eschew the city and head to the Black Rock Desert, about 110 miles north of Reno, Nevada. What looks like a cultural wasteland 50 weeks of the year truly turns into an artistic mecca starting August 27 and running through September 4. While not solely a queer event, Burning Man is an all-inclusive event celebrating performance and visual arts. Themed camps and mutant vehicles take over the area making it look more like the real-life version of Mad Max than the Nevada desert. Pro tip: In addition to packing a tent, make sure you pack an open mind and this will prove to be a memorable experience.
Photo by Flickr user Scott Beale/Laughing Squid, Jbetac and Ted Eytan used under the Creative Commons Attribution license