Easter isn’t just about dyed eggs and chocolate bunnies; it’s a lively celebration within the LGBTQ+ community. With extravagant parades and colorful parties, Easter festivities create a special space for LGBTQ+ individuals to unite, express themselves, and spread joy and unity. So, if you’re getting your rainbow wardrobe ready and unpacking those bunny ears, you’ve stumbled into the perfect gay-friendly Easter getaways guide for the queerer side of Easter.
And hey, even if you don’t celebrate, who doesn’t enjoy an extra-long weekend?
Why Easter Is SO Gay
Easter is like the drag queen of holidays, serving looks and treading the line between solemn and spectacular. For gay men, it’s the perfect occasion to unleash our creativity and showcase our vibrant spirit, intertwined with the complexities of our relationship with Catholicism. The sheer drama of a resurrection, the theatricality of services, and the pomp of parades … It’s a gay extravaganza waiting to be decorated with those special shades of you.
But where do you go to make the most of this chocolate-coated weekend? Don’t worry, we’ve got the map to Queerville and a compass pointing right to fabulous with our gay-friendly Easter getaways guide!
Top 5 Egg-straordinary Easter Destinations for Gay Men
New Orleans
When it comes to Easter festivities, ‘The Big Easy‘ ain’t playing around. This is where Mardi Gras meets Easter pastels—and it’s stunning. The New Orleans Gay Easter Parade is the main course of the city’s Easter ‘gaiety’, heavily seasoned with extravagant attire, soul-moving music, and enough sequins to make Liberace’s ghost faint.
But honestly, who comes to New Orleans just for a parade? The city’s as full of life as a drag queen’s makeup kit. Beyond the Easter glitz, you’ve got a smorgasbord of culture that’ll keep you busier than a bottomless mimosa brunch. We’re talking street performers that could outshine any reality show, jazz that moves your soul more than a gym crush, and food—honey, the food! It’s like every dish is competing to be the next top model in your Instagram feed. Let’s not forget, this city never sleeps; she just takes cat naps. So whether it’s 3 PM or 3 AM, there’s always a party waiting to happen and a story waiting to be told.
Must-Dos in New Orleans That’ll Jazz Up Your Easter Weekend
- Catch a drag show at Oz or Bourbon Pub & Parade—these bars directly across from each other on Bourbon Street are the vibrant, rainbow-filled heart of gay New Orleans. Pro tip: Oz is THE spot for top-notch dancing on a Saturday in New Orleans. Shirts might vanish the later it gets, so consider yourself warned or maybe even lured further in.
- Indulge in some authentic Cajun cuisine at restaurants like Coop’s Place. Bonus points if you find a cute server to flirt with.
- Take a tour of the historic Garden District and admire the beautiful architecture and stunning mansions. It’s the perfect backdrop for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
- End your weekend on a sweet note with some beignets from Cafe du Monde. These delicious fried pastries covered in powdered sugar are a New Orleans specialty and the perfect ending to an eventful Easter weekend.
San Francisco
Rainbow flags aren’t just for Easter but a 365-day wardrobe staple in San Francisco. Every Easter Sunday sees thousands of people—gay, straight and otherwise—gather at Dolores Park, covering nearly every inch of grass. This annual pilgrimage is for the Hunky Jesus & Foxy Mary Contest—a divine mashup of holiness and fabulosity. And it’s all hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the troupe of drag nuns in kabuki makeup that has been a San Francisco staple for over 40 years.
Gay-Friendly Easter Getaways
JFC, if you think the Hunky Jesus Contest is the be-all and end-all of San Fran’s Easter charms, or gay-friendly Easter getaways, you’re missing out on a whole lot of fab! Strut your stuff over to the Castro. It’s like the Disneyland of gayborhoods, only the sights are sassier and the rides—well, let’s just say memories are just a dance floor away. Whether you’re browsing through the cheeky shops that’ll make your grandma blush or sipping a cosmopolitan so good it whispers sweet nothings to your soul, San Francisco is your playground. So, complete your Easter weekend with their swings—yes, those swings.
Must-Dos in San Francisco to Paint the Town Pastel
- Sashay your way to Lookout for Lips & Lashes Drag Brunch. Honey, we’re talking bubbles by the bottle and queens slaying the stage harder than a slumber party massacre.
- Belly up to the bar at SF Eagle, the granddaddy of all leather bars. Check out their Beer Bust on Sunday afternoons where you drop less than $20 for never-ending beer (from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm), with money raised going to charity. Win-win.
- Chow down on some artisanal treats at the Ferry Building Marketplace—think fancy cheese that has more backstory than your last date. And don’t forget about the sea lions at Pier 39, flaunting their blubbery bods with a confidence we all wish we had.
- For a moment of Zen (or Instagram glory), head to Golden Gate Park for gorgeous sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a total cliché, but that view never gets old. Don’t miss a walk through the National AIDS Memorial Grove to honor those who battled this ongoing pandemic.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a colonial historic powerhouse with a just-as-rousing LGBTQ+ history to match. Their Annual Easter Promenade isn’t just steeped in historical tradition; it’s also a space where everyone comes together, and futures are puffed with hope. As you take a leisurely stroll down South Street with your fellow Easter enthusiasts, here’s a fun thought to tuck into your basket: Since the 1980s, the annual parade has been led by the one and only Master of Ceremonies, Henri David, who was rocking the title of Philadelphia’s top-profile gay icon long before it was trendy. It’s a colorful reminder that at its heart, this holiday is all about love, acceptance, and the joy of sporting a fabulous bonnet.
Philly isn’t just about Easter hats and promenades, it’s a full-blown rainbow explosion of brotherly love (or brotherly lurve, if you catch my drift). Ever heard of the Gayborhood? It’s like stepping into a queer wonderland where rainbow street signs are the norm and inclusivity is the game.
Must-Dos in Philly to Pursue Happiness
- Immerse yourself in art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But remember, no touching the sculptures, no matter how chiseled those marble abs are.
- Look for your next ex … or just a good convo. Head to Ubar, where the drinks are stiff and the bartenders, stiffer.
- Hit up a local joint for a Philly cheesesteak because, let’s be real, would you even be in Philadelphia if you didn’t? And let’s spill the tea: it doesn’t matter if it’s Pat’s, Geno’s, or that unassuming corner spot your Uber driver swears by—just savor every bite like it’s the last episode of your favorite Netflix binge.
- Swing by the Liberty Bell—yeah, she’s cracked but she’s iconic, just like a good drag queen’s foundation.
Houston
Now, if the idea of an ‘Easter on steroids’ has you licking your lips and checking your Fitbit, Houston is your stop. The Annual Houston Bunnies on the Bayou is where the Easter colors go wild, and the hares get brisk. Oh, and the boozing and revelry? All for a good cause—supporting awesome LGBTQ+ organizations. Hallelujah!
If a shirtless twink in bunny ears is somehow not enough to tempt you, get this: Houston is hotter than your ex’s new flame, and not just because of the weather. It’s a melting pot of art, food, and killer nightlife. You might come for the bunnies, but you’ll stay for those drop-dead gorgeous museums and to be honest, a brunch scene that’s practically a religious experience in itself. And don’t even get me started on the views. A night under the Texan stars could make even the most painted of Easter eggs green with envy.
Must-Dos in Houston Beyond the Bunnies
- Hit up Montrose. Eclectic, colorful, and chock-full of personality, it’s where you can find treasures in thrift stores and take Instagram-worthy shots with street art.
- Two-step on over to JR’s Bar & Grill—it’s like the Cheers for LGBTQ+ fam: where everybody might not know your name yet, but give ’em five minutes. Whether you’re looking to laugh, dance, or just vibe with a drink, it’s the spot.
- Ditch the traditional Easter brunch for some Texan BBQ and mimosas at one of Houston’s many LGBTQ+-friendly spots like J-Bar-M Barbecue. It’ll be a feast to remember.
- Embrace your artsy side with a strut through the Menil Collection. Who needs a date when you’ve got surrealism, Byzantine bling, and contemporary cool to keep you company? Plus, playing ‘deep-thinker’ in front of a canvas could score points with that cute onlooker, just sayin’.
Palm Springs
Last but never least, Palm Springs. Now, Palm Springs might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of gay-friendly Easter getaways. But hold up: Ever heard of the legendary White Party? Well, it’s happening over Easter weekend. And come on, a party called “White” during Easter … It’s practically screaming resurrection! And since you’ll be surrounded by all those snow bunnies, you might just feel like you’ve hopped into Peter Cottontail’s playground.
Must-Dos in Palm Springs for a White-Out Easter Bash
- Dive into the extravaganza! Every day at White Party, you gotta hit up The Saguaro Palm Springs for their official pool bash with a DJ who’s all about those beats and a crowd ready to make a splash. And remember, SPF is your BFF ’cause nobody wants that lobster look.
- Gear up (literally, ha!) for the iconic Tom of Finland Achromatica party, where black and white combine for one of the sexiest nights of the weekend. Enter the realm of fantasy where you can unleash your inner bad bunny.
- Rock your best exotic desert white for Sahara Desert Nights. Picture yourself dancing in a land of riches, warm sands, and exotic décor surrounded by state-of-the-art sound, mesmerizing lasers, and spectacular lighting at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
- Spill the tea at White Party’s legendary T-Dance. Catch up with the boys who just can’t help but share who had their baskets filled this Easter weekend.
An Easter Basket for Every Bunny
Easter for gay men isn’t just about finding the best pastel. It’s about finding a space where the full spectrum of our rainbow shines without fear. It’s about celebrating love, diversity, and acceptance. So whether you’re a fabulous bunny or just hopping around looking for some fun, this gay-friendly Easter getaways guide got you covered!
So hop to it, book that trip and make sure to pack your best bunny ears and dancing shoes for an unforgettable Easter celebration.