The hottest LGBTQ events happening in August

Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips. All information is current to the best of our knowledge as of date of publication.

Is it almost August already? For some of us, that means jacket weather is just weeks away. But don’t fret just yet. This month’s queer calendar includes plenty of things to do in shorts and a T-shirt… or less! While some of August’s queerest events may look a little different compared to year’s past or postponed happenings, others are worth bookmarking for next year. Either way, here are the top LGBTQ events happening in August.

RELATED: Visit our LGBTQIA travel hub for welcoming hotels, the ultimate queer events calendar, inspiration, and more!

Northalsted Market Days: Chicago

Flickr CC: Alan Light

The crown jewel in Chicago’s annual queer calendar isn’t Pride, it’s Northalsted Market Days, summer’s super slammin’ street party (the largest in the Midwest), featuring hundreds of vendors, megawatt headliners (past performers include Jake Shears, Todrick Hall, Belinda Carlisle, Deborah Cox, Joan Jett, Human League, and others) and more than 100,000 revelers. It’s summer’s biggest al fresco bash and boozefest, and happens this year August 6–8. Fully vaccinated and ready to party? Then don’t miss this one.

Don’t be Chi! Book your Chicago hotel right here!

Montreal Pride

As soon as our Canadian friends open their borders again, we’ll literally be beating down the doors to visit this Francophile paradise featuring one of the liveliest gay ‘hoods in the world. This year’s Pride happens Aug 9–15 and yes, it will look a little different. Both the Pride Parade and 2021 Community Day are not yet confirmed, but we do know Montreal Pride will include conferences, panels, drag shows, and performances.

Je t’aime Canada! Book your Montreal hotel here!

Outfest: Los Angeles

Queer cinema in the cinema capital of the world? You better believe it. Happening August 13–22, Outfest is a cinephile’s dream and will happen this year in theaters, drive-ins, and online. No word yet on opening and closing night films, but Outfest has long been home to premieres on both the big and small screen, is an Academy Awards-qualifying festival for short films, and rolls out the red carpet for celebs like Kristin Chenoweth, Kathy Griffin, Angelica Ross, and Trixie Mattel. At the 2019 fest, two-thirds of the films were directed by women, people of color, and trans filmmakers.

Soon you will see stars. Book your Los Angeles hotel here!

Provincetown Carnival

Head to Massachusetts en masse for the queerest week in the P-town summer calendar because it’s on! Happening August 15–22 and themed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” P-Town Carnival features parties, art fairs, a costume ball, and more, and culminates in the annual Carnival Parade (though the entire week is likely to look a lot different this year). Book early: During Carnival, this town of 3,000 people swells to 90,000.

Ready for your Cape escape? Book a P-Town hotel here!

Silicon Valley Pride: San Jose, CA

Save the date (Aug 28–29)! Silicon Valley Pride—including a parade (yes, a parade!) and festival—are happening with details to come soon. San Jose may not be San Francisco, but this annual Pride has been happening annually since 1975.

If you know the way to San Jose, book your San Jose hotel here!

Tropical Heat: Key West

The Florida Keys bring the heat in summer and we’re not just talking about sizzling temps. Super spicy Tropical Heat revolves around the city’s men-only, clothing optional hotels and includes events like Hot Naked Sunday Pool Party, “Heat Stroke” Fetish Party, the Lusty Luau and more. Basically, it’s Key West at its most libidinous and happens Aug 11–15 this year. If you can pull yourself away from the pool, remember that Key West is also home to the excellent Hemingway House and Museum, the Southernmost Point Buoy, and some dang good Key lime pie.

The key to a good trip is a great hotel. Book your Key West hotel here!

Vancouver Pride

Though US visitors may have to wait until 2022 (but crossing our fingers borders open sooner or later), Vancouver Pride is a good one. Happening July 19–August 3, this year’s hybrid Pride includes in-person events like a Pride Art Walk, Pride lounges where you can enjoy cocktails with small groups of friends, a decentralized parade where folks are encouraged to celebrate citywide in small groups, and more. At-home events include Drag Story Time, Symphonic Pride, the Posh Ball, and more.

Live your best Van life. Book a Vancouver hotel here!

WorldPride: Copenhagen 2021

It’s going to be hard to top WorldPride 2019 which celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stonewall in NYC, but open and inclusive Copenhagen (and nearby Malmö, Sweden) in summer is a fantastic place for tens of thousands of LGBTQIA people to celebrate. Happening August 12–22, WorldPride: Copenhagen includes both a cultural festival and sporting competition (Euro Games). Hundreds of in-person and digital events—including live performances, lectures, queer city tours, film premieres, fetish demonstrations, parties and more—are planned.

Looking for some Dane good fun? Book your Copenhagen hotel here!

XLSIOR Mykonos

We know one country that’s open for tourism this summer and that’s Greece! The Aegean nation’s queerest island will be celebrating August 15–22 with XLSIOR Mykonos, the queerest party in the Aegean Sea. This gay circuit party brings together more than 30,000 revelers (mostly men, we’re guessing), and promises a full week of killer beats in outdoor settings. BONUS: Super gay Mykonos also boasts gay beaches like Elia, Paraga and Super Paradise, plus gay hotels and bars in lovely Mykonos Town.

Greece is the word. Book your Mykonos hotel here!

Tagged: California, Canada, Chicago, Chicago, Europe, Florida, Greece, Key West, LGBTQIA, Los Angeles, Midwest, Montreal, New England