2011 Gay Pride Events

April is early in the pride season, but a handful of cities have chosen to lead the charge (and avoid the rush of summer events).

First off is Eureka Springs Diversity Weekend. The small town of Eureka Springs (no, not the fictional Syfy set) hosts a number of gay pride events throughout the year. The most notable are Diversity Weekends on April 1-3, August 5-7 and October 29-31. According to LGBT site, Out in Eureka, "there’s no need to look for a 'gay district'" in this little Southern town. The kids are everywhere! (Write a Review)

Move southeast to Florida's capital city, Tallahassee. This year's Tallahassee Pridefest will hit in the middle of the month on April 9 through April 16, 2011. Expect a large turnout on the panhandle, as thousands turn out for the main event: Pride in the Plaza Festival on Saturday. (Write a Review).

Move to the southern tip of Florida and you'll run into the Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival. In 2011, the gays will meet for some fun and sun on April 16th. But don't get landlocked. The Miami Beach Pride Cruise sails from April 18 - 22 to the Bahamas. (Write a Review).

Next, Phoenix crowns its Mister and Miss Phoenix Pride, just in time for "10 Days of Pride" events starting with the Phoenix Film Festival LGBTQ Weekend on April 1 and 2, 2011. After, hit a number of hot land events, topped off by the Phoenix Pride Parade on April 16th. On the fence about attending Phoenix Pride? Consider the large contribution Phoenix Pride gives back to the community in scholarships and donations. 2010's total: a whopping 92 grand. (Write a Review).

Back for some large Southern charm, Mobile Alabama Pride welcomes visitors April 29 - May 1, 2011. A parade, picnic, softball tournament and VIP party fill Mobile's Pride days. Mobile Pride shares the 2011 InterPride theme: Pride Around the World. (Write a Review).

Up for a weekend getaway? Travel to South Padre Island for South Padre Island Splash. Star-studded events begin on Friday, April 29 and top off on Saturday, April 30. (Write a Review).

The final April pride destination takes us to the flashing lights of Las Vegas. But this queer event is for pet lovers only. Las Vegas Pride Pet Festival litters the Nevada desert on April 30.