The Perfect Pride Weekend in Seattle

Photo courtesy of Nate Gowdy/Seattle Pride/Facebook

This summer, we're hitting up Seattle, one of our favorite West Coast cities, for an epic weekend of Pride celebrations. From June 24-26, we'll see everything queer the Emerald City has to offer, from the best restaurants to the best places to party. Let Amtrak take you there! Routes include: Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight and Empire Builder.

For places to stay, consider the Arctic Club Seattle located in a restored historic building downtown or the Alexis Hotel, an architectural landmark, or The W Hotel in Seattle, which boasts swanky, contemporary interiors. All three are conveniently located near almost every major Pride event.

Photo courtesy of Alexis Hotel/Facebook

Friday, June 24

5 PM: The 5th annual Trans Pride Seattle begins at Capitol Hill (specific location to be announced) and heads to Cal Anderson Park for celebrations and a series of speeches.

Photo courtesy of Alex Garland/Trans Pride Seattle/Facebook

9 PM: From the park, wander to Wild Rose for a booty shakin' contest and all around dance-fun, or to Flamingo for musical theater entertainment and cabaret.

Here's your chance to squeeze in dinner between the march and the bars, check out Revel for modern Korean-French fusion or Staple & Fancy for solid Italian (the pasta is divine).

Photo courtesy of Staple & Fancy/Facebook

Saturday, June 25

10 AM: Start with a quick bite at the hotel before heading to the Pride Festival March & Rally at Capitol Hill. A march in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots will take place from Seattle Central College campus to Harrison Street--then a full out festival-party will ensue!

12 PM: Grab a delicious brunch at Brass Tracks (secure a mimosa pitcher and treat yourself to the salted caramel brioche French toast) or the Fat Hen (it's all about the baked egg dishes--they're deeelish).

1:30 PM: Seattle's PrideFest Capitol Hill boasts family-friendly performances, a beer garden, and your favorite carnival food (popcorn, ice cream, hot dogs, you name it).

Photo courtesy of Keith Johnson/Seattle Pridefest/Facebook

3:00 PM: Now it's time to check out the gay bar scene. We're big fans of Cuff if you're craving a younger vibe or Lookout for a more chill scene with fabulous Seattle views. Crescent also rocks a fun retro aesthetic with karaoke.

7:00 PM: Dinner at Ray's Boathouse offers classic seafood fair overlooking Shilshole Bay. You won't regret it.

Photo courtesy of Ray's Boathouse

10 PM: Head to Dance Yourself Clean for the best party of the night. The lights and music are inspired by LCD Soundsystem, Phantogram, CHVRCHES, Miike Snow, Haim, among others. The crowd is always eclectic and down to jive.

Sunday, June 26

10 AM: You'll probably want to soak up last night's festivities with a sinfully good brunch. Ba Bar whips together some mean Vietnamese eats, while London Plane has homemade pastries and inventive vegetarian options.

11 AM: Of course, the main event is the Seattle Pride Parade and it can't be missed! This will be the 42nd anniversary and remains one of the top four parades in the country with the largest parade in the region (10,000 participants and half-million spectators!). It draws all members of the community and allies together as they walk from Westlake Park to Denny Way. Happy Seattle Pride!

Photo courtesy of Nate Gowdy/Seattle Pride/Facebook

4 PM - Wind down from the parade and take in some art at Seattle's Art Museum. With three unique locations, you're bound to find an inspiring collection that suits your style.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

7 PM - Looking to purchase a keepsake on your way out of the city? Stop by one of OUT Editor's favorite stores, Filson's Flagship location in Seattle's SoDo district.

Enter the Amtrak + OUT sweepstakes for a chance for you and a friend to attend Seattle's Pride weekend, courtesy of Amtrak.