Travel: As The Weather Cools Down, Philly’s LGBT Scene Heats Up

Photo by M. Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®

Fall in Philadelphia is always a thrill: Theaters debut productions. Festivals invigorate city streets. Charitable events unite the city. This year, autumn’s arrival offers even more for LGBT visitors. The season begins with it the Fringe Festival, a 17-day citywide bonanza of cutting-edge contemporary live arts—many of whichspotlight the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender experience. From September to December, Bearded Ladies Cabaret artistic director John Jarboe resurrects his irreverent and bawdy cabaret series Get Pegged. And that’s just on the stages. Come October, Philadelphia will host the nation’s largest coming out party in OutFest and put on the city’s 30th annual AIDS Walk. Here’s a look at what to expect from Philadelphia’s LGBT scene this fall:

Festivals & Outdoor Events:
Haunted attractions are always more fun when experienced with friends—and LGBT Night at Terror Behind the Walls is no exception. Eastern State Penitentiary’s terrifying Halloween-time tradition features six attractions inside the cellblock of a real, abandoned prison, September 16-November 5. For one evening, the crumbling venue hosts brave members of the LGBT community in all six of its scary spaces, followed by cocktails in Al Capone’s cell. October 12. 2027 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-3300, easternstate.org

A half dozen beer gardens, three stages, vast sidewalk sales, tons of fantastic food and loads of family fun show off the vibrant neighborhood also known as the Gayborhood during the Midtown Village Fall Festival. The rain-or-shine street party closes off nine blocks to car traffic in order to welcome person traffic, and lots of it. October 1. Between 12th & Broad Streets and Locust & Chestnut Streets, midtownvillagephilly.org

Held annually around National Coming Out Day, the Gayborhood’s OutFest isthe world’s largest coming-out event in the form of an old-fashioned block party. Restaurants and bars throw open their doors to host street-side cookouts and dance parties. There are special areas for children and pets, a mechanical bull, rock-climbing wall, flea market, hula-hoop contest, high-heel race and risqué bagel-eating contest. October 9. (215) 875-9288, phillygaypride.org

This fall’s AIDS Walk Philly marks the 30th year the event is helping those with HIV disease in the Greater Philadelphia area. The theme for 2016: Getting to zero. Now a walk-run—including the 5K AIDS Run Philly—the event starts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and continues along scenic Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. October 16. (215) 731-WALK, aidswalkphilly.org

Show-stopping Performances:
The Wilma Theater begins its 2016/2017 season with Notes of a Native Song,co-presented by FringeArts and created by the duo behind the Tony Award-winning Passing Strange. The multimedia drama delves into the complicated legacy of mid-century queer writer and activist James Baldwin with music, video and spoken word. September 8-11. 265 S. Broad Street, (215) 546-7824, wilmatheater.org

LGBT theater takes a prominent role in this year’s Fringe Festival. Forward-thinking, ever-physical dance troupe Brian Sanders JUNK uses aerial acrobatics and punk and disco music in Carried Away, a performance that evokes scenes from a gay leather bar in the 1970s. Philadelphia choreographer and performance artist Gunnar Montana offers twisted fairytale Wroughtland, featuring sexy versions of familiar characters and exotic sets. For the festival’s traditional (except not at all traditional) finale, Martha Graham Cracker returns for her annual cabaret of pop tunes and impromptu lap dances. September 9-24. Carried Away,2040 Christian Street; Wroughtland, The Latvian Society, 531 N. 7th Street; Martha Graham Cracker, FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-1318, fringearts.com

In In My Body showing at the Prince Theater, real-life couple and Old City gallery owners Michael Biello and Dan Martin use song, spoken word and dance to explore some of the more befuddling aspects of embracing body image. A series of poignant vignettes follow characters grappling with all-too-familiar issues, including sexuality, gender identity, pride and aging. November 9-13. 1412 Chestnut Street, (215) 422-4580, inmybodythemusical.com

John Jarboe, artistic director of The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, reprises his Get Pegged Cabaret series on Penn’s Landing at FringeArts. From September through December, Jarboe invites LGBT artists from Philly and beyond to the stage for impassioned—and often times irreverent—musical performances invoking early-19th-century French cabarets. September 14, October 21, November 18, December 16. 140 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-1318, fringearts.com

As if the gay dating scene weren’t already tough, actor Ryan J. Haddad explores what it’s like to be gay and on the prowl when you have cerebral palsy in Hi, Are You Single? The one-man show, playing this fall during the First Person Arts Festival, tackles the whole gamut—from Grindr to navigating the gay bar scene—on a disabled man’s journey to find Mr. Right. November 12. Christ Church Neighborhood House Theater, 20 N. American Street, (267) 402-2055, firstpersonarts.org

BalletX kicks off its 2016-2017 season this fall with choreographer and co-founder Matthew Neenan and composer Rosie Langabeer’s Sunset, o639 Hours. Live music from The Sunset Club helps transport this mesmerizing, full-length ballet to 1938, when pilot Edwin Musick made his pivotal flight across the Pacific Ocean. November 16-20. The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street, (215) 546-7824, balletx.org

Those who miss Martha Graham Cracker at the Fringe have no need to fret. The towering diva croons every second Thursday of each month at L’Etage in Bella Vista. Set in the intimate, second-story confines of a French-inspired bar, the popular show includes special guest performances and a full set of Martha reprising tunes by artists from David Bowie to Whitney Houston. 624 S. 6th Street, (215) 592-0656, creperie-beaumonde.com

Travel: LGBT Travelers Can Revel in 2016 Lineup of Fabulous Las Vegas Events

Travelers looking for an exciting and colorful array of LGBT events can look no further than the Entertainment Capital of the World. This year ushers in a blending of events that offer an incredible variety of opportunities for only-in-Vegas moments, including daylife, nightlife, entertainment, sporting events, festivals, conventions and more. With celebrated events returning for another fantastic year, and new events making their debut, this year will truly be extraordinary in Las Vegas.

For the first time in National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA) history, the NGBA will host their National LGBT Basketball Championships April 22-24 in Las Vegas. The Coady Roundball Classic brings 36 LGBT and Ally teams from across the U.S. and Canada to Las Vegas and is the longest running LGBT basketball tournament in the world.

Created for lesbians by lesbians, the fun-filled Dinah Vegas returns for its fifth year in Las Vegas. Guests of the weekend-long event can revel cocktail parties, sunshine, poolside fun and more, April 28 – May 1. Caesars Entertainment welcomes the ladies in style with live entertainment from a top-tier line up of Lesbian DJs including Dawna Montell, Dirty Kurty, Whitney Day and DJ Du Jour. Event highlights include a headlining performance by former Pussycat Doll Kaya at the Infinity Pool Party inside Flamingo Las Vegas and the always anticipated Vegas White party at Chateau Nightclub at Paris Las Vegas.

Poolside summer fun continues with Las Vegas’ longest running LGBT pool party, Temptation Sundays which makes its triumphant return for its seventh season at Luxor Hotel & Casino on May 15. This celebrated poolside party takes place every Sunday afternoon May – Sept and features the hottest DJs spinning top tracks, specialty beverages and celebrations.

Las Vegas welcomes the Prime Timers Western Regional Gathering, May 1-5 at The Stratosphere Hotel & Casino. The gathering is arriving in Las Vegas for its seventh year and brings mature gay and bisexual men together for four days of tours, workshops, activities, friendship, support and personal growth.

Las Vegas welcomes the largest gay dance festival of the summer, Matinee Las Vegas, May 27– 30. The festival is celebrating its sixth year and the festivities will take over Rumor Hotel for four exciting days of revelry. Plus, the Water Park event is back for a new all-day and night edition at Cowabunga Bay May 28. Matinee Las Vegas features sizzling parties, bumping DJs and welcomes thousands of LGBT partiers from coast to coast.

Another first, Las Vegas welcome the Big Gay Men Organization’s Western Coast Conference taking place at Luxor Hotel & Casino July 7–11.  This year’s event offers a vendor hall, hospitality suites, evening entertainment options and concludes with the Temptation Sundays pool party.
                              

                                                                 
The Las Vegas Showgirl Invitational bowling tournament is Sept. 2-4. The event takes place at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall and includes team competition, as well as singles and doubles tournaments all weekend long. Join local bowlers and teams from across the U.S. in this fun LGBT bowling tournament.
  Las Vegas PRIDE takes place Oct. 22 and 23 with a lineup of events that celebrate the diversity and uniqueness within the Las Vegas LGBT community. Events include the annual PRIDE Night Parade on Oct. 22 in fabulous Downtown Las Vegas. The PRIDE Festival is in a new, larger location at Sunset Park Oct. 22-23, providing additional space for entertainment. The two-day long event encourages attendees to celebrate their pride with members of the Las Vegas LGBT community and straight allies and enjoy an exciting weekend of events, entertainment and nightlife.
  World Gay Rodeo Finals trots into Las Vegas Oct. 20-23, celebrating their 30^th anniversary. Spectators can enjoy a multitude of events from bull riding and roping to barrel racing and steer decorating as well as the crowning of the TGRA royal court. The annual three-day event will be held at South Point Hotel, Arena & Equestrian Center.

New Horizons Nevada will host their annual May Fun Festival May 1-5 at the Tuscany Suites hotel. This festival brings together adult gay men for five days of social activities, banquets, pub crawls and more while benefiting the Senior Affordable LGBT Housing project.

To learn more about how LGBT special events or how to book a fabulous vacation, visit www.LasVegas.com/GayTravel. 

Travel: 39 reasons Philly is a LGBT destination hotspot in 2016

Since holding the first major U.S. protest for LGBT rights some 50 years ago, Philadelphia has continued to prove that it’s still one of the best destinations for LGBT travelers to get their history straight and their nightlife gay.
 
The city offers a full calendar of events—annual gay pride celebrations, weekly parties and eye-popping performing arts. Here’s a look at the best events by the night, week, month and year in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Find out more after the jump. 

Las Vegas: Satisfy Your Appetite

If you're in the mood for the dining experience of a lifetime, look no further than the incredible restaurants of Las Vegas.

Gay Star Travel Reviews The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

Gay Star Travel has posted a lovely little review of The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, the nation's oldest five star hotel. Who's up for watching some Golden Girls on a TV built into the bathroom mirror?

Travel: Temptation Sundays at Luxor

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway? The hottest gay pool party in Vegas hits Luxor this summer every Sunday from 1pm -7pm through September 27. Now in its 6th season at Luxor, Temptation is the place to see and be seen this summer.

Travel: A hot, hot, hot summer for LGBT travelers to Philly

Photo by A. Sinagoga for VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®

Earning a perfect score on the Human Right Campaign’s Municipality Index for three years running, Philadelphia continues to prove that it’s still one of the best destinations for LGBT travelers to get their history straight and their nightlife gay.

In 2015, Philadelphia marks the 50th Anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement with a year of commemorative exhibitions at major institutions and a Fourth of July weekend full of special events, including a re-enactment of the first “Annual Reminder,” which took place in front of Independence Hall on July 4, 1965.

Add to that landmark celebration a calendar of weekly parties, annual gay pride events, eye-popping art exhibitions and celebrity-studded film and theater festivals. Take a look at some big events in May, June and July 2015 after the jump.

Travel: Ponta Dos Ganchos, Brazil

Melt into your hammock on the veranda of your bungalow, inhale, and almost taste the salty sea air as you find an inner calm in gay-friendly Santa Catarina, Brazil at Ponta Dos Ganchos.

Travel: Geranium Hotel, Mykonos

A stay at the cheerful, chilled-out Geranium Hotel in Mykonos, Greece comes complete with live entertainment in the form of Vassilis Maliotas and Mihalis Kavros, the bickering, bantering, and altogether adorable frontmen at this men-only oasis.

Travel: What's New In Gay Tokyo?

"What isn'’t new in Tokyo?"” Globetrotter Jimmy Im asks of this vast metropolis in Japan. Home to a population upward of 14 million, Tokyo is wildly progressive with emerging neighborhoods, a forward-thinking sensibility, and a gay scene that’'s more welcoming to visitors than in years past.

Travel: 77 LGBT Cruises!

Passport presents their annual Cruise Calendar, an expansive list of the world’s best gay and lesbian cruise voyages for 2015.

Travel: Uncovering Gay Havana, Cuba

An embargo has prevented Americans from visiting this Caribbean nation, but loosened travel restrictions means the possibility to explore a capital that’s resiliency can be seen in the extraordinary people that make up this vibrant city.

Brand g Vacations: A Whole New Way to See Cuba

LGBT tour operator Brand g Vacations today released an updated itinerary for its February 2015 trip to Cuba, expanding its unique People to People Exchange.

Founded in 2011 as “the next generation in gay travel,” Brand g Vacations aims to capture the growing numbers of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) travelers, along with straight allies, who enjoy innovative escorted vacations to international spots.

“It’s a whole new way to see Cuba” said Brand g’s Managing Partner, Jeff Gundvaldson. “This will be one of the first opportunities for US citizens to enjoy shipboard life not only to travel from city to city but also as a floating hotel.” Jeff added, “This allows ample time to see the very best Cuba has to offer, while ensuring high quality dining and comfortable lodging, and minimizing the time spent traveling by motor coach.”

The new itinerary contains many special attractions for LGBT passengers including an optional visit to Humbolt 52, Havana's first gay bar and Cabaret Las Vegas with its popular drag show. Visitors also will have the chance to meet with Dr. Alberto Roque, one of Cuba's best known advocates on gender issues and equality, take a visit to the National Sex Education Center, Cenesex, which is an educational organization and an advocate for LGBT rights in Cuba, and enjoy lunch with Norma Guillard, lesbian activist and professor at the University of Havana.

According to Gundvaldson “This will be a great opportunity for our enthusiastic passengers to connect face-to-face with Cuba’s leading LGBT citizens and allies, as well as a chance to learn about Cuban life, history and the progress they are making.”

The itinerary also allows for a special visit to the UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve region and the international/eco-community of “Las Terrazas,” a tour of ‘Old Havana” a walk through one of the country’s largest nature reserves and a turtle breeding center, and to take part in exchanges with artists, salsa dance lessons and much more. “We will offer a good cross section of activities across a wide range of interests,” said Gundvaldson, “We are sure that there is something to appeal to most everyone.”

(Updated) Time, Space & Inspiration: 2015 GBQ Men’s Writing Retreat in Puerto Vallarta

Whether you’re a beginning writer or a seasoned pro, the upcoming GBQ (Gay, Bisexual, Questioning) Men’sWriting Retreat in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will give you the time, space, and inspiration to do your very best work.

Facilitator Scott Gibson will hold workshopping sessions in the morning and then you will be released to write for the remainder of the day. Optional writing lessons and meditation instruction will also be offered.

Reserve your spot by December 31, and save 15%!

Update 12/01/14: The dates for the retreat have been reschedule for May 18-25 to coincide with Vallarta Pride 2015 (May 17-25).

Travel: Gay Men's Puerto Vallerta Writing Retreat Planned for 2015

Whether you’re a beginning writer working on your first novel, a seasoned poet polishing your collection, or just finally getting that short story out that you’ve been feeling you need to write, the GBQ (Gay, Bisexual, Questioning) Men's Writing Retreat will give you the time, space, and inspiration to get on it. Read this Huff Post article about why you need a writing retreat.

The facilitator, Scott Gibson, holds Masters degrees in Writing and Poetics and Education. He has studied with Voice and Sound coach Paul Oertel, gaining knowledge of how to uncover the voice from within. He has utilized his skills as a teacher of writing with students of all ages to “get the creative juices flowing” with honesty, pride, and passion. Scott edited Blood & Tears: Poems for Matthew Shepard in 1999 and has recently publish a long poem entitled Sticked, Stoned & Bottled and his first novel Seeking MO.
 
The group will stay at a private villa in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta Mexico, directly “above” some of the best restaurants, bars, and beaches in the city. The villa is beautiful, with large bedrooms, a pool, rooftop deck, and a great staff that will keep you relaxed and focused on your writing. 

The best writing results come on retreats that leave plenty of time for relaxing so there will hold “workshopping” sessions in the morning and then you will be released to write for the remainder of the day. Gibson will also offer optional evening mini-lessons and meditation instruction.

Travel: Gay Days Fort Lauderdale 13 Day Countdown!

It's still cold here in Denver but Gay Days Fort Lauderdale is only two weeks away and you know that it's going to be hot, hot, hot! Click HERE to download the magazine.

Travel: A Foodie's Guide to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. First-class shopping, luxurious spas, astounding resorts, famous celebrities from across the globe, and of course, some of the finest dining in the world. gaytravel.com has compiled a list of top eats for LGBT travelers headed to Las Vegas this Fall. Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite experience in a city that has raised the bar on fine dining.

Travel: Still Time to Save on Travel Deals to Folsom Street Fair

There's still time to book your trip to San Francisco for the Folsom Street Fair. Check out these deals from Folsom's travel partners.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Book now at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Hotel Triton, or Prescott Hotel, and receive 20% off of these select properties. Perfectly situated in downtown San Francisco around Union Square, all three are just a short walk to the fairgrounds for Up Your Alley or Folsom Street Fair. Click HERE for Kimpton's special landing page, and enjoy the luxury of one of these premier boutique hotels. Rate code: FETISH. Book now, and don't miss out!


misterbnb


misterbnb facilitates rentals between gay travelers and hosts around the world, who register their spaces for free with Misterbnb. The service connects travelers who want unique experiences at lower costs with hosts willing to rent (fully or partially) their primary residences. With 5,000+ hosts waiting for you in over 95 countries, start planning your next vacation! Book an apartment and live the Misterbnb experience. GO!

Serrano Hotel

The Serrano Hotel is steps away from Union Square, perfectly positioned in the Theater District of San Francisco. Our 236 rooms offer large picture windows, plush Frette bedding, mini bars, flat-panel TVs, and a variety of on-demand programming. Jasper's Corner Tap and Kitchen, located in the hotel, is open all day for a casual drink or bite to eat. Work off dinner at our fully equipped on-site fitness center featuring Precor equipment. Our hotel's focus on guest comfort and our outstanding location will ensure your stay in San Francisco will be exactly what you had in mind. BOOK NOW!

Gay Days Las Vegas - Six Weeks and Counting

It's less than six weeks to your Gay Days Las Vegas, the perfect end-of-summer vacation!

Click HERE to purchase your Gay Days Luxor room which includes your pool party passes.

This year we have another great lineup of DJ's for Gay Days in Las Vegas. The pool parties will be jumping at the Luxor! Here's the listing of DJ's who will be spinning at the pool parties.

Thursday, Sept 4 DJ Eddy & DJ Axis
Friday, Sept 5 DJ Chris Adams & DJ Ryan Tiffin
Saturday, Sept 6 DJ Brett Law, Dj Sinna-G and DJ ChiChi LaRue
Sunday, Sept 7 Party hosted by the Luxor

Click HERE to purchase Gay Days pool party tickets if you are NOT booked at the Luxor. Outside guests are welcome.

Gay Summer Getaways On A Budget: Key West

Gay Key West might be small but it is a massive hot-spot for the gay and lesbian traveler. 

Surrounded by clear waters and tropical foliage it's easy to understand why so many flock to this paradise to relax and enjoy the beauty of life and love.