Pride Guide: Where to Eat, Drink, and Party Before the Parade

Pride Month may be winding down, but the celebration is just getting started in Seattle. The 45th Annual Pride Parade starts on Sunday, June 30 at 11 a.m. on the corner of 4th Avenue and Union Street, ending at Second and Denny Way, where the official PrideFest celebration will take place. This year’s lineup of LGBTQ performers includes Saturn Risin9, Jaimie Wilson, The Txlips, Chi Chi LaRue and more.

Queen Anne, Belltown and Capitol Hill will all be hopping, so planning ahead is essential. If walking isn’t an option, parking is available at Seattle Center (though you’re likely to pay a high price), and a number of buses run along each side of Seattle Center. All of the streets along 4th Avenue downtown will be closed from the early morning. Though the event technically ends at 3 p.m., don’t expect to drive around seamlessly until much later in the evening.

But, of course, the parade is only one part of the Pride revelry. Here are some key events happening throughout the weekend, with some food and drink options for those working up an appetite from all the partying.

Queer Bar Burlesque Kickoff Party

Thursday, June 27 at 9 p.m.

Capitol Hill’s Queer Bar kicks off the weekend with a burlesque-themed event, hosted by Lucy Lips and Joel Domenico. The show will feature Indigo Blue, Shay Simone and a number of other well-known performers, followed by a dance party with DJ Nitty Gritty. Though the show doesn’t start until 9 p.m., the bar opens at 4 p.m., so try and fit a couple mojitos in before the cover kicks in, or fuel up beforehand on Mexican food at nearby Barrio (but don’t forget that Queer Bar has some killer fried chicken). Tickets start at $15. 1518 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

Pride Weekend Kickoff Party

Friday, June 28 at 1 p.m.

The weekend’s official kickoff party takes place on Friday at The Nest (the Thompson hotel’s dramatic rooftop bar). Gaysha Starr will be emceeing the event, featuring a number of nationally recognized DJs, queens and performers. Event entry is free and a portion of proceeds from the night will be donated to PrideFest. Make sure to take advantage of the cocktail specials that are happening all weekend. 110 Stewart Street, Seattle, WA 98101

Trans Pride Seattle

Friday, June 28 at 5 p.m.

Assembly for this parade will begin on the west side of Thompson and Broadway at 5 p.m., with the official march starting right at 6 p.m. The main event culminates at Cal Anderson Park, featuring a lineup of music and comedy performances by members of the trans community. The conspicuous location in the heart of the neighborhood means a number of noteworthy eateries are within walking distance, including Betsutenjin, Katsu Burger and Trove (before it closes its doors). Entry is free. Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98122

Elysian Brewing Pride Beer Garden

Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m.

Live music will be accompanied by a photo booth and temporary tattoo station, all while serving Elysian Brewing’s signature beers, including the Space Dust IPA and Superfuzz. Stick around for the headliner at 8 p.m. — a drag show starring Jinkx Monsoon, DonnaTella Howe, Dutchess Drew Nightshade and more. Tickets at $10 at the door and all proceeds are donated to Seattle Pride. 1221 E Pike, Seattle, WA 98122

Pirate Pride Cruise

Saturday, June 29 at 7:15 p.m.

Hosted by Emerald City Pirates, 2019 partygoers can celebrate Pride Weekend with a pirate ship cruise on Queen Anne’s Revenge. The event includes music, games and adult drinks served on-board while you coast around Lake Union with your fellow passengers. Hungry buccaneers can follow up the experience with dinner at Revel or additional drinks at Ba Bar. Tickets are $29; 21+ only. 860 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109