Minneapolis Gay and Lesbian Scene

(Minneapolis, Minnesota - MN, USA US)

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are a fun place to hang out at anytime, although each summer in June, this combined metropolis is arguably at its most lively, when the Twin Cities Gay Pride Celebration comes along.

Historically, Minneapolis has shown itself to be especially open-minded, being amongst the first cities in the United States to adopt and enforce anti-discriminatory laws. This formed the start of the city's burgeoning LGBT scene and although there isn't one single gay neighborhood as such, there is a noticeable cluster of gay and lesbian nightspots within the downtown district.

If you are searching for that ultimate dance spot where you can really let your hair down, then consider spending the night at The Saloon on Hennepin Avenue, in downtown Minneapolis. The Saloon essentially comprises three different bars and a large dance floor, along with themed party nights, such as drag acts, comedy gigs, DJ nights and a monthly Latino night.

Also standing on Hennepin Avenue is the Gay 90s nightclub, which advertises itself as being the city's premier dance club and stays open each night until 02:00 in the morning. Other popular bars and nightspots can be found along Washington Avenue South (the Eagle Bolt Bar), and within the vibrant Warehouse District, on 1st Street North (the JetSet Bar).

Minneapolis Gay and Lesbian Events

• Twin Cities Pride Celebration
  Dating back to the early 1980s and now held each year towards the end of June, the Twin Cities' enormous gay pride extravaganza attracts thousands of visitors to Minneapolis. This annual weekend event is truly the highlight of the LGBT calendar of both Minneapolis and St. Paul, being based around Loring Park.
  
  The festival includes Pride Concerts with headline acts, an art show, a Mississippi River cruise and a huge picnic in the park, as well as its 5K Rainbow Run, Grand Marshal's Reception and Beer Dabbler. Of course, the big draw is the Pride Parade itself, which takes place on Sunday morning, heading along 3rd Street and Hennepin Avenue. During the course of the weekend, the annual attendance is estimated at more than 400,000 people, making the Twin Cities Pride Celebration currently the third-biggest in the whole of the USA.
• Minneapolis Flaming Film Festival
  Held each year in June / July, this famous GLBT film festival is based at the Bedlam Theater, on the city's West Bank.
• Minneapolis / St. Paul GLBT Film Festival
  This popular film festival is staged at venues around the two cities, with independent movies, short films and themed documentaries all being screened during the course of events.

Useful contact:

OutFront Minnesota
Tel: +1 612 822 0127