Delight Month is formally right here, and there are many methods to reside out loud day by day, in June and past. Whether or not you need to don your rainbow finest and attend the quite a few Delight celebrations happening round Houston, or take it simple this yr and easily donate to one of many many LGBTQ+-centered neighborhood care organizations, there’s no improper method to rejoice queerness. Identical to there’s no improper method to be queer.
The largest Delight Month occasion taking place within the metropolis, this yr and yearly, is the annual Delight Houston 365. Hundreds of hundreds of individuals descend on downtown for a really huge pageant and parade, the primary of which was held means again in 1978. The festivities kick off on June 28 with the Houston LGBT+ Delight Celebration Pageant at Houston Metropolis Corridor (901 Bagby) from 11am to 6pm, adopted by the famously energetic parade at 7pm.
The occasions is usually a bit overwhelming for first-timers, so we’ve put collectively a information that can assist you know precisely what to anticipate, what to put on, and what to carry. Learn under for our high ideas.
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Plan forward
Buy your tickets now. Though entry into the parade route is free for everybody and doesn’t require a ticket, you are required to buy a ticket in an effort to attend the pageant at Houston Metropolis Corridor. Tickets to the pageant, together with VIP tickets, might be bought right here. Common entry into the pageant begins at $13.12 and is free for youngsters below the age of 12 and seniors 60 and older. VIP tickets run from $230.08 to $344.27 and embody a slew of extra perks like an open bar, entry to the primary stage, cooling zones, grandstand parade viewing, catered meals, and VIP swag baggage. It’s additionally vital to familiarize your self with the format of the pageant and the parade map forward of attending so you may optimize your expertise.
Take public transit
The simplest method to get to the pageant is to take public transportation. Since downtown parking is dear and arduous to seek out, contemplate parking your automobile in a neighborhood like Montrose or the East Finish earlier than taking the MetroRail downtown. We suggest ordering a Metro Q card on-line forward of the pageant, because the kiosks at stations usually break down.
Handle your self
June is at all times punishingly sizzling in Houston, so keep hydrated—and that doesn’t embody solely booze. For those who plan to drink alcohol, it’s much more crucial to maintain up along with your water and electrolyte consumption to forestall dehydration and warmth stroke. Empty clear bottles are allowed onto pageant grounds, the place they will then be topped off with water at filling stations unfold all through the pageant.
It’s additionally vital to carry ample sunscreen with you, particularly in case you burn simply, since there’s a probability you’ll have solely restricted entry to shaded areas. For those who’re nervous that sunscreen gained’t be sufficient, contemplate bringing an umbrella for shade.
And ensure to put on snug sneakers—you’re going to be doing loads of strolling—and clothes. Completely select clothes that reveals off how snug you might be in your personal pores and skin, but additionally contemplate one thing that you simply’re not going to need to rip off after a few hours within the solar and warmth. And for good hygiene, carry hand sanitizer.
Take pleasure in household time
Delight is a chance to make reminiscences that may final a lifetime, and also you’ll need to share these reminiscences with the folks in your life who’re most vital to you. For those who’re bringing younger youngsters with you, you’re in luck, as a result of the pageant additionally features a household enjoyable zone at Tranquility Park that’s good for all ages. This spot function snow cones, face portray, sizzling canine, popcorn, story time, and extra.
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Don’t carry oversize baggage or weapons
No giant or oversize baggage are allowed on pageant grounds, and safety might be checking everybody earlier than they enter the pageant. Fanny packs and drawstring baggage are the best choice. For those who’re bringing a backpack, make sure that it is on the smaller facet so you may carry it inside. It additionally have to be famous that no weapons are allowed on the grounds of the pageant, both.
Don’t carry medicine
Though it is likely to be tempting to mild up or drop out on the pageant, medicine and smoking are prohibited on pageant grounds. And keep in mind: They do test your baggage.
Don’t carry pets to the pageant
For those who are bringing a pup with you, make sure that it’s one of many human selection. You realize, the type that comes with a leather-based hood. Pets are sadly prohibited from pageant grounds, so ensure you go away your pups at residence.Â
Don’t carry outdoors meals and drinks
Outdoors meals and drinks will not be allowed on pageant grounds. There might be loads of distributors slinging meals and drinks, so go away your snacks (and flask!) at residence.
Don’t carry money
Delight Houston is a cash-free zone, and no money might be accepted for any purchases. All purchases on the pageant might be made by way of bank card, Zelle, Venmo, Money App, or PayPal.
What about…
Will There Be Two Delight Parades in Houston This 12 months?
Brief reply: No.
Lengthy reply: 2024 was a notable yr in Houston’s queer historical past, owing to the truth that two Delight parades graced downtown as an alternative of the standard one. New Faces of Delight emerged in 2023 within the wake of a monetary mismanagement scandal on the a part of Delight Houston 365, and arranged a parade and pageant of its personal with the assumption that doing so would rebuild a larger sense of belief amongst native LGBTQ+ organizations.
New Faces of Delight has since pivoted to serving as extra of a year-round fundraising nonprofit, internet hosting occasional occasions and meetups all through town. This yr, it swaps out a parade and pageant for an indoor rodeo-themed gala occasion away from the warmth. Will probably be held on June 21 on the Hilton Americas, with tables accessible beginning at $2,000 and reserved by way of electronic mail. Proceeds profit Out for Schooling, which supplies scholarships for LGBTQ+ youth.
