Metro Weekly

Pride Splash & Ride 2016

Everything you need to know about Pride's wettest party!

Gay Day at Six Flags - Photo: Ward Morrison
Gay Day at Six Flags – Photo: Ward Morrison

Grab your towels and bathing suits — and some of your sturdiest footwear — as the LGBT invasion of Six Flags America is nearly upon us. Now in its fourth year, Pride Splash & Ride takes over Six Flags’ water park for a day of fun and an exclusive after-hours dance party, which kicks off at 8 p.m., an hour after the water park closes.

“We wanted to distinguish this from BHT’s Pride Day at King’s Dominion and create something different,” says Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride, which produces the event in conjunction with both NOVA and Baltimore Prides. “We decided to focus on the water park at Six Flags, and do an exclusive water park dance party at the end of the day.”

NOVA Pride’s Jess Conyers says attendees can look forward to evening access to the park’s water rides, some “great swag” for VIP attendees, a drag show featuring local talent — including Mr. and Miss NOVA Pride, Baltimore Pride and Capital Pride — and an evening of music provided by DJ Drew G.

“Pride celebrations have never been as important as they’ve recently become,” says Jabari Lyles, president of the GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland, which organizes Baltimore Pride. “Continuing the celebration in the very fun and welcoming environment of Six Flags America is a great way for the LGBTA community to demonstrate our diversity and our visibility as well as our Pride.”

The 4th Annual Pride Splash & Ride will take place from 10:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, July 30, at Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Upper Marlboro, Md. The exclusive Pride Pool Party and Dance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $42. Visit pridesplash.org.

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