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5 fall picks for LGBT travelers in 2014

By on September 10, 2014

San Francisco

Photo by torbakhopper/Flickr
Attracting 400,000 fetish enthusiasts from around the globe to San Francisco, Folsom Street Fair bills itself as “the world’s biggest leather event.” This year, the fair shifts over a block (stretching along Folsom from 8th to 13th) and the fair is a week earlier than usual, on Sunday, Sept. 21. The fair includes over 200 exhibitor booths showcasing fetish gear and toys, a massive live stage with top-name indie, electronic and alternative acts, two huge dance areas, public play stations, and an erotic artists’ area. In addition, there will be a clothes check area for attendees who wish to be naked. For more information on visiting San Francisco and a calendar of events throughout the year, check out sanfrancisco.travel.

Montreal

BlackandBlue
Photo by Bob Hendriks, courtesy of BBCM Foundation
Since 1991, the Black and Blue Festival has been raising much needed funds to support Montreal’s HIV/AIDS services. It’s also host to a series of amazing dance events. This year’s festival, Oct. 8 to 14, will include a new Bears & Friends Ball, as well as the traditional Jock Ball and Leather Ball. The main event will take place at Montreal Convention Center on Sunday, Oct. 12, in a special large room that will be transformed into a retro-futuristic environment inspired by the silent movie masterpiece by Fritz Lang, Metropolis. Scheduled DJs include Pascal B, Philip White, Stephan Grondin, Bent Collective (Steven Redant and Danny Verde), Pagano, Tom Stephan, and Coyu. For more information on visiting Montreal and a calendar of events throughout the year, check out tourisme-montreal.org.

New Orleans

NewOrleans_Halloween
Photo courtesy of Halloween New Orleans

New Orleans’s reputation as a premier Halloween destination is unwavering. With much enthusiasm, the city will welcome the 31st annual Halloween New Orleans, Oct. 23 to 26. The weekend-long extravaganza, benefiting Project Lazarus, is the largest gay Halloween charity event in the country; last year drawing its largest crowd since Hurricane Katrina. The schedule of events includes a black-tie ball, dance party, costume contest and parade and classical New Orleans jazz brunch. For more information on visiting New Orleans and a calendar of events throughout the year, check out neworleansonline.com.

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Miami

White-Party
Photo courtesy of Care Resource

Miami will be sizzling when it hosts the 30th anniversary of the White Party Week, Nov. 26 to Dec. 1. Benefiting the health care services of Care Resource, the extended weekend of festivities will include pool, beach and nightclub parties. The main event on Sat. Nov. 29, will be held at the all new Perez Art Museum Miami. Guests will enjoy the nighttime skyline of Miami Beach and the Port of Miami as never seen before in high fashion while enjoying complimentary cocktails all night long. The special evening’s entertainment will be DJ David Knapp and the White Party Symphony, conducted by Sam Hyken. For more information on visiting Miami and a calendar of events throughout the year, check out miamiandbeaches.com.

Curacao

Curacao
Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort

Curacao is one of the most LGBT-friendly islands in the Caribbean, and it’s hoping to grow its reputation even more with the Exotic Festival. The five-day festival, Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, will include ten official parties organized by Gaypartix Productions, which has produced some of Europe’s hottest circuit events. Exotic’s main party will be held at the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort and include a special performance by Brazilian pop star Nicky Valentine. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy Curacao’s rich and diverse culture. For more information on visiting Curacao and a calendar of events throughout the year, check out curacao.com.

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