Seattle is hosting America’s largest free Pride festival on June 24. While the 38th annual parade will be held Sunday, Seattle Out & Proud is offering a slew of other events, including a Pride picnic on June 16, Run and Walk with Pride on June 17, the Pride Pin Lunch Party on June 20 and the Pride Brunch at the Hardrock on Sunday before the parade gets underway. There has even been a “Pride Idol” competition underway since April–every Sunday night members of the LGBT community have been competing at Neighbours Nightclub for a chance to be crowned the next Pride Idol and take home a cool $1,000 cash prize. Join in on the festivities and check out some other fun Pride parties happening the weekend of the festival.

RED Men’s Pride Party 
Neumos
925 East Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 709-9442
seattlepridefest.org

Price: $25 pre-sale, $45 VIP pass
Date: June 23, 2012 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

RED is the color of Pride in Seattle and this party is the festival’s largest male-only function. With 20 percent of the cover given to Washington United for Marriage, Pride goers can party ’til the wee hours of the morning for a cause they can stand behind. This year, the celebration is taking place at Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room, a popular music venue in downtown Seattle, and DJ Brian Gorr will be rocking the venue from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. After that, DJ Phil B takes over until 6 a.m. Score a VIP pass for entry to the party, access to the VIP area and a meet and greet with DJ Phil B at the DJ stage on Sunday.

RED Women’s Pride Party
Baltic Room
1207 Pine St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 625-4444
seattlepridefest.org

Price: $20 Pre-sale, $40 VIP Pass
Date: June 23, 2012 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Not to be outdone, the ladies will be having a RED Pride party of their own at the Baltic Room, just a few blocks from where the fellas will be dancing the night away. This year’s women-only Pride Fest party features DJ Tina T, Roy G. Biv and Mr. Charming. The party is being produced by One Degree Events, and like the men’s party, 20 percent of cover going directly to Washington United for Marriage. The Women’s VIP Pass includes entry to the party, the VIP area and the invitation only backstage meet and greet with DJ Tina T.

Wildrose
1021 E Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 324-9210
www.thewildrosebar.com

When it comes to Pride festival fun, it’s hard to beat the Wildrose bar on Pike Street in Capitol Hill. Filled with pride themed games, drink specials and entertainment, this hotspot is sure to be packed all weekend long while the festivities are underway. On Friday the party moves outdoors for the legendary 3-day festival held in their Bush Beer Gardens. Entertainment includes four bars, DJs, Live Bands, yummy food, lesbian wet t-shirt contests and interactive games.

Related: Seattle’s Best Gay and Lesbian Bars

The Elite
1520 E. Olive Way
Seattle, WA
(206) 860-0999
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Elite

Located on Capitol Hill, The Elite is Seattle’s oldest gay bar. With a sign above the door that reads, “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends,” this venue is welcoming to people of all orientations, and you won’t find a friendlier bar staff in the city. There is no better place to share a few laughs with the bartenders and more than a few drinks with friends. Patrons enjoy jukebox music, pool tables, touch screen games, dartboards and four HDTVs in this fun, welcoming atmosphere.

Related: Best Singles Bars In Seattle

Neighbours Nightclub
1509 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 324-5358
www.neighboursnightclub.com

Home to Seattle’s Pride Idol contest, Neighbours hosts a new theme every night of the week, so it will be a hotspot when the Pride festivities are in full swing. This giant venue can hold more than a 1,000 Pride partiers on its three levels complete with a lounge and the biggest dance floor you’ll find in the city. Come in on Friday or Saturday to listen to the club’s live DJs and take advantage of the after hours party that doesn’t quit until 4 a.m. All are welcome at Neighbours, so leave your  sexual orientation at the door–the only thing you need to worry about here are your dance moves. 

Check out CBS Local’s Guide to Celebrating Seattle Pride

Kristy Stevens-Young is a freelance writer in Seattle. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.