5 smaller cities that do Pride in a big way

The big-city Prides capture most of the spotlight and glitter—and look, we get why—but these five smaller festivals across the US score high on fabulousness and inclusion.

There's no question: Amazing Pride events happen all over the country. And while millions will flock to big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, we're all about checking out the lesser-known celebrations. Because really, America's small city Prides tend to be more intimate, while still offering enough to make them feel like a party (plus you can turn your visit into a real vacation). Just imagine experiencing Pride with Idaho's gorgeous hot springs as your backdrop? Pack your rainbow-colored swimsuit for that trip. Or what about digging into Savannah's best barbecue in full Pride costume? We're all in for that.

So here are five smaller celebrations where you can show your LGBTQ+ colors, along with mini destination guides on the places to hit up before, in between, or after the big blowout.

PrideFest Milwaukee is quite the spectacle. Past acts have run the gamut from DJ SnackDaddy and Salford Lads to Rai and Peaches. Every year, the festivities begin in early June at Henry Maier Festival Park along the glassy shore of Lake Michigan. Don't miss the drag performances or the colorful fireworks show. What we love most: the festival’s spirit of inclusion goes a step further with offerings like an accessibility manager and free entry for kids 12 and under.

A super LGBTQ+ friendly bar and grill, Hamburger Mary’s pulls out all the stops with tasty burgers, inventive cocktails, daily drag shows, and plenty of kitsch to spare (drinks are served in glass high-heeled legs, to give you an idea).

Even if you're not into motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Museum ranks high on our to-do list. It's set on 20 acres downtown and takes you on quite the ride of American Harley culture with eye-catching interactive exhibits and free demos on Saturdays (pre-certification required). For those who just can't do the biker thing, the Milwaukee Art Museum is seriously impressive and rivals any big city art institution, with more than 32,000 works that include a collection by Wisconsin native Georgia O’Keeffe.

The Pride vibes continue at Hilton DoubleTree (the event's official hotel partner), which is within easy walking distance of the festival park. Expect a signature cocktail at check-in and a lobby done up in rainbows everywhere. If you want something more off-the-beaten-path, there's the boutique-y Iron Horse Hotel and The Pfister Hotel, housed in a Romanesque Revival building from 1893.

Boise knows how to throw a party—it's put on massive events like Treefort Music Fest and the Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series for decades. So the Boise Pride Festival never disappoints with three days of top-notch acts in September. Every year rings in a new theme and the farewell parade, held on the last day, is always a blast. (We won't hold it against you for overdoing it on the dance float.)

It doesn't get more Boise than a steak dinner at Chandler's, where local musicians play live jazz every night and a 10-minute martini (that's how long it takes to make) is the signature drink. For something more low-key, we love Funky Taco, housed in a cool loft-like space with bright blue leather banquettes and spectacular street views from the floor-t0-ceiling windows. Everything there is sourced locally and the menu is known for its standout vegan and vegetarian options.

When you need a break from the never-ending buzz of Pride, go for a soak in the geothermal waters of Kirkham Hot Springs, located about 50 minutes outside the city. Or if you’ve still got energy to burn off, check out the city’s outdoorsy activities like mountain biking, river rafting, and fly-fishing.

We love the boutique stay Hotel 43 in downtown Boise. The rooms are stylish with great views of the city; the service is top notch; and the location is ideal, just a short walk from the best shops and restaurants—and the Boise Art Museum.

What makes Santa Barbara PRIDE so special is the close-knit community vibes and you feel them even if you're a visitor. The city's Pacific Pride Foundation has been dedicated to providing locals with youth programs, drug counseling, and a wide range of LGBTQ+ programs since the 1940s. The organization's Pacific Pride Festival takes place in August, and the program is full of live music, a sober space with a silent disco, dance performances, and much more. You can bet it will be a superb time with its signature upbeat energy.

For real local LGBTQ+ flavor, don't miss the Glitter Box Brunch on Sundays at the Wildcat Lounge. The place has a great patio out back and serves standout handcrafted cocktails while drag stars entertain all afternoon long.

Every Saturday, locals gather at the Downtown Santa Barbara Farmers Market to check out produce from more than 50 vendors, with crafts and live music on every corner. Spend a couple of hours wandering around, then go for a 20-minute stroll down Stearns Wharf to take in the water views.

For a little SoCal luxury, we're fans of the Kimpton Canary Hotel and its spacious terrace and pool that look out onto the Santa Ynez Mountains. There's also a great FLOAT Luxury Spa, where you can unwind post-Pride with a deep tissue or hot stone massage. A more affordable alternative, the colorful Agave Inn is done up in bright hues, Mexican movie posters, and plenty of cacti. You won't get the mountain vistas, but the hotel is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring downtown.

Savannah has a well-deserved reputation for being super Queer friendly, so it's no surprise the annual Savannah Pride Festival goes all out. The action happens just off buzzy Congress Street in Ellis Square and features standout events like “Masqueerade” that celebrates Queer ball culture with a nod to Halloween (Savannah is known as America’s most haunted city), drag shows, and Pride AFTER DARK. We recommend you start thinking about your costume now. Expect the usual go-go dancers and drag shows at nighttime events, there are also family-friendly activities during the day-time festivities.

Savannah has plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly spots to eat, but these three top our list: Public Kitchen & Bar for its rooftop bar, hearty burgers, and classics like shrimp and grits; the trendy Savoy Society, which serves four different kinds of bloodies for brunch; and The Grey, housed in a 1938 Art Deco Greyhound bus that dishes out modern spins on southern comfort food (we love the sweetbreads—country ham gravy, braised greens, and mashed potatoes).

Go on and check out the city's spooky side even if you're not a believer. Savannah Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour takes you on a creepy evening ride through town with stops at graveyards and houses that have reported paranormal activity. You may be converted by the end.

In Savannah’s historic district, the boutique Hotel Indigo is near all the festival action and is set in a gorgeous 19th-century building with exposed brick and arched windows. If you want something more old-school, consider the Marshall House, which was built in 1851 and has a cozy library, rooms with decorative fireplaces and claw-foot tubs, and a wrought iron terrace that looks out onto busy Broughton Street. Just beware, the hotel is rumored to be haunted.

Bangor PRIDE began in 1992, when students from a local university organized a parade and festival as a social project for class. The fun kicks up every June, starting with a parade, followed by a festival in West Market Square and Norumbega Park.

Yes, this is Maine, but the Irish-inspired Paddy Murphys is all small and cozy, and very LGBTQ+ friendly, with great brews and an unforgettable house-made corn beef hash. Other standouts: the fried pickles and veggie burger. For something more upscale, head to Massimo’s Cucina Italiana, a family-owned restaurant run by Massimo and Anne Marie Ranni. The place is all elegant-chic with brick and stone grotto walls and landscape oil paintings on the walls. You can't go wrong with any of the pasta dishes but we're partial to the agnolotti-style ravioli.

Go for a stroll in Chapin Park or consider a hike along the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park, about an hour’s drive east of Bangor. And if you’re going that way, stop in at Trenton Lobster Pound right off Bar Harbor Road for fresh steamed lobster and blueberry pie.

Bangor is a tiny town and you won't find much in the way of flashy hotels—and that's just why we love it. Check into the Tarratine Inn, an old-world charmer in the middle of downtown.