According to the calendar, it's spring, even if the weather is not cooperating. We're two weeks into the season and I'm sure you've probably seen cherry blossoms, cleaned out the attic, and went to your first kickball practice. Now it's time to plan your spring travel.
From tried-and-true spring traditions to newer and expanded festivals across the country, try one of these events to enjoy the season:
2015 White Party photo by Marques Daniels
White Party
Palm Springs, CA
April 8 - 11, 2016
It's ok to break out the white before Memorial Day for Jeffrey Sanker's White Party. Palm Springs largest gay party electrifies the desert with a spicy array of men, music, DJs and superstar talent. You can continue to ogle the photos, or you can finally see for yourself but act quickly because it's going down this weekend. And yes, there are tickets available. If this is your first time, remember to pack sunscreen and hydrate!
Knitting Peace photo by Mats Backer
Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA
April 8 - 23, 2016
This nearly month-long celebration weaves together a variety of art forms and genres by local and international artists in this art extravaganza. Throughout 15 days, Philly will host more than 60 performances, like a large-scale fire-and-sand performance, a circus built on a foundation of yarn, a traveling symphony performed in water fountains and a massive free day-long street fair.
photo courtesy of MiFo LGBT Film Festival
MiFo LGBT Film Festival
Miami Beach, FL
April 22 - May 1, 2016
Never heard of MiFo before? That's ok, they changed the name last year. The moniker joins together the Miami and Fort Lauderdale LGBT film festivals under one umbrella and one brand. This year's festival hopes to inspire, entertain and celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experiences through more than 80 films. All the screening this spring will be in South Beach. So, win-win!
New Hope Celebrates Pride photo by A. Sinagoga for Visit Philadelphia®
New Hope Celebrates
New Hope, PA
May 15 - 22, 2016
Next month, New Hope, the artist-filled town along the picturesque banks of the Delaware River, about an hour and a half from New York City celebrates its LGBT community with a week-long Pride festival. The biggest event of the week is the annual pride parade, which takes place on May 21. The colorful celebration kicks off with the unfurling of a section of the iconic four-mile Rainbow Flag on loan from Key West, Florida. While you're in town pop in and out of the funky shops, galleries, bars and cafes along the town's lively Main Street.
To discover more about these events and to plan and book your spring trip, visit fagabond.com.