It's Pride season, and we'll be watching! Hashtag any of your photos on Instagram or Twitter with #pride and it could show up in on our galleries of all the most fun moments from these cities below. You should really follow us @pride_site in both places.
Ricky Cornish at Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau in Montréal, Canada.
Ricky Cornish
Even in the freezing cold temperatures, Montréal, Canada is a top destination for queer travelers.
Can you expect snow? Yes. Should you pack a winter coat? Absolutely. Yet, the chilly atmosphere is actually way more inviting than you'd think.
It's no secret that Montréal is a safe space for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community as it's known for its vibrant queer scene, Pride festivals throughout the summer, and famous gayborhood called Le Village. However, there's no denying that winter is still a magical time to visit the breathtaking city.
Although the temperatures outside may be bone-chilling, there are plenty of places to escape the cold and take in the gorgeous sights and sounds of Montréal.
Located in Old Port, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau is a luxurious spa experience that must be added to any itinerary. The beautiful building serves as a unique floating spa on the St. Lawrence River and offers many relaxing accommodations such as a hydrotherapy water circuit, saunas, steam baths, massages, and more.
It may be hard to imagine that you could wear a bathing suit in the middle of a Canadian winter, but as seen in the pics above, you can comfortably submerge into the heated pools and jacuzzis at Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau as a playful amount of snow falls over your head.
It's safe to say that Le Village and Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau provide plenty of fun indoor opportunities to beat the frigid temperatures, but there's nothing that quite compares to a quintessential Montréal experience than attending Igloofest in the heart of downtown.
Bundling up is a no brainer as this festival takes place outside and at night, but the vibes and atmosphere will definitely keep you warm. Plus, the delicious drinks and body heat from the welcoming ravers all around you certainly helps as well!
Igloofest takes place over a course of four weekends in Montréal before heading off to other cities throughout Canada including Gatineau, Quebec, and Edmonton. Besides the flexible dates, the iconic festival creates a different lineup each weekend to give fans the opportunity to see a different show every night. Just a few of the headliners throughout 2026 at Igloofest include Lost Frequencies, Sofi Tukker, Aluna, Disclosure, DJ Snake, and many more.
The DJs certainly bring huge crowds of passionate fans, but Igloofest offers so much more than your typical music festival.
Thanks to the cold atmosphere, many attendees can be seen bonding with friends making s'mores, playing interactive games to win prize, and indulging in plenty of savory meals and drinks to stay warm. Don't forget to try Montréal's signature dish... the poutine!
Fabulous accommodations are also widely available throughout Old Port, but nothing quite compares to Hotel William Gray. The stunning property is located next to all of the action at Igloofest and offers a very cozy stay with top tier amenities. From tasty restaurants to gorgeous views of the snowfall, this hotel is the best choice across the board.
There's truly something for everyone in the LGBTQ+ when visiting Montréal, even in the dead of winter. Between all of the sickening drag performances, gorgeous decor, and delicious drinks at Le Village, to premiere relaxation at Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau, and the immaculate vibes at Igloofest, there's no shortage of iconic memories to be made in Canada.
No surprise here, but it's also worth noting that the friendly people who make up the queer scene in Montréal really make this city stand out. The rumors are true. Canadians just do it better, and they do it with a smile on their face.
Don't miss out on your chance to check out Igloofest in 2026. To learn more, visit the official website here. You won't regret it!
The RISE Festival just commemorated its tenth year in the Nevada desert and pulled out all of the stops. Considered the world's largest sky lantern festival, the breathtaking event also serves as a safe space for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Everyone had the opportunity to send gorgeous lanterns into the night sky and manifest positive energy or let go of burdens that are weighing them down in their everyday lives.
As if the beautiful views weren't enough, RISE Festival recruited some of the top talent from around the world to give attendees the opportunity to dance the night away. Headliners that performed all weekend included Calvin Harris, Disclosure, John Mayer, LP Giobbi, Rüfüs Du Sol, and more.
There were only a few dry eyes at the stunning celebration. With anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping the country and so much negativity being spread at a rapid pace, RISE Festival couldn't have come at a better time.
Similar to many other popular music festivals, the LGBTQ+ community was in full force and bringing positive vibes that can only be felt amongst queer peers. In fact, LP Giobbi even spoke with PRIDE about specifically keeping an eye out for her gay fans as she performed at the unifying gathering.
"I am playing for you! I think it's a deeply important and beautiful community. I will do everything in my power to support and uplift. I'm just so grateful to be accepted into that community! I feel like I can be most myself around this community. My favorite version of myself is when I get to be with y'all!," Giobbi tells PRIDE.
It's safe to say RISE Festival wanted to make their tenth anniversary a remarkable occasion, so fans are already speculating as to what could be in store for next year. Let the countdown begin!
The writer was invited to cover this event by RISE Festival. Grab tickets to an upcoming show by visiting the official website here.
Mountaintop Pride at Scribner's Catskills Lodge, Hunter, NY, June 2025
Moriah Wolfe for Scribner's Lodge
Mountaintop Pride at Scribner's Catskills Lodge, Hunter, NY, June 2025
Moriah Wolfe for Scribner's Lodge
Sometimes Pride is wild, and sometimes it’s wholesome!
Pride celebrations across the country were filled with ostentatious parades, powerful protests, scantily clad leather daddies, gorgeous drag queens, and Dykes on Bikes, but in the Catskills, Pride Month was little more mellow, but no less meaningful.
Mountaintop Pride at Scribner’s Catskills Lodge started with happy hour at the Deer Mountain Inn, before there was a tattoo pop-up, a bouquet making class, a garden BBQ, a screening of the film Casa Susanna, and a Mama’s Boy Burger’s hosted disco to close out the weekend.
Surrounded by lush trees and picturesque mountains, the queer community came from far and wide to celebrate Pride together, support local businesses, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Keep scrolling to see what Pride Month in the mountains looks like!
Mountaintop Pride at Scribner's Catskills Lodge, Hunter, NY, June 2025
Moriah Wolfe for Scribner's Lodge
Related | West Hollywood always has an incredible turnout for Pride!
Mountaintop Pride at Scribner's Catskills Lodge, Hunter, NY, June 2025
Sniffies proudly sponsored Twinks Vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage.
Sniffies
Sniffies proudly sponsored Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage.
Sniffies
New York City Pride is one of the most grand occasions to unify members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies from all around the world.
Back in 2022, the Twinks vs. Dolls showdown originated in Brooklyn and has only gained momentum over the years.
To make this year even more special, Sniffies sponsored the Pride event and 5,000 attendees turned out for the installment and certainly brought the chaos.
With battles that feature slurping popsicles to a wrestling match in a kiddie pool filled with nacho cheese, this signature event has no limits when it comes to shenanigans.
Despite the silliness, the campaign is dedicated to giving back and Sniffies donated $15,000 to Trans Lifeline and even created a limited edition jersey.
Scroll below to some of the sexy photos that captured all of the mayhem at Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Sniffies
The twinks came to slay Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Sniffies
Twinks were in formation and ready to snatch the crown.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Sniffies
The twinks were welcomed by an electric crowd.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Sniffies
The dolls weren't going down without a fight.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Sniffies
This staple NYC Pride event brought in passionate fans from every corner of the LGBTQ+ community.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Despite the playful competition, the LGBTQ+ community proudly united and made special memories.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Sniffies
The dolls were ready to give it their all as they geared up backstage.
Twinks vs. Dolls IV: Total Carnage
Sniffies
The twinks came out on top when it came to the Sniffies Suck Off challenge!
Sniffies merchandise.
Sniffies
Sniffies even dropped some special merch for the iconic event.
Sniffies merchandise.
Sniffies.
Sniffies also launched a partnership with Trans Lifeline, donating $15,000 to support their direct service work for trans people in crisis.
