Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Cher impersonators. Pool parties. Feather boas. This is Vegas on a normal day.
This weekend, Sin City will get even flashier, sparklier and wilder. PRIDE can do that to a town.
If you're on your way to or already in Las Vegas for the celebration, I'm sure you're giddy. It's sure to be a great time, thanks to a lineup that includes the annual PRIDE Night Parade and PRIDE Festival, plus special add-ons such as Gay Days and Fabulous.
To those who, like me, are otherwise engaged this weekend (dog sitting), fear not. You can take a gay-filled trip to the Strip anytime.
Here are some tips to get your Las Vegas gay getaway planning started.
Drink & Drag: Located downtown, Drink & Drag bowling alley scores with drinks, dancing and drag queen servers. And bowling, of course. Other entertainment ranges from board games to weekly events, such as the Hawaiian-inspired Lei'd Back Thursdays and Sunday's amateur drag night, when the pros dress up people in the crowd.
Absinthe: True story: Last time I was in Vegas, a bouncer said to me, "Are you easily offended, and do you like Cirque?" If your answers match mine, hit the very raunchy, very funny Absinthe. Enough said, I think.
Share Nightclub: This one is off the Strip in a somewhat discreet location. You'll hear mostly Top 40 music, and the dance floor is a bit small. But wait, it's worth it! Just before midnight, the party gets crowded and rowdy. Watch out for the flailing muscles. They can poke an eye out.
Krave Massive: What claims to be the world's largest gay nightclub can be found in Vegas. The party usually starts late, so try to work in a nap somewhere between the casino floor, the pool, the spa, pre-dinner drinks and dinner.
Tacos El Gordo: Yes, I'm serious. This is your late-night spot. You'll thank me and Mexico later. It's on the Strip, but not near the busy middle section. Also, it's pretty inexpensive, something you'll be craving after ordering a few Vegas-priced cocktails. Don't trust me? Just look at the Yelp reviews.
Nobu: If you're too good for cheap tacos, head to this high-end restaurant in Caesars Palace. Even though I enjoy livin' la vida loca at Tacos El Gordo, I do love me some Nobu earlier in the night. Yes, your friend who knows everything about Vegas may tell you it's cliché, but it's a must for a reason. And that reason is shishito peppers with miso.
Coming soon: Pour one out for the Fremont Street Zipline, which made me laugh, scream, and pee a little. It's now closed, but I take solace in the fact that a larger experience called Slotzilla is in the works. No opening date is set, but I can't wait to glide down glittery Fremont Street again soon.
Mike and Jim from Fagabond enjoying the harnesses on Fremont Street Zipline
For more information about Vegas, and to book your trip, go to fagabond.com.