Coming-Out Party

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Still in the closet pretending it’s 1952? Drop the H-bomb at the Gay Pride Parade and Festival during the Gin Blossoms set and your flaming ass will suddenly seem milquetoast. Trust us. Of course, you could also come out during the parade, when the unlikely grand marshal -- Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon -- and some waving, whistling drag kings drive by.

Actually, you don’t need to come out at all. For 29 years, Pride Fest has been a yearly pilgrimage for 30,000 or so folks of all sexual persuasions. This year’s version features 250 vendors, six entertainment stages, cold beer, hot food, a KidSpace featuring a petting zoo and a pony ride, and the adult-friendly Pride Metro “nightclub” featuring various DJs as well as fest headliners Deborah Cox, The Cliks, and comedian Poppy Champlin.