10 ways to celebrate the return of Twin Cities Pride Weekend

There'll be no parade, concert or fireworks for Twin Cities Pride Weekend this year, but there's still a celebration to mark the 52nd year since the Stonewall Riots in New York kicked off the gay rights movement.

Once state COVID-19 restrictions relaxed in May, Twin Cities pride organizers scheduled the festival for July 17-18, a month after its usual mid-June dates, to ensure time to organize in a safe way, given rising vaccination numbers, said festival executive director Dot Belstler.

Last year's virtual festivities didn't "work for Pride," she added, but they're expecting crowds this year: "People need to see each other and hug each other and be part of the action."

Belstler encourages people to attend smaller Pride events if they feel more comfortable — or not go at all if they are feeling sick, because "we're not going to be a superspreader event."

"I am just really looking forward to seeing people again, being able to hug people and say, 'Oh, I missed you,' " she said.

Here's a look at what's happening around the Twin Cities for Pride Weekend.

Twin Cities Pride Festival: The 49th annual festival will take place at its standard Loring Park location with about 250 vendors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be a beer garden but fewer food vendors than usual. Performances at the Loring Park stage will include jingle dancers and a Native American performance group but have been scaled back this year. Organizers partnered with health organizations to offer coronavirus vaccines to participants who want them. (1382 Willow St., Minneapolis, tcpride.org)

Pride Beer Dabbler: There will be samplings from more than 65 local breweries and live music Friday at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden across from Loring Park. 5:30 p.m. Friday, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, $50, beerdabbler.com)

The Saloon Pride Block Party: The gay club's annual block party runs Friday to Sunday, starting at noon Friday and 10 a.m. on the weekend. There's a lineup of DJs 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night. Admission is $30 and a weekend pass is $75. (830 Hennepin Av., Minneapolis)

Flip Phone XXL Pride: First Avenue officially reopens with these sold-out parties. (9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 701 1st Av. N., Minneapolis)

Chrysalis Party for Pride: Darby's Pub & Grill is hosting a party Saturday night with video art, projections and music. (7:30-midnight, 315 5th Av. N., Minneapolis)

Queens at the Palace: The Northeast Palace is holding a Pride brunch show with entertainers, burger baskets and bottomless mimosas. (Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 2500 NE. 4th St., Minneapolis, $30-36)

North Loop Galley Pride Kickoff Party: The restaurant is hosting a free party Friday with DJs, dancers and performers (6-10 p.m., show at 7, 729 Washington Av., Minneapolis)

Main Squeeze Pride Party: DJs will spin at Icehouse Saturday night. (10 p.m.-1:30 a.m., 2528 Nicollet Av. S., Minneapolis, $15)

Glow Up Morning Pride Yoga: There's a free 45-minute Hatha-style yoga session Saturday morning at Minneapolis City Hall with an after-party of dancing in the rotunda with songs from LGBTQ artists. (9-11 a.m. Saturday, 350 S. 5th St., register at eventbrite.com)

St. Mark's Pride Worship: St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral will continue its annual Pride Worship on Sunday at 4 p.m. Masks required. (519 Oak Grove St., Minneapolis)

Madison Karas • 612-673-7394