Pride in the Desert and Pride on Parade

Pride on Parade takes place along Sixth Avenue between 18th and 12th streets at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 13. Parade floats and entries from a range of groups within and supportive of the GLBT community are featured. The parade kicks off the Pride in the Desert Festival, a free public event celebrating its 35th year, starting at noon. Ajia Simone, owner of Ahead of Style, emcees an afternoon of local entertainment, including Flight School, Grite Leon, Leila Lopez, Janee Starr, Jaime J, Cirque Roots, Courtney Robbins and Black Cherry Burlesque. Food and beverages are available for sale. Visit the Tucson Weekly booth for some free bling. VIP tickets for the entire weekend include a pre-party swimming party at the Riverpark Inn on Friday, Oct. 12; a meal and three drinks in the VIP tent at Armory Park on Saturday afternoon; and the after-party at Hotel Congress on Saturday night; $30. Visit tucsonpride.org for details, including registration for parade participants and vendors.