Decisions, decisions: Where to go after the PrideFest fun winds down Saturday and Sunday?
Let’s face it: The party is at Pride this weekend. The gay and lesbian PrideFest takes over Civic Center Saturday and Sunday, and Denver’s going to be bumping from Capitol Hill to City Park and beyond. Just down the street from the Civic Center festivities, one of the weekend’s hottest parties will pop up in an unusual place: Vinyl (1082 Broadway).
The club known more for electronica DJs and hip-hop nights is throwing an official Pride bash — though it’s no surprise to the hundreds of fans of Climax, Vinyl’s gay-friendly Sunday dance party. Since starting last summer, Climax has become hugely popular. And after last year’s Pride, it was a no-brainer for Vinyl manager Peter Christou (nephew of owner Regas) to sign up again for the official Pride party.
“People were able to just walk over from the PrideFest — park once and walk,� says Christou. “It was such a good event last year. We’re really looking forward to this Sunday.�
Tatiana Feigenblatt, also known as DJ Tatiana, concocted the idea for Climax with Silke, the woman behind local gay community site cafevivid.com.
“A lot of people gave us grief in the beginning for using a straight venue,� says Feigenblatt. “But it was about choosing the best venue with the best patio. … We checked (Vinyl) out and we fell in love with it.�
Vinyl’s gigantic, fabled rooftop deck is indeed one of its finest selling points. It comes complete with a dance floor, two bars, tons of seating and mountain and city views. It’s perfect for drinking away the dread of a new workweek.
For the big Pride throw-down, the Climax crew is bringing in Los Angeles DJ Kimberly S., plus nine locals, including DJ Tatiana.
“We’re going to have three floors of music,� Feigenblatt says. “We have dance music (from) Latin to hip-hop to ’80s. You can just follow whatever music you’d like to hear.�
The Climax Pride party starts at 4 p.m. Sunday and rages until closing time. There’s a $7 cover, and a portion of the proceeds will go to The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Center of Colorado.
– WAIT, THERE’S MORE! –
Another Pride party to consider: On Saturday, Tracks (3500 Walnut St.) brings in DJ Tony Moran for
Sand “beaches� will be scattered about and cabanas (including cabana boys) are available for reservations. The club’s new, booming sound system makes its debut this weekend too. Tracks opens at 7 p.m. Saturday. Admission ranges from $10 to $25, depending when you show up — the earlier, the cheaper. It’s $25 all night for guests ages 18 to 20. Wear your beachy best.
– A LONG DAY —
Too often, ancient druidic holidays go ignored by modern party people. Not so this year because Beta (1909 Blake St.) is throwing a summer solstice celebration tonight.
The longest day of the year deserves extra party time, so Beta’s patio will open early, at 4 p.m., for fun times in the pool, lounging in the sun and a free Corona for the first 100 people.
Happy hour is extra-cheap — $3 Coronas and Bacardi rum drinks — so those inclined to join in the “Wet Hot Body Contest� can work up the proper courage. Contest winners get $200 cash.
The male winner also gets a VIP package for four to a Rockies game. The female winner gets a $1,000 laser hair removal gift certificate. Fun! Visit denver2night.com to sign up for the guest list and get in for free before 11 p.m.
– Kathleen St. John
