HOOD RIVER — Visit Hood River announces the inaugural Winter PrideFest on Feb. 9 and 10, celebrating its LGBTQ+ community and visitors. Hood River’s natural beauty and cultural richness provide a welcoming experience for all to participate in Winter PrideFest events and winter recreation.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient legends of the native Klickitat people, who revered love as the force that shaped the nearby iconic peaks of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Saint Helens, Visit Hood River has partnered with the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, Hood River Hotel, The Ruins, and First Nature Tours to organize a series of vibrant events for this inaugural celebration. Highlights include:
Friday, Feb. 9 — Winter Pride at The Ruins, featuring Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters, Mawlee Jones Band, Slutashia, with host Shandi Evans (doors at 6 p.m., show 7-10 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door, ages 21+).
Experience the dynamic energy and spirit of Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters’ musical homage to Rosie the Riveter, the raunchy tonk twang of The Mawlee Jones Band, multi-talented rap and drag from Slutashia, all hosted by the sparkly force-to-be-reckoned with Shandi Evans, for a night of celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Saturday, Feb. 10 — Winter Pride Diva Drag Brunch at the Hood River Hotel Emerald Room (doors at 11 a.m., show 12-2 p.m., $20, does not include food or alcohol, ages 21+).
Enjoy a colorful and spirited Drag Brunch from Justin Buckles ProductionsDiva Drag.
Join the Hood River Hotel and Justin Buckles Productions’ all-star cast for the biggest and best Drag Brunch in the Pacific Northwest. It features drag, burlesque, acrobatics, live singing, and more.
Saturday, Feb. 10 — Winter Pride Burlesque at the Hood River Hotel Emerald Room (doors at 7 p.m., show 8-10 p.m.; $20, does not include food or alcohol, ages 21+).
Be mesmerized by a captivating burlesque performance filled with artistry and flair. Join the Hood River Hotel and Justin Buckles Productions for TEASE Burlesque Revue. Featuring Zora Von Pavonine, Jaxin Ryan, Asteria Atombomb, Abby GoLucky, and Jayla Rose for a night of mesmerizing and erotic performance.
“This event is more than a celebration; it’s a reflection of our community’s commitment to inclusivity and love of adventure,” Visit Hood River CEO Katie Kadlub said. “Attendees are invited to make a weekend out of Winter PrideFest. Experience the thrill of the slopes at Mt. Hood Meadows before attending the Winter PrideFest events for a vibrant blend of outdoor adventure and inclusive community celebration.”
A portion of the proceeds from the events will continue to advance the goals and programs of the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance. The Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance is a group of volunteers, organizations, and businesses that work to create a city where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual plus people thrive as healthy and equal members of society. It strives and advocates for respect, equity, and justice and to build a safe, peaceful, and culturally rich community for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.
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