In an absolutely fabulous festival lasting from 2 – 11 March, Cape Town’s gay community celebrate like no one else!

Over a period of ten days, the Cape Town Pride Festival features numerous parties and events, most notably the Red Party, on 2 March. With bars and clubs such Beulah Bar, Bronx, Crew, Switch, Barcode, Amsterdam, Beefcakes, Backroom, Manhattans (Green Point), Bubbles Bar and Alexander Bar, this party is guaranteed to last all throughout the night.

However, behind all the frivolity is a volunteer-run Non-Profit Section 21 Company that raises funds for the Cape Town Pride Shelter Trust, established in 2005. The shelter offers short-term safe accommodation to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBTI) of greater Cape Town during times of crisis.

The popular Gay Pride Parade is on the 10 March starting at 1pm and running into the evening when everyone gets together for an epic after party. All are welcome, the more extravagant the better! Look at their website for the schedule of events.