2. Los Angeles Pride Festival

The Buzz -- Affirming the role and presence of gay men and women in LA, this lively series of events seeks to represent the diversity of the gay community and to give a voice to all. Held since 1970, LA Pride draws more than 100,000 people each year and features a fun-filled parade and lots of live shows and music. Various stages are devoted to R&B, country, Latin, and more, and special areas are set aside for children of gay and lesbian attendees and for gay people 24 and under. Lots of folks set up exhibits for a variety of goods and services, and an abundance of food and drink can easily be had.