Philadelphia, affectionately dubbed the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, will build on its reputation as one of the most diverse LGBT cities in the world this year thanks to the return of the largest celebration of LGBT in the region at Philly Pride as well as Philadelphia OutFest, which marks the largest National Coming Out Day celebration in the world. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau is encouraging all those looking to enjoy the vibrant scenes, rainbow flags and high spirited events to book a break to the east coast city to revel in the party atmosphere.

Philly Black Pride 2016 Kicks Off LGBT Events Calendar
The start of Philadelphia’s major LGBT events calendar will kick off with Philadelphia Black Pride (PBP), the 17th annual Philly Black Pride celebration from 28 April to 1 May 2016. This is the annual opportunity for black LBGTQ+ communities to celebrate, network and build visibility. With an average of up to 5,000 local and tri-state attendees, it’s the largest mobilisation of black LBGTQ+ individuals in the greater Philadelphia area. The four-day celebration is comprised of over 25 events, meetings, and socials. For more information, visit www.phillyblackpride.org

Party At Philly Pride And Festival
Philly Pride and Festival is the largest celebration of LGBT pride in the region and attracts over 25,000 people each year. The parade celebrations will take place on 12 June 2016 from 11:30 a.m. in the heart of Philadelphia’s Gayborhood. This year’s festival marks the 27th staging of the event in the city and is set to feature live music, DJs, food and drinks. Revellers can also start the celebrations early on Friday 10 June when the city hosts the kick-off party. Advance wrist bands for the parade can be bought for $10 (£7) and on the day are offered at $15 (£11). For more information, visit www.phillygaypride.org

Movie Nights At qFLIX
Between 5-10 July 2016, the region’s only LGBTQ film festival will welcome thousands of film buffs to Philadelphia’s cinemas to join the movie fun. The routes behind the festival link to preserving the tradition of exhibiting American and international LGBTQ independent film across the region. This year’s schedule is kept closely under wraps until nearer the launch but visitors can expect a wealth of independent film makers showcasing their work. For more information, visit www.qflixphilly.com.

LGBT Equality Forum
From 25-29 July 2016, Philadelphia will welcome the Equality Forum, which aims to champion advancing LGBT civil rights. Throughout the four-day event, visitors can join debates, book signings and celebrate as those with poignant roles to play in the LGBT civil rights movement are recognised. For more information, visit www.equalityforum.com.

LGBT History Month
LGBT celebrations will continue into autumn as October also marks LGBT History Month, a global movement that celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender icons each day throughout the month. Philadelphia’s LGBT History Month celebration aims to inspire through the work of fantastic community organisations that give meaning to the fight for full equality. For more information, visit lgbtphilly.wordpress.com.

OutFest 2016
Philadelphia will once again welcome the popular OutFest on 9 October 2016. The largest National Coming Out Day (NCOD) event in the world takes place in the heart of the city’s Gayborhood and this year will mark the 26th anniversary of the celebration. The block party features drag shows, games, bar crawls, music and shopping with the centre of the festival happening at the main stage at 13th and Locust streets. Visitors can look forward to everything from a high-heel race and a belly dance show to award ceremonies and a pet show. For more information, visit www.phillygaypride.org