This Washington State Destination Offers a Safe and Pet-Friendly Pride
Bellevue, WA is now on our radar for LGBTQIA+ travelers looking to celebrate Pride and take a vacation safely.
Just 15 minutes outside of Seattle, Bellevue is located in one of the top three metro areas with the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the United States, behind Boston and San Francisco.
Bellevue now hosts its own Pride events, but Seattle Pride, just across Lake Washington, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Seattle Pride is the largest parade in Washington State and this year will will happen on Sunday, June 29, 2025 in Downtown Seattle along 4th Ave. There are many events to partake in, such as Pride in the Park, Trans Pride Seattle, PrideFest at the Seattle Center, and much more. But a month earlier, it’s all about the city of Bellevue!
Views of Bellevue, WA by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash
In 2024, Bellevue revealed a public art piece to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride between Downtown Bellevue Park and Carmine’s. The Love Between is a decorative pavement treatment from local Latinx/LGBTQ+ artist Esmeralda Vasquez (she/they). In Bellevue, all are welcome, and Grindr has taken notice. They’ve awarded the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area as one of the Top Gay Cities in the U.S. in 2024.
Bellevue Police launched a Safe Place Program, which designates businesses and places as safe zones for those who feel they have been or are a victim of anti-LGBTQ crimes, including harassment.
Celebrate Pride Month in Bellevue, WA, with a series of vibrant and inclusive events that honor the LGBTQ+ community! The festivities kick off on May 31 with Paws & Pride at Bellevue Downtown Park, a joyful dog walk featuring a mimosa and beer garden, live DJ, drag performances, and the beloved RuPaw’s Dawg Costume Contest—all benefiting Seattle Humane and Lambert House.
The celebration continues at Bellevue City Hall on June 1 with a community party featuring a keynote speech, performances from local LGBTQ+ artists, music, and delicious food. Don’t miss the Pride Flag raising ceremony, where city leaders share inspiring remarks on diversity and inclusion.
Bellevue has a long history of inclusion and forward-thinking policies and is home to a diverse, multicultural community that consistently ranks among the most LGBTQIA+ inclusive cities in the country by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Enjoy the vibrant tapestry of Bellevue—a safe, welcoming place for all! These hyperlocal, neighborhood-style events reflect Bellevue’s commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and seen.
Plan your trip to Bellevue here.
