Gay Pride events feature parade, festival downtown

Gay Pride weekend in Las Vegas kicks off today with the opening of an art exhibit and "An Evening with Pat Rocco." The three-day event includes a parade and afterparty Friday and outdoor festival at the Clark County Government Center Saturday.

"Pride (and Prejudice)," a photo essay by Lamar Marchese that documents the June 2009 Gay Pride Parade in St. Petersburg, Fla., will be displayed 5-7 p.m. today and 7-10 p.m. Friday at the Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St.

"An Evening with Pat Rocco" is 8-10 p.m. today at the Onyx Theatre, 953 E. Sahara Ave. Rocco will recount his experiences as a gay filmmaker, entertainer, activist, author, lecturer and community leader.

The annual Pride Parade begins 8 p.m. Friday in downtown Las Vegas. A grandstand will be set up at Fourth Street and Bridger Avenue. The Crush parade afterparty will run from 11 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday at Firefly Kitchen & Bar inside The Plaza, 1 Main St.

Events wrap up Saturday with exhibits and entertainment at the Gay Pride Festival noon-10 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Tickets are $10-$15.