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Best Bars In Minnesota To Celebrate Pride Month

June 11, 2015 / 7:00 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota

Minnesota is widely recognized as one of the most welcoming states in the union, and the state honors its inclusive nature during the month of June with Twin Cities Pride. Check out this year's calendar of events, and when you're done viewing or marching in the parade, enjoying the live entertainment or partaking in the family picnic or Rainbow Run 5K, get yourself into any of these bars during Pride Month for good times, amazing music and great people. Some common themes include progressive bingo, provocative drag shows and creative cocktails.

Gay 90's
408 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401-1913
www.gay90s.com

Gay 90's is a multiplex of Pride Month adventure. Anyone venturing inside this gay and straight-friendly complex might find it impossible to miss a drag show. Gay 90's is composed of six different bars and three dance floors to satisfy whatever mood may strike. The Pride Parade starts just down the street on Hennipen, so you can stop in before or after the event. A multitude of Pride Month fun awaits. Entry for those 18+ is available most nights as well.

Lush
990 Central Ave. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612 208-0358
www.lushfoodbar.com

Lush is becoming recognized as having one of the best happy hours in the Twin Cities, with creative specials and appetizers priced just right. You'll need the extra carbs to withstand the dance floor cardio for the rest of the night, as the regulars at Lush never stop moving. Drag Queen Bingo on Saturday nights and Kosmik Karaoke Thursdays make for a fun week and weekend. The open garage door patio is perfect for a Minnesota summer night. The '80s are alive and well at Lush, which offers up a Miami Vice look and feel.

eagleBOLTbar
515 S. Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-338-4214
www.eagleboltbar.com

The second Saturday of every month welcomes Gear Night at the Eagle. Time to break out the leather, and they mean it—the dress-code is strictly enforced! Finish off the weekend with your favorite broadway and music videos from 4 p.m. to close on Sunday nights. Thursday nights are for gamers, with bingo and trivia following right after. Straight forward blue collar vibes, without being straight.

Jet Set
115 1st St. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-339-3933
www.jetsetbar.com

Tuesday Night Flight specials highlight new liquors to sample and critique in this North Loop gem. Patrons looking to experience a more refined selection of fresh squeezed cocktails and aperitifs will enjoy this spot. Come in on a Wednesday for free Tarot card readings, but be careful what you ask for, you just might get it! Those bar-goers that want a fun evening without some of the dramatic craziness of other nightlife will enjoy the Jet Set. Dress to impress, but that goes without saying, doesn't it?

The Saloon
830 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-332-0835
www.saloonmn.com

Tuesday night trivia leans more on the naughty side, then follow that up with Karaoke. Sing for your drinks before 10 p.m. to get the for a 2-4-1 special. Pride festivities start just down the block for great people watching before, during and after the events. The Saloon boasts one of the longest happy hours in town, from 12-9 p.m., providing you with ample lounging time that doesn't break the bank. Progressive drink specials starting at $1 on Wednesday nights will help as well.

Erik Ritter has a masters of fine arts from the San Francisco Art Institute and regularly shows his assemblage artwork throughout the Midwest. The South Dakota Art Museum purchased his piece "Bird of Time" for their permanent collection. He facilitates "DeJunked Art" workshops at various locations. He lives in Osseo, Minnesota.

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