As we all know (we do all know, right?) Tel Aviv Pride week is upon us. Rather than trying to compete with the many many gay guides listing the big mainstream events aimed at the multitudes, DIY Tel Aviv is here to give you the lowdown on everything else – the smaller, cooler parties where the queer Tel Aviv population will escape to to escape the masses. Here we go!
First up, On Friday itself, there are not one but two alternative events happening at Gan Meir from 13:30 onwards. Without going too much into local queer politics, let’s just say that many of the city’s queer residents don’t really feel like they belong in Tel Aviv’s snap-friendly “Pride Holiday” and its attempt to pink wash and to make being gay socially acceptable by building on family values, mainstream parties and such things. The more politically motivated of those are running some small events with an open stage and a social gathering atmosphere. I am not sure why there are two, but I guess when you visit the garden either after or instead of the march, you can try out them both. They’ll be running till about 16:00 or 17:00. It’s a good place to meet the city’s underground queer royalty, if nothing else. Open to people of all genders and orientations. Free, of course.
But now, let’s talk about parties!
The Breakfast Club will blast you full of awesome tech house and deep house with great local gay night Cheesecake from around midnight or so on Thursday night. Tickets probably around 50NIS. Get there early (even 23:00) if you want to pay less and have a drink at the Milk Bar upstairs.
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The Africa Bar has a Pride related party on both Thursday and Friday. On Thurs it’s Nimrod Katzir and Dana Friman on the decks. Expect it to be hip(ster), multisexual and wild. From 23:00. Free. And it’s going to get even wilder on Friday with the official Africa Gay Pride Party with Gullame Rouchon a.k.a DJ Pallabunda and Little Lev. Remember that this place has a big garden out the back and food!
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The little Corduroy Bar is going to have a super unicorn party on Friday! Expect cheese galore and lots of colourful people having fun. A great place for a drink even if you’re heading off somewhere else later. From 22:00. Free.
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A.D.D, the city’s only Mashup party is returning to the Comfort 13 on Friday. Multisexual, so bring your straight friends. There will be CD giveaways and all kinds of other things. Tickets 60/70NIS. Email your name and mobile number to discounts@add-music.co.il by tomorrow at 15:00 for discounted entry.
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On Saturday, it’s Disco time! Starlight Pride at the Bootleg. It’s the perfect weekend afterparty. Starts at 19:30, goes on till 2:00ish. Free entry till 21:00, then 30-40NIS or free all night if you come in your disco costume. This is a multisexual party for people 27+.