Last year, the folks at Seattle Out and Proud were more out than ever before. Out of moolah, that is. But this year’s scaled-back, budget-minded Seattle Pride events have been programmed with a vengeance. A jam-packed weekend begins today with the SPD and Emerald City All-Stars slugging it out in America’s favorite pastime, charity softball. (Evergreen High School, 2 p.m.) Then dykes take to the street in droves for the Seattle Dyke Rally and March (Seattle Central Community College, 5 p.m.), after which “seasoned lesbians” (those older than 36) should proceed to the Hot Flash Dance Party (Heaven Nightclub, Pioneer Square, 5–9:30 p.m.) And, of course, the official Pride Parade will be storming through downtown on Sunday (assembling at Fourth Avenue and Union Street at 11 a.m.), after which Seattle Center goes completely gay (11 a.m.–7 p.m.). Various locations, times, and prices. For full schedule and details, see www.seattlepride.org. JOSHUA LYNCH

Sat., June 28, 2008