Summer Diversity Weekend in Eureka, August 7-9

Staff report

“Eureka Springs has a queer affinity not only for LGBT visitors but for all manner of colorful characters, misfits, eccentrics and rugged individualists. Which is why, in addition to boatloads of gay vacationers, our three seasonal Diversity Weekends are among the most popular for hip heteros, too,” says Michael Walsh, a resident of the gay friendly Ozark city.

Eureka Springs has been in the news a lot during the last year. Long an exceptionally LGBT friendly resort city, it was the first city in Arkansas to endorse same-sex marriage, and the first and only city in the state with a Domestic Partnership Registry. When same-sex marriage was briefly legal in May 2014, Eureka Springs issued the first gay marriage licenses in the state. And most recently, the city became the only one in the state to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting its LGBT citizens. Even though the new law was challenged, voters supported the protections by a large margin.

The antithesis of the redneck stereotype, the micro mecca has been a beyond-gay-friendly getaway for decades - long before out was in. So, spring, summer and fall, Eureka Springs celebrates a trifecta of Diversity Weekends that attract thousands of gay and lesbian gaycationers. This Summer’s Diversity Weekend is August 7-9. The Fall Weekend will be November 6-8.

A microcosm of San Francisco, the mountain resort town has a disproportionately large gay population, dozens of gay-owned and gay-friendly B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, art galleries, shops, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes and vintage trolleys plying steep and narrow village streets.

Every evening during the upcoming Summer weekend, there will be live music and dancing at several of the local bars and restaurants. Past events have included a traditional ‘Public Display of Affection’ at Basin Spring Park, parties, parades, and more. Practically every business and every resident of Eureka joins in the fun with their hundreds of guests from out of town.

This Summer’s Diversity Weekend coincides with city’s 21st Annual Yards & Yards of Yard Sales. If you are looking for a bargain, or a special treasure, or just love yard sales, they will be all over town. Maps will be available at the Chamber of Commerce and many other locations.

Year after year without fail, these Spring, Summer and Fall celebrations pack the hotels, restaurants and nightspots by offering a wide variety of entertainment, amusement and diversion: Live music (from Newgrass to mellow jazz), DJ re-mix dance-til-you-drop parties, glam drag shows, pool parties, concerts, costume contests and special events.

There are dozens of LGBT-owned and friendly accommodations available, including B&Bs, resorts, boutique hotels, cabins, and more. If you are planning to attend the Summer weekend in August, now is the time to make reservations for lodging. Visit www.EurekaSprings.org to get information on accommodations, as well as activities in the area, events, and dining. Diversity Weekends in Eureka Springs are always fun. Plan to attend the Summer or Fall weekend. You’ll be glad you did!

The Gayly – July 5, 2015 @ 2:20pm.