Bad Boy Club Montréal (BBCM) presents the hottest two nights in Canada, Twist Weekend, August 1–2. With the all-night Twist Party, you can expect an evening (and morning) filled with debauchery. When the sun comes up, if you don’t turn into a pumpkin, spend the next day at Gay Day at the Pool, the Twist Encore night, or one of several other events. www.bbcm.org

TORONTO
Toronto has become a beacon of world culture and there is no better place to witness this than at the Toronto International Film Festival September 10–19. The festival brings together films from over 50 different countries and showcases over 350 films. The 21 venues in the Festival Village and throughout downtown Toronto provide intimate settings for all those movie-buffs. www.tiff09.ca

The last time we pulled an all-nighter was when we were in college, but we may have to get back in that old school spirit for Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s all-night arts and culture fest. On October 3, experience the city like you’ve never seen it before, when it transforms into a work of art. Interactive video and performance art, mazes, and strange installation environments make the Historic Distillery District look more like an international art museum than a Toronto neighborhood. www.scotiabanknuitblanche.com

VANCOUVER
Grab some Sour Skittles and a jumbo Coke and get ready for Western Canada’s largest gay film extravaganza. Vancouver Queer Film Festival, August 13–23. It’s Western Canada’s largest queer arts event with nearly 200 LGBT-themed films and videos, discussions, seminars, forums, and parties. www.outonscreen.com

For theater buffs, Vancouver is the place to be from September 9–20, when the city becomes a haven for stage offerings at the Vancouver International Fringe Festival. This festival is in a class of its own, with 500 performances by more than 65 different groups. This year is the festival’s 25th anniversary, so go ahead and celebrate at both the opening ceremony party and the closing night party. www.vancouverfringe.com

MEXICO
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Come and visit the beautiful town of San Miguel de Allende, a haven for well-established artists and blossoming newcomers. A cultural highlight takes place August 1–16 at the 31st annual Festival de Musica de Camara, Latin America’s most-renowned chamber music festival. Over eighteen concerts will be set among centuries-old churches, cathedrals, theatres, and sanctuaries, including some of Mexico’s most-treasured landmarks. www.festivalsanmiguel.com

UNITED STATES
CALIFORNIA
GUERNEVILLE
Grrrrrr! Join furry friends from around the world at the Lazy Bear Weekend. This is the original Russian River Bear weekend. Return for another year, or take your first big bear paw into this tight-knit community. Think lots of hot fur mixed with a full weekend of partying and gatherings, July 29–August 3. Don’t miss the huge party called Sunday Furry Sunday when these bears really let their hair down. www.castrobear.com

LAGUNA BEACH
Laguna isn’t just about pretty blondes and beaches. Check out the Festival of Arts, (celebrating over 75 years of fine art) from July 5–August 31. The highlight of the festival is the Pageant of the Masters on August 29, where art actually comes to life. Each night from July 8-August 31, real people get together and re-create classical and contemporary works of art, posing to look just like the original pieces. This year’s theme is "The Muse," and it surely will inspire you to think of art in a whole new way. www.foapom.com

LOS ANGELES
As the August sun beats down on the entire country, the good people of Sunset Junction get together and celebrate at the Sunset Junction Street Fair. People come to revel in the heat and celebrate diversity through games, rides, food, art, and GLBT outreach events. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes because you are sure to bust a move on the dance stage and rock out by the three performance stages. Past performers include Isaac Hayes, Stephanie Mills, and Black Keys. This year the street party runs from August 22–23. www.sunsetjunction.org

SAN DIEGO
Did you know that comic books are the only genre of visual, artistic work that was invented in America? So before we go ahead and laugh at the geeks who storm convention centers around the globe, maybe we should think of them as patriotic crusaders, keeping alive an American tradition. Or, just throw on your old Super Girl costume and join in on the days of comic book bliss. Taking place July 23–26 at the San Diego Convention Center, see the latest in comic books, meet and greet some of your favorite artists, and listen to top-notch professionals at Comic-Con. Hey, you might even meet your very own Superman. www.comic-con.org

Don’t get overheated watching sexy men and women compete at the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association’s 2009 Coors Light San Diego Rodeo. From September 10–13 people from all over fight for the prize at one of the largest events on the gay rodeo circuit. The competition fills two arenas and draws massive crowds. Afterwards, the cowboys and cowgirls will attend the Boots and Briefs contest, annual Twist and Shout dance contest, pool and beach parties, and nightly entertainment. www.sandiegorodeo.com

SAN FRANCISCO
Hansel won’t have any trouble filling up his bowl at the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, where delectably sweet food and drinks are the stars of the weekend. Celebrate and sample chocolate creations from twenty booths sponsored by Ghirardelli Square and Bay Area eateries, bakeries, and restaurants on September 12. The main event is the “hands-free” Earthquake Sundae-Eating Contest, in which the victor wins his or her weight in chocolate! www.ghirardellisq.com

Mark the end of Leather Pride Week in San Francisco with the Folsom Street Fair. The fair takes place this year on September 27, in the South of Market district on Folsom Street between 7th and 12th Streets. Take your time perusing 250 sexy exhibitors, eat some food, and enjoy GLBT entertainment. Make sure you put on the chaps (or less) for dancing at the two stages, and the huge dance area with internationally renowned DJs. www.folsomstreetfair.com

SONOMA
The Valley of the Moon Festival in Sonoma County is the second oldest festival in California, next to the Rose Parade. After 112 years, the people of Sonoma really know how to celebrate. With fantastic food, drink, and entertainment, you’ll be up to the wee hours of the night celebrating life and summer. www.sonomavinfest.org

COLORADO
DENVER
There is no better way to walk around the beautiful city of Denver than at the AIDS Walk. Join friends and family for prominent speakers, panels, live entertainment, an awards ceremony, and of course walking or running the 5k course on August 15. Over 13,000 individuals participate to raise money for services for HIV/AIDS clients of Colorado AIDS Project and 30 other AIDS service organizations. www.aidswalkcolorado.org

TELLURIDE
The city of Telluride makes for more than just an amazing ski vacation. From September 4–7, the 36th annual Telluride Film Festival will begin a weeklong look at carefully selected movies. When you are not enjoying the flicks, wander around the picturesque city. The end of summer weather will surely make for a beautiful, high-altitude weekend escape among quaking Aspens. www.telluridefilmfestival.org

FLORIDA
KEY WEST
Key West is about to become an estrogen fueled playground September 8–13. Over 4,000 women will head down to the southernmost all women’s party, Womenfest Key West. For 20-plus years, the city of Key West has opened up to women across the world. With all the activities available it is no wonder women come back year after year. Party at the clothing-optional pool, dance the night away at the dance club, and test your strength at competitive bull riding. Lodging with special deals is available throughout the island and nothing is too far from the main events. www.womenfest.com

MIAMI
Give your diet regime a rest and indulge a little at the seventh annual Miami Spice Restaurant Month. Actually running two months (August and September), Miami's top restaurants and world-renowned chefs offer specialized three-course signature meals. Local and international ingredients combine in tantalizing combinations to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy lunch for a fixed price of $26, or dinner at $36, and celebrate the city's “Passion for Food and Life.” www.miamirestaurantmonth.com

HAWAII
KONA
While some countries like the UK honor the Queen’s birthday with flowers and cards, Hawaiians pay respect to the late Queen Liliuokalani with the world’s longest canoe race. Every September 2, Hawaiians from all over the islands gather to watch as Na Wahine O Ke Kai (women) and the Molokai Hoe (men) race from the island of Molokai to the island of Oahu. The popularity of the Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Races has grown each year, now with over 2,000 paddlers racing the 18-mile course. www.kaiopua.org

ILLINOIS
CHICAGO
Come join in on the gay racket at the 21st annual Second City Tennis Classic GLBT tournament. The gay love takes place at the Lakeshore Athletic Club-Lincoln Park, and the Mid-Town Tennis Club in Chicago from August 7–9. Either play or watch doubles or singles matches, where expert players compete. All the proceeds go to local gay-focused charities. www.secondcitytennis.com

INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS
The Massachusetts Avenue Theatre District in Indianapolis hosts a ten-day theater spectacular, the Indianapolis Fringe Festival. Over 36-theatre companies will present 53 performance groups in short shows of one hour or less from August 21–30. At only $3 each for 270 live theater performances, this is a deal that should not be missed. www.indyfringe.org

LOUiSIANA
NEW ORLEANS
Come celebrate 39 years of Southern Decadence in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Most of the events take place on the streets and are completely free, but you can’t miss out on the all-night circuit parties. So buy a weekend pass that will give you access to the Bourbon Pub and the parade. Be entertained by the likes of DJ Chi Chi LaRue, Lady Bunny, and even a Big Dick Contest. All the depravity lasts from September 2–7. www.southerndecadence.net

MAINE
BRUNSWICK
Strap on that kilt and air out that bagpipe for the 31st annual Maine Highland Games. Experience the best of Scottish culture, right here in the US. With amazing dancers, piping competitions, folk singing, and concerts, the festival has something to offer everyone, including men in kilts! Scottish crafts and food line the streets at Thomas Point Beach. The event takes place August 15 and is poised to be “pure dead brilliant.” www.mainehighlandgames.org

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