Philadelphia is heating up this spring with some of the East Coast’s hottest gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) events. Festivities swing into high gear with the first-ever Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival, the 10^th anniversary of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride and the second annual Liberty Stampede Rodeo. Throughout the spring and summer, other annual favorites such as Equality Forum, Mr. Gay Philadelphia, Pride Day and the New Hope Open round out the offerings, giving tourists plenty of reasons to visit. Here’s what to expect in gay-friendly Philly this spring and summer:

April:

• Each year brings tough competition at Mr. Gay Philadelphia, judged by the gay community’s biggest celebrities. This year’s competition takes place at Pure Nightclub and benefits ActionAIDS. April 18, 2009. (215) 833-4165, nightlifegay.com
• It’s the 10^th year for Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, a four-day event with educational panels, networking events and parties for men and women that promote unity among gay and lesbian African-Americans. April 19-26, 2009. phillyblackpride.org
• The week-long Equality Forum celebrates international gay culture and politics with parties and educational events made possible by more than 60 regional, national and international organizations. This year’s international profile focuses on the Russian GLBT community and includes special guests from the literary and film industries. The festivities culminate with a street fair and live concert in Old City. April 27-May 3, 2009. (800) 990-3378, equalityforum.com

May:

• In New Hope, an artistic and gay mecca in nearby Bucks County, NHC Pride Weekend brings together gays and lesbians in a bucolic setting to celebrate pride with well-known LGBT entertainers like Lady Bunny. May 15-17, 2009. newhopecelebrates.com
• The Fins aquatic club, Philadelphia’s gay swim team, hosts its 9^th bi-annual international swim meet this year at the University of Pennsylvania. May 23, 2009. philadelphia-fins.org
• The Liberty Bell Classic, Philadelphia’s largest LGBT sporting event this year, hosts “Balls to the Wall” with competitions in softball and soccer. Games take place at Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia and West Deptford Park in New Jersey. Nighttime activities in the “Gayborhood” include a Saturday evening street festival on Camac Street and closing parties at Sisters and Tavern on Camac. May 23-26, 2009. libertybellclassic.org
• The first annual Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival, organized by Traverse Arts Projects, is a four-day showcase featuring music, dance, theater and visual arts at various venues throughout the city. May 28-31, 2009. traversetheater.org/festival

June:

• The Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival gives new and emerging artists a chance to explore the LGBT experience at theaters throughout the city. The performances take place in several of Philadelphia’s most cherished theaters, including the Arden Theatre and the Walnut Street Theatre. June 11-27 2009. (215) 627-6483, pgltf.org
• Philadelphia recognizes all shades of gay pride at the annual Pride Day, featuring entertainment, plenty of food and vendors of all sorts at Penn’s Landing. June 14, 2009. Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard & Chestnut Street, (215) 875-9288, phillypride.org/

July-August:

• More than 100 of the top cowboys and cowgirls from North America ride into the city for the Liberty Stampede Rodeo, featuring classic events such as bull riding, steer racing and barrel racing at the Devon Horse Show Grounds. Dance parties around town highlight the nighttime activities. July 31-August 2, 2009. libertygra.org
• Gay and lesbian tennis players face off in Bucks County each year for the New Hope Open, sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association. August 23-25, 2009. glta.net