Denver is hoping to host the 13th Gay Games in 2030. Currently, Colorado’s capital is in the bidding process up against six other cities on four different continents. Prospective cities include Auckland, New Zealand; Cape Town, South Africa; Taipei, Taiwan; and Perth, Australia.
In August 2024, the Gay Games Denver Committee (GGDEN) submitted a 100-page bid book which documented the overall process and organization of the 10-day event. GGDEN in their preliminary bid has already secured the support of various political leaders such as Governor Jared Polis, Mayor Michael Johnston, and Attorney General Phil Weiser. A full list of individual and organizational supporters can be viewed here. If Denver gets chosen as the site, there is planned to be over 12,000 participants and spectators attending, 36 different sporting events, and complementary cultural events hosted by the Denver Metro Area.
This Friday, October 4, GGDEN will be hosting a kick-off event from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at ReelWorks Denver to explain the bid process and how to support for GGDEN. This pep rally will show the support of different organizations, elected politicians, live entertainment, and an exciting video preview of Denver’s bid. All pep rally general admission tickets receive a complimentary beverage, GGDEN sticker, free admission to the popular “First Friday” event at Tracks, and also to the next coveted “Halloween Drag Nation” event—a $45 value. Click here for information; use promo code “ggdenga” for FREE general admission tickets!
Following this event, GGDEN will travel to Washington, D.C. on October 25-27, 2024 to present Denver’s bid to the FGG site selection voting body, making the case for Denver to be one of the final three cities selected as finalists for the 2030 Games.
The Gay Games occurs every four years and is modeled after the Olympics. Dr. Tom Waddell, an accomplished Olympic decathlete, wanted to create an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community be represented in sports and culture. The next iteration of the Gay Games will be happening from June 27 – July 5, 2026 in Valencia, Spain, and tickets are still available. To learn more about the Gay Games, including the upcoming event in Valencia, visit the FGG home page, and click here to learn more about the social impact of the last Gay Games which happened in Hong Kong and Guadalajara, Mexico.
To learn more about Denver’s bid to host the 2030 Gay Games, upcoming events, or to learn how to get involved in the process, you can visit Denver’s Gay Games Bid Site or follow along on Instagram or Facebook (@GayGamesDenver2030bidcity).
