Ten parties for Pride

So many parties, so little time. This year's GLBT Pride weekend is packed with events -- from block parties to bear parties to the Village People (the Village People!).

Big Gay Pride Party -- Wonderland: Back for a third year, the crew behind these big parties is bringing in L.A.-based DJ Roland Belmares. (9 p.m. Fri. 110 N. 5th St., Mpls. $15. 612-332-3742. www.epicmpls.com.)

Uptown Pride Block Party: This annual zero-waste event, put on by the folks at Bryant-Lake Bowl, presents Tina Schlieske, Black Blondie, Sick of Sarah, Dykes Do Drag, Guante & Big Cats, plus b-boys and b-girls, more. (6 p.m. Fri. Lake Street and Bryant Avenue S., Mpls. Free. 612-825-3737. www.uptownpride blockparty.com.)

Boobytrap!: This lesbian-focused party attracted a crowd of 1,200 last year. It'll take place in Bar-fly's loft with go-go girls and DJ Shannon Blowtorch. (10 p.m. Sat. 711 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $10. 612-333-6100.)

Twin Cities Pride Festival: The concert portion of the massive Loring Park fest will feature the Village People (with three original members), CeCe Peniston and Ellis. (5:30 p.m. Sat., Loring Park. $10. www.tcpride.org.)

Pride Bear Bar Night: The Bolt/Minneapolis Eagle has a special Bear Night in the Underground, plus the annual Fireball tent party in the parking lot and Colt Man Ricky Parks. (8 p.m. Sat. 515 Washington Av. S., Mpls. 612-338-4214. www.minneapoliseagle.com.)

Twin Cities Black Pride Party: The St. Paul dance club Rumours will have a night dedicated to African-Americans in the GLBT community. (9 p.m. Sat. 213 E. 4th St., St. Paul. 651-225-4528. www.rumours-innuendo.com.)

"Queertopia": Looking to add some edginess to your Pride weekend? This cabaret at the Bedlam Theatre features a "radical, raunchy evening of queer expression." Hosted by Go Go Pimp Tiff. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 1501 S. 6th St., Mpls. $10-$15. 612-341-1038. www.bedlamtheatre.org.)

Saloon Block Party: This is the big one -- the downtown club's 30th block party features R&B singer Shontelle and "American Idol" runner-up Blake Lewis. (1 p.m. Sun. 830 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $20. 612-332-0835. www.saloonmn.com.)

Gladius Block Party: One of the Twin Cities' newer gay bars is throwing its own block party. (10 a.m. Fri.-Sat.1111 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-332-9963. www.gladiusbar.com.)

Also this weekend: Looking for something to do beyond Pride? On Friday, First Avenue's main room will be the site of a Michael Jackson-themed dance party called "Remember the Time" (featuring DJ Mike the 2600 King and KMOJ's Dan Speak). (9 p.m. Fri. 701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $5. 18 and older. 612-332-1775. www.first-avenue.com.) On Saturday, the cocktail emporium Bradstreet is offering a classic mixology class, which will include a Prairie Vodka tasting with the brand's owner Dean Phillips. (1-3 p.m. Sat. 601 1st Av. N., Mpls. $45. 612-312-1821. www.bradstreetcrafthouse.com.) On Sunday -- and I can't believe this hasn't happened before -- Surdyk's will be home base for the first-ever Pedal Pub Race. If you're not already on one of the 30 teams, don't worry. Surdyk's parking lot will have live music and food from the Red Stag for spectators. (11 a.m. Sun. 303 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. www.northeastminneapolis.com.)