More than 300,000 people are expected to attend the events of this year’s Pride celebration in Houston. Historically, people have come from all over the country (and even some international visitors) to participate in a week full of fun events. Running from June 17-23, all Pride Houston events are free to attend (though they will take donations at the door) and open to everyone. The 2012 theme is Live Out Proud, and Houstonians are already looking forward to seeing what this year’s Pride celebration has in store. Here are five events during the week-long celebration that you won’t want to miss.

Dine with Pride
Check website for venues

Sample some of the best of what Houston restaurants have to offer on Monday, June 18. Get out of your normal routine and treat yourself to a Monday evening dinner at a restaurant to be determined. One-third of the proceeds of your bill will go to support Houston Pride and its programs year-round. Check website for participating restaurants.

Rock the Runway
South Beach Houston
810 Pacific
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 521-0107
southbeachthenightclub.com

Admission is free
Doors open at 8 p.m., Show begins at 9 p.m.

Fashionistas, come and see the more fabulous side of fashion on Tuesday, June 19. Some of Houston’s hottest models will walk the catwalk wearing the latest in underwear, swimwear and anything else they can get away with. Last year’s show was a huge success; expect something just as good or better from this year’s production, directed by Tim Wilde. Hosted at South Beach Houston, doors open at 8 p.m. for a 9 p.m. start time. Ages 18 and up are allowed in, but you must be 21 to drink.

Related: Most Exclusive Nightclubs In Houston

Pride Superstar
South Beach Houston
810 Pacific
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 521-0107
southbeachthenightclub.com

Admission is free

It’s like American Idol, but just for Houston. In this singing competition, judged by Houston Chronicle music critic Joey Guerra and local DJ Benjamin Phoenix, talented Houstonians compete for an opportunity to win recording time at Grammy-winning Urbana Recording Studios, other prizes and the title of Pride Superstar. The finalists will compete on Thursday, June 21 in front of a live audience. Music lovers won’t want to miss this showdown.

Pride Festival
Commonwealth and Yoakum Streets, South of Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-6979
pridehouston.org

Admission is free; Donations taken at door
Festival is open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Held on Saturday at the end of the Pride Houston celebration week, the Pride Festival features more than 200 exhibitors, multiple stages with performances running all afternoon and something for everyone in the family. Take the kids to check out the Houston Dynamo Kids’ Zone before looking at the Walgreens Health & Wellness Pavilion and the Houston LGBT History Exhibit, presented in cooperation with Rice University. The stars of Pride Superstar – both past and present – will perform, so make sure to swing by the stages to hear some of Houston’s awesome homegrown talent.

Pride Parade
Westheimer Road, between Crocker and Dunlavy Streets
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-6979
pridehouston.org

Admission is free; open seating
Pre-show begins at 7:45 p.m., Parade begins at 8:15 p.m.

More than 100 organizations will strut their stuff in the 2012 Pride Parade, held on Westheimer Road between Crocker and Dunlavy Streets. Be sure to swing by a little early for the Parade pre-show, being held at 7:45 p.m. at the corner of Waugh Drive and Westheimer Road. Always exciting, this parade is the second largest parade event held in Houston, and the largest LGBT gathering in the Southwestern U.S. If you’d like to have your seat reserved for you, grandstand seating is available in the Friends of Pride VIP area for $100 per person, which includes beverages, food and cocktails. Go to www.pridehouston.org for more details.

Related: Best Gay And Lesbian Bars In Houston

Gillian Kruse is a freelance writer living in Houston. She graduated from Rice University with a great love for all performing and visual arts. She enjoys writing about arts and cultural events, especially little-known ones, to help Houstonians learn about what’s going on in their city. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.