PHOENIX -- For those looking to get a jump-start on the LGBT Pride season, which is traditionally considered to be in the summer months, Phoenix is the place to go as the city begins to celebrate next weekend.

The festivities will start on Saturday, March 19, with the Miss and Mr. Gay Pride competition at the Orpheum Theater. Community members will compete for the titles at the event which will be hosted by JuJubee and Jessica Wild of "RuPaul's Drag Race" fame.

The city's film festival will include a series of LGBT-themed movies over the weekend of April 1-2, followed by the "10 Days of Pride Celebration." which begins April 8.

Over the course of the 10-day Pride celebration, a number of special events will take place throughout the city. The celebration will culminate with the 15th annual Phoenix LGBT Pride Festival, held April 16-17.

The Phoenix Pride Festival is a two day event designed to bring the LGBT and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie and celebration of the past, present and future while raising money for Phoenix Pride and its community programs.Event organizers expect over 30,000 attendees to visit the two-day festival.

Phoenix Pride has been a part of the community for over 30 years, and has organized rallies, marches, parades and other events to celebrate the LGBT community.

More information is available online or on Facebook.