Pride has been on everyone’s mind in the last couple of weeks. If it was entirely up to me, I would choose to completely forget about the whole thing. That way, when it finally arrives it would seem kind of like a surprise: “Surprise! We’re here and we’re queer, so let’s celebrate!”

One thing that for sure won’t be a surprise is the amount of great parties going on in the city during Pride weekend. All the activity going on in one single weekend might seem a little overwhelming. Who will be our party partners in crime? Where will we go? What will we drink? These are just a few of the questions that might be popping up in the minds of the undecided, like myself.

With so many options to choose from, it might seem like a better or simpler idea to just stay home. But why would we do that? Go out and celebrate being gay on the one Saturday night a year when everybody turns out.

Circuit Daze will be of epic proportions. Just to give you an idea of how big this party will be, it will take place at the San Diego Sports Arena and will start at 10:00 p.m., raging non-stop until 6:00 the next morning.

Sound like your kind of party? If you aren’t sure yet, maybe New York based DJ Tony Moran will help persuade you.

“I like to make people jump,” he told the Gay & Lesbian Times. “I like to make people move and smile. I like to make people dance.”

And who doesn’t like to do all of these things?

Moran, who has been DJing for the last 24 years and is a regular DJ at the perpetually hip gay club Roxy in New York City, says his secret to getting everyone into dance mode is by “feeling just as good up in the DJ booth.” Saying that we have to liberate ourselves first before we can liberate others rings true for DJ Tony Moran.

Another mega event this year will be the Queer As Folk-Ancient Babylon Tour.

Adam Gill,the owner, creator and producer of the tour, said the concept for the tour came to him after a friend told him he was creating the music for TV’s “Queer As Folk.”

Gill presented the idea of a party with the central theme of Babylon – the nightclub from the popular television series – to Showtime Networks, which they loved. The tour is now in its third successful year.

This Saturday it will be Rich’s turn to get fully decked-out in 200 B.C. Babylonian décor. Aside from the decadence-filled air, reminiscent of the ancient Mesopotamian empire and complete with performances by Miami’s RKM boys, music will be served up by cool DJ Chris Cox. What better way to celebrate Pride weekend than partying like its 200 B.C.?

Brand new to the circuit this year is Michael Mack Presents’ The Main Event at the House of Blues from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Taking advantage of San Diego’s all new venue, The Main Event will feature California-based circuit darling DJ Kimberly S., whose musical library is sure to keep the Blues’ dance floor packed all night – that is until DJ Alexander takes over to cap off the much anticipated evening.

I’m sure that with one of these three options you will find what you are looking for in a perfect Pride Saturday night. But there’s more:

Over at Bacchus House, DJ Steven Oliveri and DJ John Williams will be spinning, and there’ll be plenty of hot go-go boys to ogle. Go-go boys can also be found at Bourbon Street, where DJ Taj will be manning the turntables.

Get a little Noche Latino Americano at The Brass Rail where DJ Rudy mixes it up and there’ll be drink specials all night, or cool down from the hot day at the Eagle’s Underwear Party.

Numbers puts on Pride ’05 with DJ Aaron on the main dance floor, hip-hop in the video bar and a special beer garden in the adjacent parking lot. And ReBar hosts San Diego’s hottest backroom night with DJ Mark Luther.

Hamburger Mary’s/Kickers hosts Margarita Madness with DJ Taj at 2:00 p.m. and Country Western Night, and Martinis Above Fourth puts a little Vintage in your Vegas with Laura Jane and Franco Z. at 7:30 p.m.

The ladies won’t be left high and dry, either, because The Flame is putting on Candy Pride – the official Lavender Lens Pride Party for the girls. Ladies, there’ll be great music, hot dancers and great fun, so get in line early, ’cause it’s gonna be packed!

Whether it’s parting until 6:00 in the morning, doing the party crawl all over town or shaking your groove amidst men with skirts and swords, don’t forget the true reason why you are there, and drink one for the homies.