Celebrate Gay Pride in New York City this summer.
New York’s powers of attraction are especially powerful for gays and lesbians. The city is, after all, the home of the Stonewall Rebellion, Christopher Street, and world-class arts scene. And with Pride Events in all five boroughs, NYC remains one of the most popular destinations in the country and around the world for the LGBT traveler.
When is it?
Pride Week 2015 is scheduled for June 21-28, but celebrations will take place throughout June and July. Pride Week embraces the rich diversity and vibrant culture of the LGBT communities in New York City, from Brooklyn to Broadway, and its roots in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s when gay culture especially flourished.
What is it?
NYC Pride is the official organizer and producer of the most popular New York City Pride Week events, including the LGBT Pride Rally, March, Pridefest and Dance. This year’s theme is ‘Complete the Dream,’ in recognition of the dreams of LGBT people and the dreams of all people seeking liberation from injustice.
Pride Week has been celebrated annually in New York City since 1970. A full list of Pride events can be found at nycgo.com/pride. Here’s your go-to guide on what’s happening this Pride in the Big Apple:
June 3, 2015
Bronx Borough President & Allies LGBTQ Pride Awards Ceremony: Hosted by LGBT groups Boogie Down Pride and Brainpower and other community organizations, the Bronx will celebrate pride with an award ceremony honoring those who have made contributions to the borough’s LGBT community. The event will be held on June 3 at 6:00 p.m at Billy’s Sports Bar, featuring refreshments and entertainment. Please visit nycgo.com for more information.
June 7, 2015
Queens Pride Parade and Festival: In its 23rd year, the Queens Pride Parade and Festival will be held on June 7 at 12:00 p.m. The Parade will run on 37th Avenue, from 89th Street to 75th Street. The festival will follow the Parade from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 75th Street and 37th Road. This year’s festival stage will be loaded with great talent reflecting the diversity of the community including singers, comedians, drag acts, dance groups and much more. Go to queenspride.org for more information.
June 13, 2015
Brooklyn Pride LGBT 5K Run: Held on Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m., the annual LGBT 5K Pride Run in Prospect Park kicks off the Brooklyn Pride Parade and Festival. To register the run, please visit: brooklynpride.org.
Brooklyn Pride Parade and Festival: After the Brooklyn Pride LGBT 5K Run, an all-day festival will be held Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A dedicated Kids Space with clown painting and bounce houses, as well as stage entertainment and a Twilight Parade at 7:30 p.m., are just some of the many events held on the six blocks that line 5th Avenue between 3rd Street and 9th Street. June 14, 2015
NYC Pride Ride: The 3rd Annual NYC Pride Ride is a day of inspiration, commemoration and celebration that will take place on Sunday, June 14 with check-in beginning as early as 6 a.m. The bike ride has four distances to choose from and will start at 10 a.m. at the West Side bike path at 145th Street. Go to nycprideride.org for more information.
June 23, 2015
Family Movie Night: Enjoy a free night out with the whole family for an outdoor screening of Finding Nemo at Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 on Tuesday, June 23 as part of NYC Pride’s celebration series in Manhattan. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., screening begins at 8:30 p.m. Seating, blankets, and treats will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit nycpride.org for more information.
June 26, 2015
NYC Pride Rally: The first NYC Pride Rally occurred one month after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park and followed by a candlelight vigil in Sheridan Square. NYC Pride has continued this proud tradition by hosting the event in various locations throughout the City. The Rally will be held on Friday, June 26 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Please visit nycpride.org for more information.
June 27, 2015
VIP Rooftop Party: NYC Pride and Brian Rafferty proudly present the 5th anniversary of the VIP Rooftop Party. Guests can dance on the most exclusive rooftop venue during the best weekend of the year on Saturday, June 27 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hudson Terrace, 621 W. 46th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues. For more information, go to nycpride.org.
Teaze: Teaze (formerly Rapture on the River) is NYC Pride’s exclusive event for women. After more than a decade of “rocking women’s worlds,” the newly-refreshed event will introduce exciting new ways for ladies of all walks to come together and celebrate Pride. The event will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Please visit nycpride.org for more information.
Harlem Pride Day: Taking place on Saturday June 27 at Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem, this free outdoor festival hosts a large selection of vendors and community organizations. Additional events will take place throughout the neighborhood June 21-28. June 28, 2015
PrideFest: PrideFest, celebrating its 22nd year, is the annual LGBT street fair that combines vendors, entertainers and activities for a day of fun in the name of equality. PrideFest attracts thousands of out-of-state visitors and brings them together with local residents and families, corporate sponsors, community leaders and area business owners. PrideFest will be taking place Sunday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Hudson Street between Abingdon Sq. & W. 14 Street.
The March: Now an annual civil rights demonstration, its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those lost to illness, violence and neglect. The March will take place on Sunday, June 28 at 12 p.m., from 36th Street & Fifth Avenue, and ending at Christopher & Greenwich Streets. The March’s 2015 Grand Marshals are Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ian McKellen, J. Christopher Neal, and Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera.
Dance on the Pier: Dance on the Pier, now in its 29th year, will again serve as the largest fundraiser for NYC Pride and LGBT nonprofit grant winners. With Ariana Grande as the event’s headliner, Dance on the Pier returns to Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 in Tribeca with extended hours on Sunday, June 28 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
July 11, 2015
Staten Island PrideFest: Taking place on Saturday, July 11 at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, the party will feature live music, artists, craft vendors, food trucks, drag performers, beverage areas, and more. The day kicks off with a Pride Day 5K PrideFest Run/Walk around the beautiful 83-acre campus.