NYC Pride 2024: The best ways to celebrate

Pride Month has arrived in New York City, and with it, an endless number of ways to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community. As the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, kickstarted by the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, the five boroughs can be counted on to advocate for a future without discrimination and celebrate our diverse communities. Heritage of Pride, the nonprofit organization that plans and produces NYC’s official Pride celebrations every year, offers a calendar to help you find different events. Ahead, 6sqft put together a guide to Pride in New York City, with parades, parties, performances, and more, happening throughout June.

Official NYC Pride events

2024 Pride March
Sunday, June 30 at 11 a.m.
The NYC Pride March will start at 11 a.m. at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue. The parade typically proceeds south on 5th Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing over 6th Avenue, the march continues on Christopher Street, passing the Stonewall National Monument. Then, it turns north on 7th Avenue, passing the NYC AIDS Memorial, before concluding at 16th Street and 7th Avenue.

The grand marshals for this year’s event are Baddie Brooks, DaShawn Usher, Eshe Ukweli, Michelle Visage, Miss Major, Robin Drake, and Raquel Willis.

The theme of this year’s NYC Pride is “Reflect. Empower. Unite,” which was selected by organizers to highlight the importance of the Pride March as the intersection for Queer liberation and joy,” according to an official press release. 2024 marks the 55th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and the 40th anniversary of Heritage of Pride’s founding.

Youth Pride
Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m., South Street Seaport Museum
NYC’s annual Youth Pride event returns to the South Street Seaport Museum. The annual event offers a safe and inclusive space where young people can express themselves, connect with others, and celebrate their identities. The free outdoor event is expected to attract more than 5,000 LGBTQIA+ youth from all walks of life for a fun, celebratory day featuring live music, free food and snacks, activities, and moments designed specifically for youth to connect with one another.

PrideFest
Sunday, June 30 at 11 a.m., Greenwich Village
The streets and sidewalks of Greenwich Village will once again be transformed into an all-day street fair PrideFest. Enjoy food and activities and meet community leaders and local business owners during the free festival.

Garden Party
Monday, June 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Pier 76
Since 1983, The Center has been a hub for celebration and Pride for all LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. The group’s annual Garden Party takes place on June 24 and will feature an open bar, light bites, music, giveaways, and more. You must be 21 years or older to purchase tickets and attend the event.

Bliss Days
Sunday, June 30 at 2 p.m.
NYC Pride is reintroducing its iconic celebration of LGBTQIA+ womxn, Femme Fatale, as Bliss Days. One of the biggest parties of the month, the event includes rotating DJs, pop-up performances, special guests, and lots of dancing. Tickets start at $35, with all proceeds benefitting NYC Pride and its annual free programming.

Teaze
Saturday, June 22 at 2 p.m., Lambda Lounge BK
Dance the day away in an inclusive space during the 21+ event, Teaze. Celebrate Pride with DJs and live performances at Brooklyn’s Club Lambda. Tickets start at $25.

The Stonewall Jukebox – A Documentary Concert
Friday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m., City Winery, 25 11th Avenue
David Driver’s “The Stonewall Jukebox: A Documentary Concert” tells the little-known story of the Stonewall Uprising, and how it completely changed the course of modern LGBTQ+ culture. The documentary is part musical performance, part oral history, and pays respect to the people who lived, fought, and survived the Stonewall Uprising. The documentary features guest singers and narrators like Michael Musto, Stew, Aisha de Haas, Tigger!, Everett Bradley, Machine Dazzle, and more. The tale is told through the music of artists like Sly & the Family Stone, Judy Garland, The Flirtations, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Petula Clark, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Lesley Gore, and The Beatles.

More Pride activities and events

Pride Month at the New York City AIDS Memorial
On Wednesday, June 5, the New York City AIDS Memorial will host its second annual Legends of Drag revue. The event, produced in collaboration with drag performer Harry James Hanson and floral designer Devin Antheus, celebrates queer elders who have long been the “cultural and spiritual leaders” within their communities. Enjoy performances by Linda Simpson, Simone, Ruby Rims, Egyptt LaBeija, Princess Diandra, and Lawanda Jackson, as well as an installation by Agosto Machado. While the in-person event is sold out, catch the live stream here.

On Saturday, June 15, the memorial will host “A Remembrance,” featuring an afternoon of reflection through works and performances created in response to AIDS. The free event includes a spoken-word performance by aAiy A. Muhammad in conversation with the poetry of Melvin Dixon, chamber music work composed by Kinan Abou-afach and performed by Bergamot Quartet, and a reading of “The Simplest Thing.” Following these works, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus will sing in honor of I Stop Somewhere, Waiting For You, the New York City AIDS Memorial’s new bench dedication program.

Queer Liberation March
Sunday, June 30 at 11 a.m.
Organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, a grassroots collective that seeks to honor and reclaim the spirit of the Stonewall Riots, the Queer Liberation March is returning for its sixth year. Keeping in line with early Pride marches, the parade rejects corporate sponsorship and police involvement. To participate, head to Sheridan Square in the Village at 11 a.m. on June 30; the march to Battery Park begins at 11:30 a.m.

NYC Dyke March
Saturday, June 29 at 5 p.m., Bryant Park
Labeled as a protest, not a parade, the NYC Dyke March celebrates Dyke lives while also taking action against the discrimination, harassment, and violence they face in everyday life. Anyone who identifies as a dyke, regardless of their gender expression or identity, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, race, age, political affiliation, religious identity, ability, class, or immigration status, is welcome to march. This year, the march steps off from Bryant Park at 5 p.m. on June 29.

Queer Art Summerfest
Saturday, June 8 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., 3 Dollar Bill in Brooklyn
Returning for its 4th year, Queer Art Summerfest is an LGBTQIA+ marketplace, featuring 35+ diverse LGBTQ+ vendors and a lineup of DJs and performers. Hosted at Brooklyn’s largest queer venue, 3 Dollar Bill, Queer Art Summerfest will include a diverse collection of artists and vendors selling everything from fine art and apparel to ceramics and jewelry. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Guayaki. Summerfest is 21+ only, and admission is free.

New York Mets Pride Night
Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m., Citi Field
Celebrate Pride at Citi Field as the New York Mets take on the Houston Astros. The Mets special Pride night features DJs, in-game entertainment, limited Mets Pride merchandise, themed cocktails, and much more. Additionally, the first 15,000 fans to enter the stadium will get an exclusive Mets Pride hat, presented by Citi.

For the first time, the Mets are partnering with NYC Pride on a special ticket offer. With the purchase of a NYC Pride ticket, customers get a limited-edition Pride Night item (soon to be revealed), and $12 to use at any concession stand in the stadium. Also, part of the proceeds from each ticket will be donated to NYC Pride initiatives. Purchase tickets here.

New York Yankees Pride Nights
Tuesday, June 18 at 7 p.m., Yankee Stadium
During select games in June, the New York Yankees will celebrate the city’s “Legacy of Pride,” with proceeds from every ticket sale going towards The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Each ticket includes a Yankees hat with the Yankees logo in Pride Flag colors and $15 to use at any of the stadium’s concession stands. Purchase a ticket here.

Pride Library After Hours
Friday, June 7 at 7 p.m., Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The New York Public Library will host the Pride Edition of its After Hours event series, featuring readings by guests from the LGBTQ+ Archives in a building-wide takeover of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The happy hour will showcase a one-night-only display from the Library for the Performing Arts, highlighting queer performers.

Attendees can enjoy live performances by Be Steadwell in the Rose Main Reading Room, 16mm films from the Reserve Film and Video Collection focusing on lesbian cinema and documentaries, book-matchmaking, listening stations from the NYC Trans Oral History Project, as well as games, crafts, drinks, and dancing.

Woof Fest: Paws for Pride
Saturday, June 8 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Manhattan West Plaza
Pride Month is a celebration for all, including your pets! You and your pup can take part in a colorful afternoon of engaging activities and treats. Take part in the”Walk of Pride” catwalk contest and show off your pride (and your pooch) for a chance to win prizes. RSVP for the event here.

2024 Pride at the Whitney
The Whitney Museum of American Art’s month-long Pride celebrations kick off on May 31 with free choral performances by the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event coincides with the museum’s Free Friday Nights program, which offers free admission on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The day will culminate in a final performance by over 200 singers on the steps of the Whitney.

Starting on Friday, June 7, and continuing throughout the month, museum staff will lead Queer History Walks in the Meatpacking District, highlighting the impact and history of LGBTQ+ communities in the neighborhood.

The festivities continue on Sunday, June 9, with a special Pride edition of Free Second Sundays, offering free admission from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to contribute to the Whitney Community Pride Mural and reflect on their personal meanings of Pride.

Additional events include a Queer Teen Night on Friday, June 14, and the Radical Joy Ball on Monday, June 24. The celebrations also feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including hands-on artmaking, coloring projects, and more. See the full list of events here.

Pride Month with NYC Parks
The city’s Parks Department is offering a variety of Pride-related events through June, including a selection of walks with the Urban Park Rangers where you can learn about the LGBTQ+ history of different NYC neighborhoods. There will also be a movie screening and a free, all-ages dance party hosted at Pier 3 Plaza and Central Lawn in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Pride at Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown
Midtown’s Rooftop Cinema Club just released its June schedule, including a few Pride-themed film screenings and special events. On June 20, the club is screening “But I’m a Cheerleader” in honor of the iconic LGBTQ+ classic. The screening will be proceeded by a party with trivia, a “cheer off,” and a costume contest.

On June 23, the club is hosting Drag Me to the Movies, a lineup of themed drag performances that will bring famous movies, including “To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar” to life. After the performances, guests can enjoy the movie on the big screen. Rooftop Cinema Club is partnering with the Trevor Project, an LGBTQ youth suicide prevention group, for this year’s Pride events, and will donate $1 of every ticket purchase to the organization.

Parties and concerts

Queer|Art|Pride
Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. to Sunday, June 30th at 12 a.m., Nowadays
Queer|Art is partnering with Body Hack, a collectively run party and mutual aid project fundraising for trans communities in the Americas, and Mister Sunday, a long-running NY Sunday party series, for a 36-hour nonstop festival at Nowadays in Ridgewood. The event will feature DJ sets, artist vendors, family activities, and live sunrise performances, raising essential funds for GLITS (Gays & Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society), which provides crisis support, healthcare access, and stable housing to transgender and sex worker communities in NYC.

Saturday’s programming includes an arts bazaar featuring a clothing swap and local vendor fair, a movie night spotlighting emerging trans filmmakers, and DJ sets by Heavy Pleasure, SCAAARR, Body Hack resident DJs Cisen and ARCHANGEL, and drag performances and back-to-back DJ sets by Ceyenne Doroshow and Maya Margarita.

The festival continues on Sunday with sunrise performances by Keioui Keijaun Thomas and Stefa, poetry readings, and a games lounge with video, card, and board games. Daytime festivities on both days are open to all ages, while the night events are 21+. Purchase tickets for Saturday here and the nonstop festival here.

PlanetPride
Saturday, June 29, 140 Stewart Avenue, The Brooklyn Mirage
Experience the journey of a lifetime this Pride Month at the Brooklyn Mirage. One of NYC’s biggest Pride celebrations, PlanetPride is doing a full takeover of Avant Gardner and the Brooklyn Mirage for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring world-class talent and immersive art across three stages.

Pride Disco
Saturday, June 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Central Park
World-famous drag queen Trixie Mattel will DJ a special disco performance at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. She will be joined by special guests, including model, actress, and performer Amanda Lepore, as well as NYC’s favorite Peloton instructor, DJ, and “And Just Like That…” guest star Jess King. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Latex Ball
Saturday, June 22 at 6 p.m., Terminal 5
Hosted by the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), the world’s first HIV/AIDS service organization, The Latex Ball celebrates creativity and honors the lives lost to AIDS-related complications. The event showcases voguing, a form of dance and movement dedicated to self-expression that originated in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene. The event is free and open to all guests ages 18 and older.

Visual AIDS Pride Party
Wednesday, June 12 from 7 p.m. to 12 p.m., 9 Bob Note
The Visual AIDS Pride Party returns for its second year, promising even more LGBTQ+ fun. Hosted by Viva Ruiz, the event features performances by Hamed Sinno, River Ramirez, and BLKshine, who will be at the DJ booth. The party also includes a raffle with prizes from Babeland, Edy’s Grocer, Singers, and more. You can get raffle tickets early here.

Kumbia Queers at Lincoln Center
Saturday, June 15 at 6 p.m., Lincoln Center
This special Pride edition of Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City festival features the Kumbia Queers from Buenos Aires, a non-binary and lesbian quintet that blends the gritty, electronic-driven subgenre of cumbia villera with rock for a unique fusion of traditional and new sounds. The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

New York Harbor Pride Sail
Sunday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Classic Harbor Line is hosting a special Pride sail event in collaboration with the Hetrick-Martin Institute, the nation’s oldest LGBTQIA+ youth organization. Flying a nearly 400-square-foot Pride Flag, the schooner will sail past landmarks such as One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Tickets cost $125 per person and include a complimentary beer, wine, or glass of champagne. All ticket sales will go towards supporting transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth programs offered by the Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Borough & neighborhood pride celebrations

Staten Island’s Pride Festival
Saturday, June 1, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
The Pride Center of Staten Island is hosting a festival on June 1 at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. The all-ages event will honor the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ communities with a day of live music, artists, craft vendors, activities, food, and more. The event takes place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Queens Pride
Sunday, June 2, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights
Originating in 1993, the New Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival is the city’s second-oldest, and second-largest, pride parade. Taking place on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, the parade will travel from 89th Street to 75th Street and end with a festival.

Brooklyn Pride
Brooklyn Pride is a weeklong celebration Brooklyn Pride, which produces the borough’s beloved Pride Week events every year, has revealed this upcoming Pride Month’s celebrations. Capping off the week is the annual parade, which takes place along Fifth Avenue in Park Slope at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Other events of Brooklyn Pride Week include an outdoor art exhibition, a multicultural festival returning for its 28th year, a 5K run/walk, a youth pride event, and much more. You can find a full calendar of events here.

Pride in Times Square
Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29
The Times Square Alliance is once again partnering with Playbill to present Pride in Times Square. Building upon last year’s success, this year is set to host a slew of engaging events, including live DJ sets, appearances by top stage and screen celebrities, and more.

Harlem Pride
Saturday, June 29th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Harlem’s Pride celebration day is returning to the neighborhood for a 15th year. More than 20,000 attendees are expected to take part in the annual festival, which is designed as an open-ended appeal to Harlem’s diverse community.

RELATED:

• The long road to landmark: How NYC’s Stonewall Inn became a symbol of civil rights
• First LGBTQ+ National Park Service visitor center to open at NYC’s Stonewall Inn
• New map highlights NYC landmarks related to LGBTQ+ history
• Same celebration, different courses: The routes of Pride marches and parades in NYC