Finally, June is here! And with it comes packed dancefloors, dazzling parties and endless opportunities to show gratitude for our amazing LGBTQAI+ brothers, sisters and friends from beyond the binary. While Pride month is one filled with laughter, joy and celebration, it’s also a time to acknowledge the work that needs to be done in the name of equality, visibility and acceptance. It would be inauthentic to say that the past year has been entirely easy or carefree – quite the opposite really, as we’ve seen states around the country ban drag performances or even strip trans youth of their ability to access potentially life-saving, gender-affirming care. While certain institutions have chosen to use their power to proliferate hate, our resilient community proved once again that love really does conquer all. When it rains, it pours. But we all know what comes after the storm. These official NYC Pride events and other festivities will have you stepping into the light, and feeling proud of just how far we’ve come.
Drag Me Out Trolly Tour
June 11th, 2023
Starts at 9th Ave. Saloon
656 9th Ave. (btwn 45th and 46th St.)
New York, NY
Don’t let the name fool you – you’ll be more than happy to leave the house for Drag Me Out, New York’s only queer city trolly tour. After you climb on board and grab a mimosa, just know you’ll be in good hands with Queen @alottamcgriddles. This sassy tour guide has friends in all the high-places, from Hell’s Kitchen to Williamsburg and beyond. En route to meet them, you’ll receive a fabulous course on the Big Apple’s queer history enhanced with boozy pit stops at 9th Avenue Saloon, Phoenix Bar, Metropolitan Bar and finally, the famous Stonewall. Expect epic drag performances along the way, irresistible music and VIP happy hour pricing so you can stay tipsy while you learn something, too. For tickets and more information visit @DragMeOutToursNYC on Instagram
The Rally
June 17, 2023
TBA
What started as a gay power demonstration and vigil in Washington Square Park following the 1969 Stonewall Uprising has become an important annual catalyst for dialogue on activism, education and collaboration. At this year’s Rally, you can become a part of the conversation and find positive ways to stand up and be heard in the face of adversity. Want to get involved on a deeper level? The Rally is currently seeking volunteers. For location announcements and information on how you can help out, visit https://www.nycpride.org/event/the-rally
Liberaunchy
June 22, 2023
3 Dollar Bill
260 Meserole St.
Brooklyn, NY
Electronic music heads, make sure this cape-clad rager’s on your radar. NYC Pride and Anthony John Presents are partnering up for a full club takeover of East Williamsburg’s 3 Dollar Bill, and the night isn’t called Liberaunchy for nothing – this is how we start Pride weekend off in major key. Renowned production duo Heidi Lawden and Treasurefingers will turn the Casa de Liberace dancefloor into a disco inferno, but they aren’t the only reason this beat-fueled hang’s sure to be a symphony for the senses. Those who dig heavier stylings must swing by the Raunch Room where headliner and hometown hero Justin Cudmore is on deck to drop pure tech-house filth. Stage mama Rify Royalty is in the mix too, with pop-up performances in store all night long. Grab your ticket and get ready to sparkle at https://www.3dollarbillbk.com/
BRÜTALLY Proud
June 23, 2023
HK Hall
605 W. 48th St.
New York, NY
On Friday night, we’ll reach our mecca, HK Hall – the cosmic sanctuary where all of BRÜT’s followers can dance together in perfect harmony. Kicking off this lazer-laden soiree is international recording artist and model, Natascha Bessez, who will open the gateway to eight hours of continuous house music from DJ’s Dan Darlington and Hector Fonseca. It’s bound to be a long night’s journey into day, so remember to harness some qi for the rest of your loud and out weekend. General admission ($55) and VIP ($119) tickets to this otherworldly engagement are now on sale. Pack up for the pilgrimage at https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/brut-party-nyc-pride/
Planet Pride – A New World
June 24, 2023
Brooklyn Mirage
140 Stewart Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
Planet Pride is back with enough fuel to send a rainbow-trailed rocket into orbit. For the 2023 installment, esteemed party tosser Jake Resnicow has curated a 12-hour, intergalactic gathering featuring names like Grammy-nominated house duo Gorgon City, trance visionary Gareth Emery and twin tastemakers Coco & Breezy among others, on hand to set the soundtrack for one of the weekend’s grooviest electronic events. Planet Pride will be taking over three stages, so go ahead and get lost in this new world. Board the ship at https://planetprideny.com/
Oscuro Pride
June 24, 2023
The Cockpit
355 W. 41st St.
New York, NY
This is for the wild ones who simply refuse to call it. When the other clubs say ‘you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here…’ the teams at Antonio Cedeno Presents and The Cockpit will be eagerly awaiting your arrival at this official NYC Pride after-hours party. Special guests Papito and THATCOUPLE play host while popular Brooklyn-based DJ, Joshua Ruizm will channel high vibes until it’s time for brunch reservation. Known for spinning an intoxicating blend of tech-house, progressive and tribal beats, expect Ruiz to lead you on a sonic journey into another unforgettable day of Pride-fueled mayhem. Strap in for the long haul at https://www.redeyetickets.com/oscuro-pride/
Bliss Days
June 25, 2023
The DL
95 Delancey St.
New York, NY
Gather the gals and slap on some sunscreen because Bliss Days (formerly known as Femme Fatale) is back! This high-energy afternoon gathering may spotlight sets from world-class DJs and special guest performances but we all know the real headliners are the special womxn who make up this vibrant community. So, grab a craft cocktail and raise a toast to them at this year’s signature celebration – it’s popping off at The DL NYC, a rooftop lounge known for its spectacular skyline views and endless supply of dancefloor delights. All proceeds from Bliss Days will benefit NYC Pride and its annual free events such as Youth Pride, The RALLY, The March, PrideFest, and more! Get some plans going at https://www.nycpride.org/event/bliss-days
Pride Island
June 25, 2023
TBA
Cap off your Pride week with a festival-style experience only Pride Island can deliver. This year’s headliner is a seven-time Grammy Award winner. Yep, the ultimate diva Christina Aguilera is on the roster and ready to rock out with the discography that gave you life during your school-age days. Other notables on the lineup come all the way from Tel Aviv – we’re talking of course about none other than Billboard #1 Remixer and Indie Music award nominee, Guy Scheiman. He’ll be joined by Mor Avrahmi, the resident DJ at Forever Tel Aviv, his hometown’s most popular gay party series. Avrahmi’s making his highly anticipated New York Debut with a body-moving dance party that should have the whole world talking. A stunning outdoor location is still to be announced. Tickets start at $139, so grab a pair here https://www.nycpride.org/event/pride-island
The March
June 25, 2023
New York, NY
The first Pride March took place in 1970, and in the five decades since its inception has become an important civil rights demonstration that draws awareness to challenges faced by the LGBTGAI+ community while honoring their ongoing resilience. Launched in the year following the Stonewall Uprising, the March has become an important time to remember figures whose lives have been lost, and celebrate those who are still among us. Naturally then, this is no longer the somber event it once was – now, the last Sunday in June comes to life with a colorful caravan of floats, an internationally renowned lineup of performers and a barrage of fun-loving fanfare that together make NYC one of the best Pride destinations on the planet. Those who prefer a VIP viewing experience can snag tickets to the NYC Pride March Grandstand. Get to steppin’ at https://www.nycpride.org/event/nyc-pride-march
PrideFest
June 25, 2023
New York, NY
On the hunt for a new collection of Pride-powered swag? Look no further than PrideFest, the annual street fair that’s been running in tandem with the March for 29 years. This free, all-ages attraction draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and it’s obvious why – there’s no better place to catch a star-studded performance, indulge in the city’s best artisan eats and pick up a new fit from emerging designers, all in one place. Interested in hosting your own booth? Applications are open so you can bring your own Pride style to one of the season’s most exciting international exhibition events. Make some shopping plans at https://www.nycpride.org/event/pridefest
Alegria Pride
June 25th
Brooklyn Mirage
140 Stewart Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
NYC Pride and Ric Sena Presents are once again joining forces as official partners for a day-into-night party at one of the country’s most spectacular venues. For the fourth time, Alegria descends upon the award-winning Brooklyn Mirage and Avant Gardner complex, this year bringing a fantastical “Wonderland” theme. For thousands of New Yorkers and out-of-towners, this is THE destination for massive production, high-octane DJ sets and enough pop-up fanfare to keep one sated until Pride returns in 2024 (but don’t wish it all over so soon — we insist, you’ll want to stay awhile.) Prefer to soak up the sun? Then you’ll be thrilled with WOW, the party’s “Outdoor Spectacular” offering, or head indoors for Alegria, a debaucherous dance party taking over the Great Hall through nightfall. You’ll be met with wonder, wherever you wander – after all, there’s a reason this celebration’s still soaring after 23 years. Get immersed in the magic at https://www.ricsenapresents.com/
Pines Party 2023 – Toon Island
Fire Island Pines
July 21 – 23
Fire Island’s hottest beach festival and longstanding charity event is looking a little looney this year. See if for yourself when you disembark to Toon Island, a place where play always comes before work. This year’s bash brings renowned DJs from around the world including Chicago house legend Derrick Carter, BBC Radio 1’s first ever East Asian presenter and &Friends label boss, Monki, as well as other influential names like NY stalwart Tedd Patterson and the classic house-meets-melodic techno master Someone From Berlin, among others. With a history dating back to The Morning Party, a fundraiser that began in 1983 in support of GMHC, this annual mid-summer celebration continues to draw LGBTQAI+ friends and from all corners of the globe. What keeps them coming back? Well in addition to a good cause and breathtaking sunsets, there’s one clear draw, or as 10-year Pines Party resident DJ Jeff Hall puts it, “There’s a sense of shared experience here in the Pines that knits the community together in ways that not many other communities can relate to.” Get animated at www.pinesparty.com
Last modified: June 22, 2023
