The Ultimate Guide to NYC Pride 2018

Written by | Entertainment, Lifestyle, Things to Do

NYC Pride March

If you’re planning on being in NYC for WorldPride 2019, check out the Metrosource/CityGuide WorldPride Guide, where you can find all the official NYC WorldPride events.

Heritage of Pride’s annual collection of official NYC Pride Events will include more than ever — with opportunities to watch LGBTQ cinema, mix with community leaders and activists, party and dance the night away with fellow community members, and even more great things to do for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex people and our allies.

Game Changers

Friday, 6/15/18
8:00pm – 10:00pm
SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd St.
$25

Get ready to explore how LGBTQIA+ community leaders and activists have change and continue to influence their communities and industries around them in a panel you will never forget. Moderated by Diana Tourjee and Featuring prominent panelists Michael Smith, Amiyah Scott, Jamie Clayton, and others in a night of invigorating discussion and exploration through history and current day pop culture. This year the panel focuses around the Transgender community and its visibility in the entertainment industry. nycpride.org/events/game-changers/

Pride Luminaries Brunch

Sunday, 6/17/18
David Burke Kitchen, 23 Grand Street

An afternoon of bellinis and business awaits as NYC Pride and the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce host their 6th annual Pride Luminaries Brunch at David Burke Kitchen in SoHo. Raise a mimosa to those who support equality in the workplace and mingle among politicians, media figures and other VIPs. Access to this event includes passed hors d’oeuvres, a buffet with inspired twists on yummy classics and open bar from noon to 4pm. nycpride.org/events/pride-luminaries-brunch

Garden Party

Monday, 6/18/18
6:00pm-10:00pm
Pier 84, Hudson River Park West Side Highway at 44th Street
$99

Looking for a relaxing evening with drinks and friends? Well head over the Garden Party and taste a selection of mouth-watering foods from several outstanding local restaurants as the sunset goes down over the Hudson River. All Proceeds from the Garden Party will support the LGBT Community Center’s life-saving programs and services that keep its doors open year-round. nycpride.org/events/garden-party

Family Movie Night

Tuesday, 6/19/18
Doors 6:30pm, Movie 8:30pm
Christopher St. Pier, Pier 45

Be our guest at this year’s fairytale Family Movie Night at the Christopher St. Pier with a special showing of Beauty and the Beast, hosted by Miss Richfield 1981! Join one of the only free events for LGBTQIA+ families during pride week for a night of dancing, singing along to the music, and kid-friendly games in collaboration with Camp Highlight. General; admission is completely free, however there are two special viewing spaces available such as the Village pass and Castle Pass. Village Pass viewing get a reserved blanket, pillows, early entry, gift bags with snacks, and complimentary water and soda. The Castle pass includes reserved outdoor living room area, sofas for up to six, gift bags with snacks, and complimentary water or soda. All proceeds from the magical Family Movie Night go towards Heritage of Pride and other LGBTQIA+ organizations. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with the movie showing promptly at 8:00pm. nycpride.org/events/family-movie-night/

Pride Week at the Joyce

Tuesday, 6/19/18 7:30 pm
Wednesday 6/20/18 7:30 pm
Thursday 6/21/18 8:00pm
Friday 6/22/18 8:00pm
Saturday 6/23/18 2:00pm & 8:00 pm
The Joyce Theatre, 175 8th Ave
$10-$56

In Partnership with NYC Pride, the Joyce Dance Theatre joins the 2018 pride Festivities with performances by two Dance companies, Madboots Dance and Sean Dorsey Dance.

Madboots dance is a queer, all-male, contemporary dance company based in New York city that questions the physicality of artistic expression and revolutionizes movement. The company will tackle the themes of masculinity, American manhood, and other rich topics though the expression of dance. Madboots Dance will perform Tuesday June 19th at 7:30pm; Thursday, June 21st at 8:00pm; and Saturday, June 21st at 8:00pm.

Sean Dorsey is an award-winning San Francisco-based choreographer, dancer and writer. His dance explores the human experience though a fusion of full-throttle, luscious partnering, and intimate storytelling. Dorsey will premiere a work titled “The Missing Generation”, focusing around the early HIV/AIDS epidemic, serving as a love letter to all the survivors of that time. Performances of Sean Dorsey Dance will be Wednesday, June 20th at 7:30pm; Friday, June 22 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, June 23 at 2;00pm. nycpride.org/events/pride-at-the-joyce/

OutCinema

Monday, 6/18/18
SVA Theatre, 333 W. 23rd Street

Reserve your seats, film buffs. NYC Pride has partnered with NewFest and SVA Theatre to present OutCinema, a cinematic event that brings ground-breaking queer works to the big screen. Last year, moviegoers were treated to Strike A Pose, a 2016 documentary recounting the journey of seven male dancers who performed alongside Madonna on her racy 1990 Blonde Ambition tour. This year’s curated screening (title TBD) will be followed by an afterparty with open bar. nycpride.org/events/outcinema

OutCinema

OutCinema—Photo by Christopher Gagliardi

Savor Pride

Thursday, 6/21/18
God’s Love We Deliver, 166 6th Avenue

Fire up the grills! Barbeque season is in full force, and NYC Pride is joining the fun with a food-driven fundraising event. Join celebrity chefs Amanda Freitag (Food Network’s Chopped), Zac Young (The Cooking Channel’s, Unique Sweets) and other culinary visionaries as they prepare a five-course meal in a beautiful outdoor environment. Each dish will elevate the classics to new heights, and you can feel good about chowing down, since proceeds go to support the work of God’s Love We Deliver, a nonprofit whose mission is to hand deliver meals to those living with severe illness.
nycpride.org/events/savorpride

The Rally

Friday, 6/22/18
5:00pm-7:00pm
Free
Stonewall National Monument

NYC Pride is taking the Rally back to the streets! Join thousands of LGBTQ activists, organizers, politicians, and more for a moment in history that will kick off the main weekend of NYC Pride! The first NYC Pride Rally occurred after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when over 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park. This Rally continues in this proud tradition by hosting the event in various NYC locations. nycpride.org/events/the-rally

Cosplay and Pride

Friday, 6/22/18
Boarding 6:00pm, Cruising 7:00pm-10:00pm
Pier 40, Hudson River Park. W. Houston Street & Clarkson Street
$25

Join Sailor Moon, Wonder woman, or Darth Vader at NYC Pride’s first ever cosplay event., in collaboration with the creators of FlameCon and the LGBTQ non-profit Geeks Out. Get ready to set sail and groove to the music with your hosts Phi Phi O’Hara and DJ Cameron Cole, as you cruise around New York Harbor. The main floor will be for showing off your cosplay superpowers while you bop to the latest dance hits and go to the rooftop bar for a spectacular view of New York City. VIP Tickets are available at $50 with an exclusive level, additional performances, and private restrooms are available. nycpride.org/events/cosplay-pride/

NYC Pride VIP Rooftop Party

Saturday 6/23/18
2:00pm-10:00pm
Huson Terrace, 621 W 46th St.
$75

NYC Pride and Brian Rafferty Productions present the eighth annual VIP Rooftop party at Hudson Terrace! Dance the night away at one of the most exclusive rooftop venues in New York city in the best city in the world! There will be performances nu DJs Boris, Dani Toro, and J Warren and sells out every year so get your ticket fast! The party will go on rain or shine, there is a retractable roof in case of inclement weather and nitro blasts in case of intense heat. You must be 21 or older to attend this event. nycpride.org/events/vip-rooftop-party/

Fantasy: Leather Edition

Friday, 6/22/18
Slate, 54 W. 21st Street

Buckle up and prepare to live out your naughtiest fantasies at this rough and tumble leather party at one of Chelsea’s hottest venues. DJs Eddie Alias and Jared Connor will lay the beats at this fast-paced interactive evening presented by NYC Pride, in partnership with Brian Rafferty Productions. Now in its fourth year, Fantasy’s tantalizing performance showcase is sure to ignite the imagination and kick your Pride weekend into high gear. nycpride.org/events/fantasy

Teaze HER

Saturday, 6/23/18
The D.L., 95 Delancey Street

Here’s a sense-ational way to get pumped for the main event! After the Dyke March, head over to The D.L. for a rooftop event featuring celebrity performances, hands-on experiences and much more! NYC Pride is teaming up with HER, the world’s largest organization bringing LGBTQ+ women together, to create a dynamic precursor to Sunday’s festivities. nycpride.org/events/teaze

Masterbeat presents Masterbuilt: Pride

Saturday, 6/23/18
Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 W 34th Street

Grab a hard hat and get to work because this year Masterbeat has constructed a jaw-dropping experience for Pride party animals! Masterbuilt: Pride puts you in the center of an architectural job site as Hammerstein Ballroom’s regal interiors are fully transformed into an interactive environment. Pace yourself, because as the night progresses the party will be built around you! Booming bass, entrancing lasers and over-the-top theatrical productions make Masterbeat’s annual celebration one you simply cannot miss! nycpride.org/events/masterbeat

Pride Island

Saturday – Sunday, 6/23/18 – 6/24/18
Hudson River Park, Pier 97

NYC Pride’s signature music festival returns for a second year with a star-powered lineup you won’t believe! Set along the gorgeous waterfront in Hudson River Park, Pier 97 will play host to some of music’s biggest names including Tove Lo, Big Freedia and former Metrosource cover girl Kylie Minogue. End your Pride weekend on a high note with an extravagant fireworks display and memories that will last a lifetime. Single day and weekend passes are now available. nycpride.org/events/pride-island/

Big Freedia

Big Freedia

Youth Pride

Saturday 6/23/18
12:00pm-6:00pm
14th Street Park, 14th Street between 10th Ave & West Side Highway
Free

Its back again! NYC Pride is excited to bring back an exciting experience for LGBTQIA+ and ally teens at Youth Pride with several fun and interactive experiences for everyone! Youth pride is a place for young people to celebrate NYC Pride with their friends and family, with games, a live DJs Amira & Kayla, a performance by recording artist Bea Miller and more! This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required! nycpride.org/events/youth-pride/

The March

Sunday, 6/24/18
Step off at 7th Avenue and 16th Street

In 1970, the LGBTQ community and our allies joined together to fight for our civil rights, and this public demonstration would go on to lay the foundation for what would eventually become the world’s largest Pride celebration. Nearly a half decade later, the tradition is stronger than ever! Join more than 450 unique marching contingents on the last Sunday in June as supporters from the community embark on a brand new route, stepping off at noon on the corner of 7th Avenue and 16th Street, in the heart of Greenwich Village. nycpride.org/events/the-march

Pride Fest

Sunday 6/24/18
11:00am-6:00pm
University Place
Free

Hosted by Ross Mathews, this year’s 25th Pridefest will be huge, with more vendors, performances, and exhibitions than ever before! PrideFest is the annual LGBTQIA+ street fair that has several artists, entertainers, local businesses, corporate spinors, to round out your pride experience. It is the perfect place to find anything lGBTQIA+ you heart desires whether it be information on local LGBTQ resources, great food, or free stickers—it’s up to you! nycpride.org/events/pridefest/

Femme Fatale

Sunday, 6/24/18
Hudson Terrace, 621 W. 46th Street

Add a little girl power to your Pride weekend with Femme Fatale, an exclusive rooftop event that takes place high in the skyline on the Hudson Terrace. Featuring a sponsored open bar and high energy performances from lady DJs RosyQ, Mary Mac and Tatiana, this post-March bonanza is expected to attract more than 1,000 women from the community! nycpride.org/events/femme-fatale

Femme Fatale

Femme Fatale—Photo by Zach Hilty of BFA

Also check out:

Our List of the Top Gay Bars in New York City
Best Hell’s Kitchen Gay Friendly Restaurants
Our Big List of PRIDE 2018 Celebrations around the World
Our Guide to Europride 2018 from Stockholm to Gothenburg

Last modified: November 16, 2018