NYC Pride Week: Best LGBTQ Events, Things To Do
Pride Week is just a few days away and we've narrowed down the best ways to celebrate in NYC. From stand-up comedy and cruises to the main event, we've got you covered. By Carly Petrone.
NYC Pride Rally
More: Guide To NYC Pride Week
Gear up for Pride weekend at the Friday night Rally. The first NYC Pride Rally took place one month after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when 500 people gathered for a "Gay Power" demonstration in Washington Square Park, followed by a candlelight vigil in Sheridan Sqaure. Todrick Hall will host this compelling event along with a live performance by Bob the Drag Queen from season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race. Be a part of history by attending this free event starting at 7 p.m. VIP passes are available here. Want to volunteer? Click here to find out more information.
Gay Pride Parade
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Be a part of history by marching in the annual Gay Pride Parade! The starting line begins at 36th St. and Fifth Avenue and ends in the West Village. There will be announcers and awards given out throughout the parade at various locations to celebrate everything from Best Float and Best Marching Band or Music Ensemble to Best Dance Performance and Best Use of NYC Pride Theme – which happens to be "Equality Needs You." Keep your eyes peeled for 15 year-old Jazz Jennings, the co-founder of the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation and this year's Grand Marshall (she's the youngest Grand Marshall in NYC Pride history!). Come dressed to impress and ready to celebrate. Marching begins at noon on Sunday, June 26th. If you have any questions or would like more information please email march-help@nycpride.org.
Sea Tea Cruise
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The Sea Tea is setting sail along the Hudson this Pride weekend for the 20th year in a row. Whether you're in the mood for festive fireworks or you just want to dance the night away, founder Michael Fesco has made sure there is a cruise that is just right for you. From an 18 and over sail to a Latino pride cruise, there will be plenty of fun to be had aboard this amazing yacht. Live DJ's will be on the scene to get the party started while hosts from Hombres Lounge, Club Evolution, Friends Tavern, Christian Frazier, Nicky Latino will also be on board. Tickets range from $30-$50 and departure times begin at 7:30 p.m. (with a 6 p.m. boarding time). Learn more here.
QueerCom
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Get ready for QueerCom, Pride weekend's unofficial LGBTQ comedy festival happening at the PIT. Enjoy three days of improve, stand-up, sketch, drag, storytelling, solo shows, musical acts, screenings, panels, full-length musicals, and more starting on June 24th. Join in the celebration with some of New York City's funniest LGBTQ comics. And don't miss out on the Underground Cabaret Queercom Closing Night Party on Sunday, June 26th. Chris Booth and Adrian Sexton host this fun-filled event that includes everything from gender bending showtunes to diva anthems. Learn more here.
Family Movie Night on The Hudson
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Bring the whole family over to Pier 63 at Hudson River Park for an outdoor screening of the Disney-Pixar classic Toy Story at Family Movie Night. The event is free but there is also premium seating available starting at $50/person – this includes reserved blanket or sofa seating, snacks, gift bag and other goodies. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk. Funny lady and Provincetown icon Miss Richfield 1981 will host this fun, family-friendly event.
Broadway Bares 26
Hammerstein Ballroom
311 W. 34 St.
New York, NY 10001
(212) 840-0770
www.broadwaybares.com
Date: June 19, 2016 at 9:30 p.m. and Midnight
At the very start of Pride Week is the annual Broadway Bares production. The show benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This year is its 26th edition, with 150 men stripping down to nothing -- all for charity. This year's show, "On Demand," explores the lives of male and female strippers in New York City. Two show times are offered, at 9:30 p.m. and at midnight. Tickets cost anywhere from $50 to $3,000, depending on your seats.
Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run
Central Park
New York, NY
www.nyrr.org Date: June 25, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
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Join 5,000 other runners as you celebrate LGBT pride in this 5-mile run through Central Park. This is the 35th annual installment of the run, a collaboration between New York Road Runners and Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run, a club for LGBT runners and athletes. A portion of the proceeds of the run will be donated to GLSEN.org, which teaches gender/sexual identity tolerance in schools. Non-member entrance fees cost $40.
You can also check out the Front Runners' Unity Run for Orlando, taking place on Wednesday, June 22, where members of the NYC running community will pay tribute to the victims of the Orlando Nightclub shooting. The run kicks off at 7 p.m. in front of the Maine Monument in Central Park.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City. Jennifer Eberhart is a writer, reader, crafter, traveler and New Yorker. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.