NYC Gay PrideFest and March 2025
- TBA
- New York City
The first NYC Pride March took place on June 28th, 1970 commemorating the Stonewall riots. These pivotal protests were initiated by members of the lgbtq+Q+ community who courageously resisted a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. The riots marked a turning point in the fight for lgbtq+Q+ rights.
Traditionally starting at noon on a Sunday in June at Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan the NYC Pride procession winds its way down Avenue past landmarks like the Empire State Building before making its way to Street en route to the revered Stonewall Inn. The march then continues through Greenwich Village until it reaches Christopher Street and Greenwich Street where it gracefully comes to an end.
Apart from the march itself NYC Pride offers a variety of activities including a lively street fair called PrideFest. This bustling event features vendors showcasing their wares alongside captivating performances and family friendly entertainment, for all ages to enjoy.
In addition there are lgbtq+Q+ groups and companies, in the city that host gatherings and activities to honor this event.
The NYC Pride festival holds importance for the community as it enables individuals to accept who they are and highlight the fight, for equal rights and protections. Over the years this celebration has grown in popularity. Is now recognized as one of the Pride events worldwide.
Upcoming Mega Events Nearby
NYC Pride Unveils 2024 Theme: “Reflect. Empower. Unite”
Marquee events will celebrate the lgbtq+QIA+ community and mark 55th Anniversary of Stonewall Uprising, 40th Anniversary of Heritage of Pride
New York, NY, February 27, 2024 – Celebrating its 40th year, Heritage of Pride|NYC Pride announces our
official theme for 2024, “Reflect. Empower. Unite.” as it kicks off this year’s programming. The theme was
selected to highlight the importance of the NYC Pride March as the intersection for Queer liberation and joy.
Drawing upon the activist history that ignited the movement for lgbtq+QIA+ rights, the theme encourages
individuals, advocates, community leaders and allies to reflect on the challenges they have overcome together
and empowers them to take action in shaping our collective future. At a time of division in our country and the
world, this year’s theme calls for unity within and throughout the lgbtq+QIA+ community and is a call to action
for ALL allies, especially those in government and the private sector, to demonstrate their alliance with the
community-at-large at this critical time in our nation's history.
This year also marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and comes at a time when the lgbtq+QIA+
community finds itself under increasing attack. From the introduction of hundreds of anti-gay, anti-Trans bills, to
the weaponizing of Drag Story Hour, to heartbreaking stories of bullying and violence against young, Trans
youth, the gains of the movement are in peril of being eroded or erased in their entirety.
“The NYC Pride March is how we combat all the negativity; this is the celebration that brings people from every
borough in the city and all parts of the world together, in joy, to share the accomplishments, talents and
resilience of our community” said NYC Pride Executive Director Sandra Pérez. “The March is where we
demonstrate the strength that comes with inclusion, diversity and acceptance,” Pérez continued.
Said Kazz Alexander, NYC Pride Co-Chair, “this year’s theme is an imperative and a call to action. While we
reflect on past triumphs and challenges, we must also empower our community to continue to ignite change
and unite against the forces that do not want us to exist. Unity at this time is critical to our survival. Our theme
calls us all to action.”
Said Sue Doster, NYC Pride Co-chair: “Our theme will be woven through all of our events, in June and for the
rest of 2024. From empowering young people at Youth Pride to uniting in all our diversity and power at the
March to celebrating our Queer joy at Pridefest, there will be so many opportunities to gather in the ways that
NYC Pride has done for decades, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the organization that started it all.”
The NYC Pride 2024 calendar will feature legacy events including Youth Pride on Saturday, June 29 as well
as the annual NYC Pride March & Broadcast and PrideFest, the largest lgbtq+QIA+ street festival in the city,
on Sunday, June 30. More information about NYC Pride events can be found at nycpride.org/events. More
information about NYC Pride, including how to volunteer, can be found at nycpride.org.
Here are 9 recommendations and tips to ensure you have an experience at NYC Gay Pride;
- Plan in advance; Take some time to do your research and check the schedule of events for Gay Pride. This way you can organize your day accordingly. Make sure you don't miss any activities or events that catch your interest.
- Dress appropriately; Show your support and pride by wearing clothing or outfits with a rainbow theme. Don't forget to wear shoes as there is usually quite a bit of walking involved.
- Take care of your skin; Since Pride events often take place outdoors and can last for hours it's important to bring sunscreen and regularly apply it throughout the day to protect your skin from the suns rays.
- Stay hydrated; Keep yourself hydrated by carrying water or other beverages with you throughout the day. Additionally you can also find drinks and snacks from vendors at the event if needed.
- Bring some cash; It's an idea to have some cash, on hand as certain vendors may not accept credit cards.
- Prioritize safety; Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting separated from your group. If you ever feel uneasy or unsafe make sure to reach out for help. Security officers or police personnel at the event are there to assist you.
- Consider using transportation like the subway or bus as a convenient and efficient way to navigate through the Pride festivities in NYC. This will help you avoid traffic congestion and parking difficulties.
- Show respect for others by obtaining consent before engaging in any contact and being mindful of your language. It's important to use language whenever possible.
- Keep an eye on the weather conditions since Pride events can be quite humid. Dress appropriately. Remember to bring items like hats or umbrellas for protection, from the sun or rain.