One of the most exciting aspects of LGBTQ culture is attending Pride events throughout the month of June. Not only are these celebrations a great way to meet others in the community, but they’re also a reminder that our existence matters and cannot be erased. At GO, we’ve compiled a list for you of all the upcoming major Pride festivities happening in the NYC area. Get your rainbow flags and glitter ready!
ROAR — Friday, June 1st
Where: New York, NY; Central Park Zoo
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Kick off Pride Month with a ROAR at Callen-Lorde’s annual party at the famous Central Park Zoo. With its unique location and variety of activities for adults and families, ROAR is a one-of-a-kind experience. This year’s live entertainment includes music from Occupy The Disco, drag queen story time with Merrie Cherry, and a performance by Yahua Hamasaki from Season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. All of the proceeds from the event go toward Callen-Lorde’s healthcare programs and services for LGBTQ individuals. Tickets and more information on ROAR can be found at the link below.
http://callen-lorde.org/events/roar/
Queens Pride — Sunday, June 3rd
Where: Jackson Heights, NY. 37th Ave. from 89th St. to 75th Street. Reviewing stand at 37th Ave. between 79th and 80th Streets. (Parade), 75th St. and 37th Rd. (Festival)
Time: 12:00pm (Parade); 1:30pm to 6:00pm (Festival)
This year marks the 26th annual parade and festival for Queens Pride. After a march that aims to unite the community, the festival will feature singers (including headliner Ultra Naté), comedians, drag queens, dance groups and more. Co-chair of Queens Pride, Tina Arniotis tells GO, “What makes Pride unique is that it’s not a month long event, but a celebration of diversity around the world. Queens Pride is in one of the most diverse boroughs in the city of NY, bringing communities together in a harmonious environment of joy and acceptance.”
Jersey Pride — Sunday, June 3rd
Where: Asbury Park, NJ; 5th and Ocean Ave.
Time: 12:00pm to 7:00pm
As it’s located in what might be the Garden State’s gayest town, Jersey Pride is not one to miss. The seaside event includes a parade, performers, activities, exhibits and vendors, as well as 150 artisans, crafters and organizations. Now in its 27th year, Jersey Pride continues to be the largest LGBTQ pride celebration in its state.
Brooklyn Pride — Saturday, June 9th
Where: Brooklyn, NY (5th Ave. between 1st and 9th St.)
Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm
After Brooklyn Pride’s 5K run on the morning of June 9th, join them afterward for a festival filled with entertainment and city-wide LGBTQ organizations. If you want to continue your Pride Month celebrations in the Brooklyn borough, check out the Twilight Parade on June 10th — the only New York City Pride parade that takes place at night.
North Jersey Pride — Sunday, June 10th
Where: Memorial Park Amphitheater, Maplewood, NJ
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
The 7th year of the North Jersey Pride festival is guaranteed to be its biggest yet. There’s something for everyone at the family-friendly event, including 80+ vendors, a food court with local eateries and a live stage. This year’s lineup includes GLAAD-nominated artist Wrabel, Karina Iglesias of NBC’s The Voice and more.
http://www.northjerseypride.org/
Rockland Pride — Sunday, June 10th
Where: Garnerville, NY; Garner Historic District
Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm
Organized by the Rockland County Pride Center, the 20th anniversary of their Pride festivities will include live music, art, dancing and local food trucks. There are also activities for children and teens, such as Drag Queen Story Hour and a Youth Pride celebration, which is co-sponsored by Youth Pride Rockland and SAEDA (Student Activists Ending Dating Abuse). Rockland Pride Sunday’s main event will be followed by its first-ever Pride Wind Down from 5:30 to 9:00pm, which features chill live music and locally-brewed beer.
Long Island Pride — Sunday, June 10th
Where: Long Island, NY; Long Beach Blvd.
Time: 8:00am to 7:00pm (Market Fair), 12:00pm to 2:00pm (Parade)
Pride on the Beach offers tons of functions throughout June, but their biggest events will take place on Sunday the 10th. Along with an all-day market fair on the boardwalk that features hundreds of shops and vendors, the LGBTQ community will be celebrated even more with Long Island’s 28th annual Pride parade. The oceanfront event continues immediately after the parade with the Concert on the Beach, which ends at 5:00pm, featuring Grammy-nominated R&B artist Deborah Cox, Steve Grand and Jessie’s Girl.
Harlem Pride — Saturday, June 23rd
Where: Harlem, NY; 12th Ave. between West 125th and West 133rd St.
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
This year’s Harlem Pride Celebration Day will showcase an array of live entertainment, art, community tables and food vendors. An after party will follow the celebration, which the organization will give details on in the near future. With Harlem Pride’s important goal of giving a voice to the town’s LGBTQ members, this event emphasizes the strength and importance of community.
NYC Pride — Sunday, June 24th
Where: New York, NY; 7th Ave and 16th St. (March), University Place between 13th St. and Waverly Place (Festival)
Time: 12:00pm (March), 11:00am to 6:00pm (Festival)
One of the most historic and massive Pride events in the world, NYC Pride returns with its annual mission to celebrate the lives of our community. If you can, try to attend both the PrideFest streetfair and the March, whose Grand Marshals for this year include Billie Jean King, Lambda Legal, Tyler Ford and Kenita Placide. Last year’s March was the first Pride event I ever attended, and it was nothing short of a wonderful experience. Every float and marching group that passes by is a vibrant acknowledgement of just how important LGBTQ lives and rights are. One of the most vital tips I could give if you attend: stay hydrated!
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