NYC's best Pride events for 2024, from the marches to concerts

While many colloquially call the event the Pride Parade, organizers refer to it as The March as a nod to the event’s heritage. After all, the first march was an unpermitted political protest of anti-LGBT policies and attitudes.

This year, rainbow-clad activists and allies will take to the streets in support of global LGBTQ rights at the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 30, 2024, starting at 12pm. In recent years, The March has grown to include more than 700 groups with millions of spectators.

Here's the full guide to the march, including where to see it, what time to arrive and the lineup of grand marshals.

This annual event to raise awareness about women's and trans rights brings noise, puppets and plenty of body positivity to NYC's streets the day before the Pride March. BYO signs and banners, and keep in mind that the Dyke March doesn't have a permit—it's a protest, not a parade—so be prepared for possible interference from the fuzz. The march itself is open to all self-identified dykes. All other supporters are encouraged to cheer from the sidelines.

The March begins at Bryant Park (6th Ave/42nd Street) at 5pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024, then continues down 5th Avenue to Washington Square Park.

Honor both Pride Month and Juneteenth by joining the New York City Gay Men's Chorus for Black and Queer: A Juneteenth Concert at Christ Church NYC on Wednesday, June 19. Presented by the East Midtown Partnership, the 75-minute concert will celebrate the intersectionality of the chorus by centering "voices and experiences too long unheard," organizers say, with a group of Black NYCGMC soloists sharing what Juneteenth means to them through their personal stories and favorite songs.

"This concert, as I see it, is a perfect opportunity to illuminate through music the unique and important nexus of racial justice and the advancement of LGBTQIA+ equality and advocacy," says Rev. Dr. Eric S. Park, senior minister at Christ Church. "We hope that you will plan on being present for this historic concert, the spirit of which moves us forward toward a preferred future in which all forms of discrimination give way to equity, inclusion, justice, integrity, and compassion."

Admission to the special event is free, but a suggested donation of $30 would be appreciated.

National Queer Theater is showcasing queer and trans artists from countries that criminalize or censor LGBTQ+ communities during the Criminal Queerness Festival, running June 21-29. This event, an official event of NYC Pride, is taking place at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) in Lower Manhattan for the first time.

The shows are pay-what-you-wish, and this year's lineup features productions of Achiro P. Olwoch’s The Survival, Raphaël Amahl Khouri’s She He Me, and Nick Hadikwa Mwaluko’s Waafrika 123: A Queerly Scripted Tragic Rise to African Fantasia. Check out the schedule and buy tickets here.

Celebrate queer musical talent at PRISM Festival from June 22 to June 29 at Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village. Watch creative teams taking part in concert-style, semi-staged performances dedicated to amplifying the voices of queer artists and musical theater.

The plays at this year's PRISM Festival of New Queer Musicals include The Church of the First Order of Cloud City’s Inaugural Unity Jamboree! written by Ben Holbrook; A Trip to the Moon written by Adam J. Rineer; Lottie & the Deep Blue Sea by Beth Golison; and An Incomplete List of All the Things I'm Going to Miss When the World is No Longer by Dante Green. 

For Pride Month, the New York City AIDS Memorial will use the power of art to engage in remembrance and reflection with a series of works and performances created in response to AIDS. Head to the memorial in Greenwich Village on Saturday, June 15 for "A Remembrance," an afternoon of written work, performance, music, and art curated by multidisciplinary artist Alex Stadler.

The event includes:
● A spoken-word performance by aAliy A. Muhammad in conversation with the poetry of Melvin Dixon
● Untold Elegy, a chamber music work composed by Kinan Abou-afach and performed by the Bergamot Quartet with mezzo-soprano Elisa Sutherland
● A staged reading of The Simplest Thing by Cookie Mueller with Tony and Emmy Award-nominated actor Jessica Hecht
● A performance by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus will sing I Stop Somewhere, Waiting For You

The program invites all to remember a friend, a family member, a loved one, a mentor, or a hero, or to honor an activist, organization, ally, or noteworthy community member.

Written and performed by Maggie Cee, "Ladies at A Gay Girls' Bar" is a 60-minute solo dance and theater performance that centers a teen lesbian living in the 1990s. The play draws from interviews and real histories from The Buffalo Women's Oral History Project and pieces together fictional monologues that delve into gender, daring, and desire. Through the play, Cee pays homage to a demographic that is often forgotten in pop culture narratives about the queer community.

You can catch the show at Under St. Mark's on June 24 at 9pm or June 29 at 5pm. It's presented by the Queerly Festival.

You might not have seen this one coming, but it turns out that The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine is a big queer ally. This year, the Cathedral is kicking off Pride month with a special performance by artist the Greedy Peasant before turning on its emblematic rainbow lights inside the cathedral (dressing colorfully is encouraged).

Other programming throughout the month includes a sunset silent disco on June 10, a drag story hour on June 23, and a Gay and Sober meeting on June 27. June will also be your last chance to view the beautiful Divine Pathways installation by Anne Patterson, which has graced the Cathedral for the past several months.

Prepare to get schooled on NYC queer history by drag queen Alotta McGriddles on a boozy trolley tour this Pride Month. 

Set sail for a good cause on a cruise with Classic Harbor Line this month. The New York Harbor Pride sails (benefitting the Hetrick-Martin Institute) offer a two-hour cruise on a classic Schooner where you'll get to see all the sights from a cool vantage point. This year, they're offering events on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. Cruises begin from Chelsea Pier 62, then tour around the New York Harbor. A 400-square-foot Pride flag will flag above the ship as it sails past One World Trade Center, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Tickets for the Saturday cruise cost $125/adult, while tickets for the Sunday cruise cost $150/adult because you'll get a front-row seat to the Pride fireworks. On either day, you'll get a drink (beer, wine, champagne, or soda) with your ticket. You're welcome to bring a picnic onboard. The events benefit the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization serving LGBTQIA+ youth; 100% of net ticket sales will be donated to HMI. For this fifth year of the collaborative benefit, Classic Harbor Line has a goal to raise $15,000 total funds for HMI.

To celebrate Pride month, the Transit Museum is leading a walking tour on June 20 that will guide you through the West Village's transit and queer histories, which are more intertwined than you might think. Among other things on this evening tour, you'll learn about resources the MTA has contributed to LGBTQ New Yorkers over time, as well as the West Village's transit history and how it shaped the development of the iconic queer neighborhood.

If a multi-floor celebration involving wet t-shirt contests, pole and lap dances sounds like a fun time, then the Sultan Room's THIRST party was made for you. THIRST centers queer and trans sex workers in all their performances and brands itself as the premiere queer strip party in the city.

Their upcoming party on June 22 will also celebrate their one-year anniversary and start at 2pm on the rooftop before the rest of the club opens at 7pm. Expect performances by Mother Aoki Lee, Lexii-Fox, Samuel Paulish, Noel, and Mars Hobrecker as well as DJ sets by Coral Kill and Ickarus. 

Explore the history of The Stonewall Uprising with a special show by performer, singer and producer David Driver at City Winery on June 28. The show, The Stonewall Jukebox: A Documentary Concert, is part history lesson and part musical that marks 55 years since the uprising. Expect it to shed light on little-known facts about the protest that changed the trajectory of the LGBTQ community and modern history. 

The show unfolds through musical performances interwoven with contemporaneous texts from magazines, books, interviews, and songs actually played at The Stonewall Inn. It pays homage to the real people who lived, fought, and survived The Stonewall Uprising, and sheds a light on the social and political climate that paved the way for those remarkable events. Guest singers and narrators include Michael Musto, Stew, Aisha de Haas, Tigger!, Everett Bradley, Machine Dazzle, and many more.

Pride celebrations are taking over Times Square on June 28 and 29 with a bevy of free programming. Activities include the Big Broadway Disco, interactive Pride installations, the Broadway Pride Block Party, and performances by JORDY and Molly Grace. 

Here's the full schedule. It's all presented by the Times Square Alliance in partnership with Playbill.

Frigid New York hosts this annual showcase of subversive LGBTQ+ comedy, storytelling, short film and theater, running June 13-July 3 as part of Pride Month.

Queerly aims to provide a space for queer artists who’ve rarely or never seen their identities portrayed on stage to be able to represent themselves and tell their stories their way. This year, in light of the barrage of anti-trans legislation across the country, the festival is prioritizing work by or featuring trans artists. Here's the full schedule.

Enjoy a wholesome afternoon of comedy, drag shows and queer friendship moments, all curated by the event series We Finna Talk. Expect performances by Sydnee Washington,  Sureni Weerasekera, Riylan Mills, GG, Edson Montenegro, Sydney Duncan, Alexandra Sanchez and Kenny Park Yi. Tickets are on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale of $10-$25. 

Head over to The Bell House in Redhook from 2pm-5pm on June 22 for all the fun. 

Bk Backyard Bar and DJ Whitney Day are hosting their second-annual Queer Garden event on Sunday, June 30 from 2-10pm and they're expecting more than 1,500 queer partygoers to attend. The event will be hosted by none other than heartthrob Mal from Netflix's The Ultimatum: Queer Love. Expect drinks, food trucks, music, and a twerk contest, so make sure to stay till the end.

Head over to Union Hall in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 15 for queer standup comedy show Gay Shame. This show will be hosted by comics Sheria Mattis and Ely Kreimendahl, who will be joined by a stellar lineup. The hosts kick off every show with "an unhinged, very queer tribute to a canonical Millennial film." This month it's Sister Act 2. This month's lineup includes: G.G., Sunny LaPrade, Aurea Young, and Glo Butler. 

As the event organizers say, "Be there or be ashamed. Very Ashamed."

The beloved art and culture boutique bookstore in Mexico City, Casa Bosques, is setting up shop at The Standard East Village now through June 15. The bookstore pop-up will include a selection of queer themed books, art catalogs, zines, and limited-edition prints. Throughout its time at The Standard, Casa Bosques will also host lots of events celebrating queerness, including an art exhibition and queer zine launch by Mexico City based photographer Gustavo Garcia-Villa on June 6. Here's the full schedule of events.

Pride is not just about partying—it's also about learning. If you've ever wondered about the queer and trans history of one of the most iconic stretches of NYC, take one of these tours in June. Three tours throughout Pride Month will guide you through a 90-minute, 1.24-mile walk across Central Park through the lens of the LGBTQ community.

The tour will include information on New York City icons who had some connection to the park, including Emma Stebbins, Fitz-Greene Halleck, and architect Bruce Kelly. Tours will be offered on Saturday, June 8; Sunday, June 23; and Friday, June 28, all starting at 11am. 

Lady Gaga’s family restaurant, Joanne Trattoria (a name made famous by the artist’s eponymous album), is bringing in sensational drag queens for free, “speakeasy” drag shows every Wednesday.

“Drag Me To Joanne’s,” which is hosted by Jupiter Genesis, features special guests. Coming up for Pride, you'll see performances by the dancing diva Mo’Riah and Victoria Holiday with beats by queen BaeJing on Wednesday, June 26. In addition to dinner and the show, the venue will host a special live auction with all of the proceeds going to the Born This Way Foundation. Auction prizes include tickets to Lady Gaga's residency, dinner with Joe Germanotta, a Joanne's gift basket, and a goodie bag with Lady Gaga's Haus Labs makeup.

Of course, because the event's all set at Joanne’s, there will “be ample Lady Gaga action,” organizers say.

“‘Drag Me To Joanne’s’ has been a staple here at Joanne Trattoria over the last few months and we’re beyond thrilled to not only make it a weekly show, but a free show,” said Joe Germanotta, Lady Gaga’s (Stephanie Germanotta’)s father. “Where else in this city can you enjoy a terrific free drag show and authentic Italian food?”

The event is produced exclusively by Jessee O of G L I T A NYC and co-produced by Jupiter Genesis, and it begins at 6pm. Joanne Trattoria’s full Italian menu will be available during performances. Additional tickets for the show aren’t needed, you just need or order a meal.

Join Body Hack, the party collective that raises money for trans communities, and Mister Sunday, a long-running party series, for a 36-hour summer festival called The Tuck at Nowadays in Brooklyn. They've teamed up with Queer|Art, the national organization connecting and uplifting generations of LGBTQ+ artists, for an incredible party. 

The festival will kick off at noon on June 29 with an art bazaar and clothing swaps that are open to all ages. The dance parties at night will be 21+ and will include sets by Heavy Pleasure, SCAAARR, Cisne, ARCHANGEL, Maya Margarita and other community icons.

There's nothing quite like dancing under the summer night sky. That's why Sholay Productions is bringing its signature South Asian LGBTQI+ dance party to Cobble Fish at Pier 16 on Friday, June 28. Sholay: Desi Queer Pride on the Pier will promises "a celebration of desi queerness and hip-shaking sounds" with beats by Ashu Rai. The event is free to attend with a cash bar and kitchen.

If you haven't heard of Sholay Productions yet, it's the New York-based organization behind Desilicious, the longest running LGBQI+ South Asian dance party in North America. It's dedicated to providing safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQI+ South Asians, friends, and allies to come together and celebrate music, South Asian cinema, and dest-queer culture.

Donna Summer, George Michael, Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury—these are the voices behind some of the world's most renowned and beloved Pride Month anthems, and this musical celebration on June 26 at The Public Theater will spin all of your favorites, taking you from disco to the present day. "The story of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is linked to this music, which evokes the struggles, heartache, and liberation of queer lives then and now," organizers say.

Featuring Kevin Smith Kirkwood (Kinky Boots), NYC cabaret-artist, Amy Jo Jackson, and Grammy-nominated recording artist and actor, Marty Thomas, with musical direction by Brian J. Nash, Pride Anthems will showcase "where the LGBTQ+ community has come from and how far it has come since Stonewall." Produced in partnership with Pride Live, a portion of the event's proceeds will benefit that nonprofit as well as the Stonewall National Monument Visitors Center (SNMVC) which will open in June 2024.

If you're a Gaga stan, get ready for the listening party that will end all listening parties. Playing her biggest hits from The Fame, A Star Is Born soundtrack, ARTPOP, and more, this free listening event at Olly Olly Market is going to provide guaranteed three-hour catharsis for all the Little Monsters in town. 

The festivities take place on Friday, June 14 in Chelsea. 

Take your movie-going experience to the next level this summer at Rooftop Cinema Club. The experience offers a chance to watch a movie on a Midtown rooftop with vegan popcorn, classic theater candy, and craft cocktails.

For Pride Month, screenings include But I'm a Cheerleader, The Color Purple, Showgirls, and more. As part of Pride Month, $1 from every Pride screening ticket will be donated to The Trevor Project. Get tickets here.

In the three years since it started, the iconic party sksksks has hosted some of the biggest hyperpop artists including Dorian Electra, digi-rap pioneer Dazedgxd and more. If you're a fan of techno and pop, head over to their Pride party happening at The Brooklyn Monarch on Friday, June 21, which will include sets by Chloe Cherry, Food House, DJ Thank You and THELIMITDOESNOTEXIST.

If there's one Pride music festival you should be going to this June, it's LadyLand on June 28-29.

Every June since 2018, LadyLand has brought the most relevant artists in queer culture to Brooklyn, and this year's lineup is no exception: The two-day event is bringing headliners Tinashe, Arca and Tokischa, and other queer artists like Baby Tate, Bob the Drag Queen and Cakes da Killa. Basically, all your Internet faves.

It's the kind of lineup that can only be built out by producers who are keenly in touch with the culture: And Ladyfag, who curates the festival, is exactly that.

Hall des Lumières is hosting an immersive Pride party on June 27 hosted by Jamie CD followed by a performance by queer singer VINCINT and an immersive DJ set by BMAJR. The $100 general admission ticket includes specialty 1800 Tequila cocktails, while the $250 VIP admission includes access to two exclusive lounge areas with view of the stages and a VIP bar with premium drinks and food. 

The iconic Radio Hotel Uptown is converting its 8,000-square-foot outdoor space into a Pride party on June 22 from 7pm till midnight. Expect a drag performance and high energy sets from New York native DJ Dada Cozmic and others who will be serving reggaeton and Caribbean-centered beats. Award-winning restaurant Jalao NYC will be serving Latin bites and specialty cocktails in case you get thirsty. 

Strap on some cowboy boots for Stud Country where you'll learn how to line dance with fellow other queer people. Line dancing at Stud Country can happen to the sound of classic country songs, but it also happens to tracks by Britney Spears, Troye Sivan, and Ariana Grande.

For women who love and admire women and femmes, head to the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg for Sapphic Factory, a queer party that has hosted icons of the queer community like MUNA, Chappell Roan, Phoebe Bridgers, Kim Petras and more. This edition of Sapphic Factory: Queer Joy Party is on Saturday, June 15.

Their events put an emphasis on freedom and of course, lots and lots of dancing. They're also donating $1 from each ticket sale to the LGBT National Help Center. 

An exhibition that pays homage to New Yorkers who created spaces for queer and trans people throughout the years, What did it feel like to be there?: 12 Portraits from The Addresses Project features a selection of twelve portraits from photographer Riya Lerner. Notably, the exhibition also includes a vinyl wallpaper designed by Gwen Shockey from scanned lesbian and queer party and bar flyers from the mid-1900s through the early 2000s.The gallery will be on view through June 30, 2024 on Fridays from 2pm-6pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-6pm. 

See it at City Lore Gallery on the Lower East Side.

The Hester Street Fair is back for its 15th season bringing together extraordinary local vendors for a bustling outdoor marketplace. The market features handmade jewelry, ceramics and candles, pet accessories, vintage clothing, seasonal pies, soju-spiced cocktails and lots more.

Find all the fun at the Seaport at Pier 17 (89 South Street). The market's offering a Pride Weekend theme on June 22-23.

For a full rundown of vendors, check out Hester Street Fair's website.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan is celebrating Pride with programming all throughout June. Activities include drop-in lessons about LGBTQ+ civil rights figures like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie; Pride flag coloring workshops; and a mini Pride parade float arts and crafts session. Activities are for all ages and will happen throughout the 1st and 3rd floors of the museum; make sure to check the museum's website for updates and more information. 

QED, the small but mighty theater in Astoria, is throwing a series of events it's calling the The LGBTQed this June, which includes a Tony Awards watch party and a special effects makeup class. Make sure to catch their queer comedy show hosted by Keenan Steiner on Saturday, June 15 starting at 7:30pm. Here's the full lineup.