Pride weekend, the last weekend of June in New York City, is one of the most exciting yet packed places to be. People flood the streets of Manhattan to celebrate festivities. There are always parties going on, no matter the month, but Pride weekend means thereās an onslaught of choices to choose from, so I thought Iād help people narrow down some of the best parties to get tickets to.
Iāve lived in New York City for 10 years now, and Iāve been to all types of parties ā during Pride and just on a regular weekend ā so if thereās anyone who has an authoritative voice on making sure you have a good Pride weekend, itās me. In curating this list, I wanted to highlight options for people who are not looking for your typical Hellās Kitchen or West Village endeavor, but places that are welcoming to a diverse set of people and create a welcoming space without being too crowded.
So without further ado, here are some parties you and your friends should attend during NYC Pride.
Moxy NYC EventsĀ (June 24, 28, and 29)
Moxy NYC is throwing a few different events throughout the weekend. On Wednesday, June 24, from 8 to 10 p.m., the day festivities begin, Moxy Williamsburg is hosting a Burlesque Bingo at Bar Bedford. At the event, which is being hosted by Miss Frankie Eleanor, you can RSVP for free and play to win a one-night stay at the hotel.
On Sunday, the day of the parade, from 3 p.m. to midnight, the Fleur Room rooftop bar at the Moxy Chelsea is throwing its post-parade celebration hosted by The Valley stars Jasmine Goode and Zack Wickham, with a special appearance by one of the Pride paradeās grand marshals, Peppermint. You can buy a ticket for $20 on the partyās website.
The Moxy Chelsea is also hosting a free-to-attend drag bingo in the hotelās second-floor lobby on June 29, starting at 9 p.m. with Sparkle Monster, and the grand prize is a one-night stay at the hotel.
Gaydar Pride Party (June 25)
If you spend any time on TikTok or Instagram Reels, youāve probably scrolled past a video of content creator and now Broadway star Anania saying, āHi! Iām Anania, this is Gaydar, where we find out if our guest today is gay, straight, or a homophobe.ā Being the internet native that she is, Anania makes for the perfect host of the quippy internet show, and her team is throwing a Pride party on June 25 at House of Yes in Brooklyn, starting at 10 p.m. The party will include drag performances from Anania, as well as RuPaulās Drag Race alum Amanda Tori Meating, and Xaddy Addy.
Urban Bear Bears Ahoy (June 26) and Annual Pride Mega Bear Blast (June 28)
As someone who has been exploring the bear community for the last two years, I can wholeheartedly say that bear parties are so much better than any other queer party happening in New York City. I just came back from a wild night in Fire Island for Urban Bear's Truck Stop party, and I can confirm these guys know how to throw a celebration. That's why I cannot recommend their Pride parties enough ā Bears Ahoy, the Pride cruise on the Hudson, on Friday, June 24, and their annual Pride Mega Bear Blast on Sunday, June 28.
Goldiloxx (June 27)
Goldiloxx is one of my favorite bear parties in New York City, and if I'm in town when it's being thrown, I always make sure to stop by for a few hours. I recently wrote about how this event helped me become more comfortable in my own skin, and I mean it. They hold it at Red Eye in Manhattan, which has two floors, so there's definitely enough space for everyone. If you're still looking for Saturday plans, I wouldn't miss out on Goldiloxx's Pride party because it will be a surefire hit.
NYC Pride Stagefest (June 28)
NYC Pride is gearing up to be an exciting one this year because not only are content creators Anania and Eric SedeƱo hosting this year's festivities ā but attendees are also being treated to performances by Bree Runway and Rico Nasty! I have been dying to see these two in concert, but the stars haven't aligned until now. Make sure to stop by and watch these two burgeoning superstars take the stage on Sunday, June 28.
