New York City Pride 2025: parade, dates and events

The 2025 NYC Pride March takes place on June 29, 2025. This will be the biggest gay Pride event in the USA.

New York is the birthplace of  'Pride'. From the moment the first bricks were thrown at police outside of the legendary Stonewall Inn in 1969, the city has been at the forefront of the struggle for, and celebration of, queer rights. 

The official celebrations have grown year on year, and 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of the march. Thousands of LGBTQ+ people from across the world are expected to travel to New York City for the celebrations. It's certainly not an event you want to miss!

What happens at New York Pride?

The highlight of Pride is the Pride March, attracting millions of spectators and participants as it winds through Manhattan's streets. This vibrant parade showcases a colorful array of floats, performers, activists, and community groups. Alongside the march, PrideFest transforms Greenwich Village into a street fair, featuring vendors, food stalls, live entertainment, and exhibits.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, the LGBTQ+ film festival, OutCinema, offers screenings of films that explore queer themes and narratives. Read more: Check out our guide to New York's best gay bars.

Pride Island

The Pride Island music festival, held at Pier 97, is another highlight, featuring electrifying performances by top LGBTQ+ and ally artists. Past headliners include Whitney Houston and Madonna.

As Pride Week draws to a close, the Pride Island Closing Party provides a spectacular finale, featuring performances by renowned DJs and entertainers. This high-energy event brings together people from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum to celebrate diversity and love in all its forms.

How do I book a hotel for New York Pride?

Booking a hotel early is highly recommended. New York will be full and many hotels will reach full occupancy. Prices are likely to rise during Pride - as if New York Hotels could get more expensive (they can, lol).

New York Pride history

New York City is where the first brick was thrown at the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history that sparked a movement for equality and liberation. What we now know as Pride can be traced directly back to this moment. And no, the revelers at Stonewall were not mourning the death of Judy Garland.

In the aftermath of the uprising, LGBTQ+ activists and allies came together to organize the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, marking the first commemoration of LGBTQ+ pride in New York City. This historic march was held on June 28, 1970. Over the years, NYC Pride has grown into one of the largest and most influential LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, drawing millions of participants and spectators from around the globe. It's no exaggeration to say that New York City is the home of Pride.