June is Gay Pride Month all across the globe and that means it’s time for New York City’s spectacular Gay Pride Week, one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the world. NYC Pride is the group that puts it all together and as in years past, they’ve planned several exciting events that’ll have New Yorkers showing their pride in a big way. Take a look at all of the events planned for the 2012 NYC Gay Pride Week:
The Rally, Saturday, June 16th, 3-6 p.m.
The Rally is the event that opens up the week’s festivities and is conducted as an homage to that very first candlelight vigil that took place in Sheridan Square in June of 1969. This year’s rally takes place at the East River Park’s Bandshell, between Grand and Jackson Streets, and featured guests include Chelsea Lately funny woman Fortune Feimster and Jai Rodriguez from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The rally is free and includes guest speakers and performances by several LGBT performing artists.
Family Night, Wednesday, June 20th, 7:30 p.m.
Perhaps a sign of the times, this brand new event is geared towards families with children. Target is teaming up with Pride for an outdoor showing of the 1971 children’s classic, “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at Pier 46 on the Hudson. Come rest up on vibrant, colorful blankets and enjoy sweet sensations at various snack stations, as well as the magnificent views of multi-colored balloons along the Hudson. Doors to this free event, hosted by Chelsea Lately's Ross Matthews, open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk. Rain date for this event is Thursday, June 21st.
Rooftop Party, Saturday, June 23rd, 2-10 p.m.
This popular event is back once again with 3 levels of fabulousness overlooking the world’s greatest city. DJ’s Corey Craig, The Freemasons and Moto Blanco will be on hand spinning the best in club fare, as revelers party the afternoon away on the rooftop, in the salon or out on the terrace reveling in the moment. Tickets for this event, which is being held at Hudson Terrace, 621 West 46th Street, are $35 in advance. Check out the NYC Pride website below for more information.
Rapture on the River, Saturday, June 23rd, 4-11 p.m.
This 9th Annual Rapture on the River Dance is being moved from Pier 54 to Pier 57 this year in order to give attendees better access to all facilities. That being said, this popular event exclusively for women is always amazing and always well-attended. Featured spinners this year are DJ’s Whitney Day, Missy B and Trini, and on hand will be the cast of Showtime's The Real L World, as well as a performance by alternative rockers Hunter Valentine. Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Check out the NYC Pride website below for more detailed information.
Pridefest, Sunday, June 24th, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pridefest is NYC Pride’s annual street fair, with vendors, food, games and prizes, free giveaways and much, much more. The street festival takes place on Hudson Street, between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street.
The March, Sunday, June 24th, begins at 12 noon
The week’s main event takes place on Sunday the 24th at 12 noon. Grand Marshalls Cyndi Lauper, Chris Salgardo, Phyllis Siegel and Connie Kopelov open up one of the world’s largest gay pride celebrations, starting at 36th Street and 5th Avenue and marching on down to the Village at Christopher and Greenwich Streets. The march shines a light on the plight of those whose lives have been devastated by AIDS and discrimination, and a celebration of the diversity that is the very essence of gay pride.
Dance on the Pier, Sunday, June 24th, 5 p.m. -2 a.m.
This annual event culminating Pride week is always packed, and always the place to end a weeklong celebration. DJ’s Eddie Baez, The Perry Twins and Boris will be spinning the best in club beats all night long, and special performances by dance music artist Eva Simons and the one and only Cyndi Lauper cap off the night, with other performances still pending. As with the Rapture on the River event, this party has also been moved to Pier 57 for better accommodations for guests. Tickets to enjoy great dancing and the spectacular live musical entertainment are $65 if purchased during the month of May and $90 in June. For more options, please visit the NYC Pride website below for more.
Sources:
NYC Pride
Comments