New York Gay Pride — June 16-24, 2012

New York is the city of Stonewall, the place historians most often associate as the launching pad for the modern gay rights movement. As such, New York is the ultimate Gay Pride destination in the United States, mixing together fabulous festivities along with a strong political punch and incredible history all in one massive week. This year the celebration stretches from June 16-24, and it really will be a party as local LGBTers celebrate the one-year anniversary of marriage equality in New York.

While there are numerous parties, celebrations and club-sponsored outings, NYC Pride celebrations are anchored by seven major events: The Rally (June 16); Family Night (June 20); the VIP Rooftop Party and Rapture on the River (both on June 23); and PrideFest, The March, the Dance on the Pier (all on June 24). Find out the major info below, then check out the complete NYC Pride Guide.

All images: NYCPride.org

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SATURDAY, JUNE 23

VIP Rooftop Pride Party
Dance on one of the most exclusive rooftops venues overlooking one of the greatest cities in the world during the best weekend of the year! Three levels of fun with a retractable glass roof if it decides to rain. DJs Corey Craig, The Freemasons, and Moto Blanco are providing the beats. Tickets sold out early last year so get yours now! (You must be 21+ older.)

WHEN
2:00 - 10:00 PM

WHERE
Hudson Terrace
621 W. 46th St.

TICKETS
$35 advanced tickets; bundled Pier Dance & Rooftop tickets will go on sale on May 4th.

Rapture on the River
Rapture on the River is THE event for all lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified women. It takes place after the Dyke March and the night before the official NYC Pride March. This year the party is moving to Pier 57, a spacious location that removes the worries about rain and gives attendees easy access to bars, restrooms, and social spaces. DJ Whitney Day is headlining, and Missy B & Trini are opening.

WHEN
4:00 - 11:00 PM

WHERE
Pier 57 - Hudson River Park
15th St @ the West Side Highway

TICKETS
$25 in advance, $35 day of the party.
$75 VIP ticket includes open bar for the entire event, complimentary access to the official Rapture after-party, Pier Pressure, fresh fruit, and more!

NOTE: The VIP Rooftop & Rapture on the River are the only official NYC Pride events on Saturday, June 23rd.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

The March
The first March was held in 1970, and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. The 2012 Grand Marshals include Cyndi Lauper, Chris Salgardo, and Phyllis Siegel & Connie Kopelov.

WHEN: 12:00noon
WHERE: Starts at 36th Street & 5th Avenue, ends at Christopher & Greenwich Streets.
Download the 2012 Route Map
This event is free and open to the public.

PrideFest
PrideFest is NYC's annual LGBT street fair, bringing together local residents and families, community leaders, and area business owners. Attracting thousands of out-of-state visitors and volunteers, this year’s PrideFest marks the 19th annual event.

WHEN: 11:00 AM- 7:00PM
WHERE: Hudson St. between Abingdon Sq. & West 14th St.
Click to view map
This event is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary.

The Dance on the Pier
According to the NYC Pride site, "The Dance on the Pier was born out of a time when LGBT persons could not dance openly and proudly together. It is a protest set to music, a celebration set to the western skyline and a reminder of how far we've come." DJs Eddie Baez and The Perry Twins are opening this year, and closing will be DJ Boris. With two-for-one drink specials from 2pm - 3pm and a spectacular display of fireworks at the end of the dance, it's a perfect way to close out your Pride weekend in New York.

WHEN
2:00-10:30PM
WHERE
Pier 57 - Hudson River Park
15th St @ the West Side Highway

TICKETS
$65 in May, $90 in June
$165 VIP ticket includes expedited entry, open bar for the entirety of the event, elevated viewing platform, access to the Vitamin Water lounge, fresh fruit and more!

All proceeds from the Dance on the Pier benefit New York City’s LGBT Pride Week events and community organizations.