This article was published on June 21st, 2016
New York City is ground zero in the modern gay rights and liberation movement in the United States. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, located in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Manhattan. After a series of spontaneous raids and violent demonstrations, the LGBT community gathered for a pivotal moment, to stand united to fight for equal rights. In subsequent years, Pride marches and rallies began to pop up across the United States to further the equality and rights movement. Today, NYC Pride is the largest Pride weekend in North America, drawing millions of people to the world-class city.
This weekend, New York City will be a bustle of events, marches, rallies, and spectacular events to honour the Stonewall riots, advocate for equal rights, respect diversity, pay respect for those who recently lost their lives and who were injured in the recent largest mass-murder in Orlando, and to celebrate with friends at magnificent parties.
NYC Pride, the official pride event organizers, have a massive line-up of events including the Pride March and the annual Party on the Pier. The annual Pride March through downtown Manhattan is the largest march in North America, attracting over two million spectators and marchers.
Matinee Pride is the largest music festival event during NYC Pride weekend. The signature global event brand hosts the largest and hottest parties in major cities across the world. Weekend passes and single event tickets are still available for the Matinee Pride events.
The Matinee Pride Main Event on Friday, June 24 featuring Offer Nissim. This is the first time Offer Nissim has performed a Main Event at the Matinee series of events. Expect incredible production with a huge sound, lighting and visuals installation unlike anything New York has ever seen at the historic Capitale NY! For late-night party-goers, Matinee Pride will host Souvenir from 5:00am – 11:00am at SONO NYC.
For the first time, the world’s sexiest Matinee party, La Leche, pours over Matinee Pride at Hell’s Kitchen’s best rooftop party venue. On Saturday, June 25, dance in the sun to DJ Phil Romano, DJ Dan Slater, and Matinee All-Star DJ Taito Tikaro. The party continues with the Matinee Pride after-hours party, Pervert, from 3:00am – 10:00am.
Sunday, June 26, get on board for the most unique Pride party in New York. The Matinee Pride Luvboat is the hottest gay sunset cruise aboard a giant luxury yacht sailing through New York Harbour past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. Top deck SexShooters (UK) and DJ Theresa will be spinning all evening long. The cruise wraps up with an impressive view of fireworks overlooking New York City.
“Your safety is our first priority,” said Jake Resnicow, producer, Matinee Pride. “Matinée is working directly with the NYPD and our private security teams to ensure your safety at all events. We have added additional security personnel, metal detection, as well as several other measures that will go unnoticed to guests. We also want to remind you that NYC Pride has always had what most consider being the best security protocols in the country.”
Other notable events include the VOSS Event series including the second annual Bathhouse on Friday, June 24 at XL Nightclub, which has the 16,000 square foot venue converted into a 1970’s raunchy and steamy bathhouse complete with adult theatre, locker room, live performances by other 30 men in nothing but towels.
“In the early ‘70s, the bathhouse was a symbol of gay freedom, a place to literally shed one’s inhibitions and secrets,” says event producer, Brandon Voss. “Nearly fifty years later, we’re recreating the experience by inviting today’s generation to shed their inhibitions – and iPhones – with complimentary towels and a clothing check.”
The most popular Saturday night event will be Bruta Pride at the all-new multi-million production, at the Daryl Roth Theatre. There will be an interactive 4D theatrical experience, performances throughout the night, and beats by DJ Hector Fonseca.
On Sunday, June 26, Night of 1000 Queens will showcase of the world’s best drag performers from the hit TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Act, Derrick Barry, Detox, Kennedy Davenport, Naomi Smalls, Raja, Roxxxy Andrews, Shangela, Trixie Mattel, and Willam. The event takes place at Stage 48 and will feature DJ Lady Bunny.
There are so many amazing and fun events scheduled throughout the NYC Pride weekend that it will be hard to take them all in. These are some of the hottest events. Get to them, even if it’s just for a quick New York minute! Get your tickets now and get ready for an incredible weekend of fun. Remember to drink responsibly, stay hydrated, wear lots of sunscreen, make new friends, be patient, and to celebrate diversity!
