Pride Week 2013
The best events to celebrate LGBT pride this week
If you want family-friendly fun
FREE: The Rally
Friday, June 28th, Hudson River Park's Pier 26, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
You have to come to the official kick-off of NYC Pride! Motivational speakers will get you excited and surged up for the week ahead. The event is hosted by comedians Pandora Boxx and Keith Price. Pam Ann will be performing, who is the alter-ego of Australian comedienne Caroline Reid, and is also able to call Madonna a fan.
We Are Family Picnic
Saturday, June 29th, Church of St. Luke in the Fields, 487 Hudson St., stlukeinthefields.org, 12 p.m., donations requested.
St Luke's is a church that strives to welcome all who come through their doors. They host this event during Pride Week with Central Families, which is a program for LGBT families. This is the perfect low-key event, with music, a cookout, and activities for kids.
FREE: Pride Fest
Sunday, June 30th, Hudson St. btwn Abingdon Sq and W. 14th St., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Now in its 20th year, this annual street fair combines vendors, entertainers and activities to keep all ages entertained. Grab a bite to eat, score some pride gear, or listen to a few tunes.
If you want to dance or indulge
(Tickets at nycpride.org/events)
Rapture on the River
Saturday, June 29th, Hudson River Park's Pier 26, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., $25-$1500, 21+
Ladies, don't miss the only official women's event of NYC Pride, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Of course, the music will be unreal, with Miami favorite DJ Dimples and DJ Whitney Day making it impossible for you to stay seated for long.
Pride (Poolside)
Sunday, June 30th, Hotel Americano, 518 West 27th St., 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., $49-$500, 21+
If you're exhausted from marching and dancing all weekend, why not take a break and relax poolside? The newest Pride event is thanks to Hed Kandi, the most stylish name in house music. This afternoon, lounge on the sundeck of the Hotel Americano and sip cocktails - you've earned it.
Dance on the Pier
Sunday, June 30th, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Hudson River Park's Pier 26, $75, 21+
With performances by Deborah Cox and Cher (Yes, CHER) you will never be able to forgive yourself if you don't attend. A variety of DJs and live performers will also be in attendance, keeping you energetic. The event closes with the world's longest-running LGBT fireworks display along the Hudson- how can you resist seeing that? All proceeds benefit NYC's Official Pride events and LGBT organizations.
If you want to do something different
Jazz Age Pride Party
Thursday, June 27th, JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, jccmanhattan.org, 7:30 p.m., $20-$30.
Let's face it - you still cannot get enough of The Great Gatsby craze. Here is a chance to pull together the 1920's outfit you have been dreaming of donning. The JCC will transform its deck into a speakeasy with complimentary snacks and jazzy tunes to help you travel back in time for the night.
FREE: Pride Week Reading
Thursday, June 27th, Housing Works Bookstore Café, 126 Crosby St., housingworks.org/events, 7 p.m.
A debut novelist and two poets share the podium. Gil Cole's debut novel is an adventure of lust, learning, and love. Annie Lanzillotto's book tells of a 1960's tomboy dealing with her brutal but humorous family. Charlie Vasquez wrote a collection of poetry containing extreme detail and brash honesty.
Pride 2013 Comedy Extravaganza
Saturday, June 29th, The Duplex, 61 Christopher St., pridecomedynyc.weebly.com, 6:30 p.m., $15 cover, 2 drink minimum.
Celebrate Pride Week with a night of laughter, brought to you by 7 NYC comics.
Queer and Sober Pride Weekend
June 28-30, queerandsober.org/registration.
This weekend doesn't have to be all about debauchery and inebriation. Queer and Sober will be offering a variety of parties and other activities to keep you occupied, including a circus party, a circle line cruise, and even a Mr. Sobriety Pageant!