Gay parties: The best gay nightlife in New York
Gay parties in New York offer something for everyone, from relaxed, mixed-queer shindigs to sweaty dance throwdowns.
Wed Jan 9 2013
While the age of jumbo weekly gay parties in New York came to an end with the closure of iconic spots like Twilo and the Roxy, the city still offers a staggering variety of queer nightlife options, from Daniel Nardicio's raunchfests to Whitney Day's classy lesbian mixers. The arrival of XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge last year ushered in a new one-stop space for reliably fun weekly dance throwdowns (albeit on a smaller scale than in the Giuliani era), including Rockit and JB Saturdays. Downtown, mixed gay parties including Scissor Sundays and Hot Rabbit offer the city's queers a chance to mingle with folks from all points on the gender and sexuality spectrums, while kinksters convene at the ever-popular Eagle. Check back here often as we add more great gay parties, and for a deeper look at the scene, be sure to check out our galleries of gay party photos.
RECOMMENDED: New York nightlife guide 2013
Gay parties in New York
Bear Yourself: Bring on the Seamen
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
Just because Fleet Week is canceled doesn't mean we can't enjoy a few gay seamen puns this weekend! George Haines hosts this underwear party for big boys (and their friends) featuring tunes from DJ Chauncey D and a midnight performance by Freddy Freeman. Wearing a sailor hat will likely make you very popular. For more information, go to georgebear.com.
Hands to the Sky Screening and After-Party
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Hands to the Sky, directed by Angelo Boyke and Jean-Paul Noel, is an excellent, independently produced documentary that focuses on the DJs and dancers of NYC's outdoor house-music parties; find out more about the doc at myhouserocs.com. Following the two screenings (at 7 and 8:30pm), the venue hosts an after-party, with Basement Boys' Teddy Douglas, Universal Love of House's Andre Collins and Melting Pot Global's Kervyn Mark spinning their soulful sounds.
- MIST Harlem 46 W 116th St, between Fifth Ave and Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave), 10026
- Sat May 25
Le Bingo
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
Join wisecracking host Linda Simpson and her rotating cast of lovely spokesmodels at this weekly bingo throwdown—now with even better prizes and more chances to win them!
- Le Poisson Rouge 158 Bleecker St, at Thompson St
- Sat May 25
Big Apple Ranch
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
The weekly country-Western dance has been helping you spin your same-sex partners round and round for more than a decade now. Each week kicks off with lessons in two-step and line dancing, then continues with a soiree that calls beginners, experts and everyone in between to the floor.
- Dance Manhattan Studios 39 W 19th St, between Fifth and Sixth Aves, fifth floor
- Sat May 25 - Sun May 26
Crossroads Boat Party
- Price band: 3/4
- Critics choice
Lou Gorbea is on the decks at this waterborne night of deep house, classics, Afro-Latin rhythms and more, with Atlanta's Stan Zeff spinning as well.
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83, W 42nd St, at the Hudson River
- Sat May 25
Skin Tight USA
- Critics choice
- Free
Stretch some spandex over your bod and head to this recurring sexy-superhero bash, which takes over Chris Ryan's Play-Boy party once a month. Dressing up is not required, but costume rentals and a changing area are available if you're so inclined. For more information, go to skintightusa.com.
JB Saturdays
- Critics choice
Get sweaty at this popular weekly dance for sexy boys who like to take their shirts off (and those who like to party with them). Rotating local and international DJs man the booth.
- XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge 512 W 42nd St, between Tenth and Eleventh Aves, 10036
- Sat May 25
Hey Queen! Presents: They Queen
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
Sarah Jenny and Avory Agony's mixed-queer arty throwdown moves to Littlefield with DJs Average Jo, JD Samson, LouLou Von Kohl and B Be Fab, plus an appearance by this month's Queen of Honor, Canadian performance artist Coral Short. For more information, go to heyqueen.org.
- Littlefield 622 DeGraw St, between Third and Fourth Aves
- Sun May 26 - Sat May 25
Yes Ma'am
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
Rebel Cupcake's Bevin Branlandingham teams up with Nicky Cutler and DJ Average Jo to bring you this body-positive queer dance party. This edition has a "derby" theme, so be sure to work a swanky look. For more information, go to queerfatfemme.com.
- Huckleberry Bar 588 Grand St, at Lorimer St
- Sun May 26
Stiletto
- Critics choice
- Free
Maggie C serves up this popular lesbian soiree and tea dance, with drink specials, grilled treats, DJs and gaggles of gorgeous ladies. For more information, go to maggiecevents.com.
- Cabanas at the Maritime 363 W 16th St, at Ninth Ave
- Sun May 26 - Mon May 27
Scissor Sundays
- Critics choice
- Free
JD Samson's weekly tea dance features a rotating cast of local and visiting DJs providing ambience while you enjoy cheap booze and gorgeous sunsets over the Hudson.
- Rusty Knot 425 West St, at 11th St
- Sun May 26
Body & Soul
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
John Davis is back with another edition of his beloved shindig. As always, Joe Claussell, François K and Danny Krivit will pack the dance floor via their selections of deep and soulful house, classics, Afro-Latin rhythms and more; Ariel is the man with his fingers on the light controls. .
- XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge 512 W 42nd St, between Tenth and Eleventh Aves, 10036
- Sun May 26
Habibi
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
This party for men of Arab descent (and their friends!) offers belly dancers, music from DJ I.Z. and a sexy, sweaty crowd. For more information, go to habibinyc.com.
- Bar-Tini Ultra Lounge 642 Tenth Ave, between 45th and 46th Sts
- Sun May 26
Vandam Sundays
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Free
Susanne Bartsch and her clubland comrade Kenny Kenny take control of the eco-themed Greenhouse every Sunday. The evening features the usual crowd of nightlife freaks and phantasms preening and prancing to Jackie 60 headmaster Johnny Dynell. Downstairs, Desi Monster and Ladyfag hold court, with various spinners working the crowd.
- Greenhouse 150 Varick St, at Vandam St
- Sun May 26
Slurp!
- Critics choice
- Free
Cap your weekend with some infused vodka and a performance from the tireless Paige Turner.
- Vlada Lounge 331 W 51st St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Sun May 26
Horse Meat Disco
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Josh Wood Productions brings the disco daddies of Horse Meat Disco all the way from the South London headquarters of the Eagle for a night of sweaty, holiday-weekend fun, hosted by Desi Monster, Ladyfag, Viva Ruiz and Cameron Cooper. Spank's Sean B and Will Automagic set the mood with an opening set. For more information, go to residentadvisor.net.
Sperm
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
This long-running party is one of the most reliably sleazy and debaucherous events in town.
Musical Mondays
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
Take in videos and occasional performances at this long-running party for show queens.
- Splash Bar 50 W 17th St, between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 10011
- Mon May 27
Monday Night Bingo
- Critics choice
- Free
Hosts Linda Simpson ("In the know and on the go!") and Murray Hill ("the hardest-working middle-aged man in show business") team up for a night of alt-bingo mirth every Monday on the Lower East Side. Admission is free, but a game card will cost you two clams.
- Hotel Chantelle 92 Ludlow St, between Broome and Delancey Sts, 10022
- Mon May 27
Diva!
- Critics choice
- Free
Marty Thomas hosts this weekly showcase, in which big-voiced ladies belt out show tunes (and more) for a cute HK crowd. For more information, go to martythomaspresentsdiva.com.
- Industry Bar 355 W 52nd St, between Eighth and Ninth Aves
- Tue May 28 - Mon May 27
Spunknik
- Critics choice
- Free
The Antitwink brings you this debauched weekly affair with rotating drag hosts. Cheap booze ensures the best kind of sloppiness occurs.
- Eastern Bloc 505 E 6th St, between Aves A and B
- Tue May 28
Buddies
- Critics choice
- Free
DJ Damian reigns at this casual weeknight get-together, spinning an eclectic set of underground dance, funk, punk, ’80s and rock for the fuzzy, beer-loving guys who pack in every week.
Boybox
- Critics choice
- Free
Bianca Del Rio is your host and Cazwell is your DJ at this male burlesque escapade. Come stocked with plenty of singles.
Westgay
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
A cute, hipstery crowd flocks to this weekly party, presided over by Frankie Sharp along with resident DJs Jonjon Battles and Nita Aviance.
- The Westway 75 Clarkson St, between Washington and West Sts
- Tue May 28
The Will Clark Show
- Critics choice
- Free
Clark hosts this weekly fund-raiser, consisting of bingo, booze and porn-star worship. Ever-changing guests keep things interesting. For more information, go to willclarkworld.com.
- Uncle Charlie's Piano Bar and Lounge 139 E 45th St, between Third and Lexington Aves, 10017
- Wed May 29 - Thu May 30
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