[title]
Fri 23
The Pride Kickoff Rally Foley Square; 6pm; free
Before the glittery spectacle of the Pride March and the rest of the Gay Pride Weekend festivities, gain perspective on the fights that still remain for the global LGBTQ community. This official Gay Pride Weekend opening event started as a "gay power" demonstration with 500 protestors in Washington Square Park a month after the 1969 Stonewall riots, considered the dawn of the modern gay-rights movement. Since then the rally has jumped locations all over town, including incarnations in Central Park and East River Park. Big-name performers often take the stage—Lady Gaga performed in 2013—while local politicians, comedians, and other members of the LGBT community offer both serious and silly takes on Pride themes.
Swedish Midsummer Festival Robert F. Wagner Park; 5pm; free
For 20 years, Battery Park has hosted one of the world’s largest Scandinavian summer solstice celebrations outside of Sweden, with more than 3,000 guests showing up to dance around the midsummer pole. If roaring rounds of folk dancing and pro fiddling wipe you out, grab a spiced herring crêpe from Crepes du Nord or malt balls from Fika, and chill out on the grass. For the perfect keepsake, you can even make your own ceremonial flower wreath.
Unit J’s Ladies’ Night Unit J; 8pm; $8–$10
Do my ladies run this? Hell yeah. Comedian Lucy Shelby hosts this night of performances and dancing featuring Christine Cherry, Megg Farrell & Friends, jazz guitarist Sara L'Abriola and DJ Camille BWR. Show up early for the open bar from 8:30–9:30pm—but don't worry ladies, you get a free drink no matter what time you arrive.
Pride Island Hudson River Park, Pier 26; 5:30pm; ticket prices vary
Pride is in the air and what better way to celebrate Pride Week in the city than with a 3-day multi-cultural music experience. Join artists like multi-platinum selling artist Deborah Cox, soul legend Patti LaBelle, Tegan and Sara, Years & Years, and Nelly Furtado and many more as guests dance and party on the pier. The experience serves as a fundraiser to help NYC Pride raise funds to help produce free events throughout the city, such as the new Youth Carnival, Family Movie Night, PrideFest, The March and The Rally.
Horse Meat Disco Output; 10pm; $50
The merry lads of Britain’s beloved beats bash hit NYC for another night of joyous (and mostly shirtless) funk. Get down to endless thumping beats from DJ Ron Like Hell and the Horse Meat crew at Output, and sneak over to the Panther Room for more simmering bass sounds from Octo Octa and Butched. Within minutes, you’ll be belting your favorite Anita Ward jams with your new dance-floor soul mate.
Sat 24
Color Scenes Mural Fest Silent Barn; noon; Free-$10
Murals and graffiti from over 60 artists covers Silent Barn for this daylong celebration of street art. The fest offers two sessions: From 12–5pm, families can pay a donation-based admission and check out kid-friendly activities and performances by Educated Little Monsters. Adults take over at 7:30pm, when $10 admission gets you and evening of indie film screenings, performances and live DJ sets.
Every Woman: An Art Auction to Benefit Planned Parenthood NYC Industry City; 6pm; free
More than 50 woman-identifying artists band together to auction their work in support of the highly politicized nonprofit. Bid on affordable photography, screen prints, painting and ceramics, enjoy music and free drinks, and learn more about the work and battles ahead for Planned Parenthood.
Masquerade on the Town at various locations; 8pm; $25
Never Sleep Alone’s Dr. Alex Schiller (Roslyn Hart) and performer Alfredo Guenzani invite you to join 100 mysterious strangers for an unpredictable tour through some of downtown’s most decadent bars, restaurants and party spots. Show up in a mask and a getup worthy of The Phantom of the Opera to win the costume contest. And don't bring friends who aren't open to making out with strangers and performing insane challenges late into the night.
Prospect Park Soiree Prospect Park; 5pm; $40
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Brooklyn’s greatest park invites you to this fancy summertime potluck. Wear your most ostentatious hat, cook your finest family recipe, and get ready to dance, dine and play lawn games with strangers by the Prospect Park Lake.
The Roller Wave House of Yes; 6pm; $10–$20
The popular roller disco party heads to House of Yes, where DJs Prince Terrence and Boston Cherry keep things moving (as do, well, skates). A $20 pre-sale ticket covers admission and skate rental, or you can nab a $10 ticket if you've got your own wheels. Be advised, rental skates are first come, first served, so don't roll in late.
Wet Hot American Summer + S’more Roast Videology Bar & Cinema; 9:15pm; $18
Make it your beeswax to reserve a spot at this marshmallow-burning celebration of the legendary summer camp comedy. The film's love triangles and talking vegetable can earn it a one-star review from Roger Ebert—and status as an undisputed cult classic.
Sun 25
NYC Pride March at various locations; noon; free
Our favorite parade of the year paints Fifth Avenue all the colors of the rainbow. More than 80 floats, 350 marching organizations and thousands of spectators come together for a celebration of love, equality and a whole lot of drag queens. March begins at Fifth Ave and 36th St and proceeds south to the reviewing stand at Fifth Ave and 8th St before turning west on Christopher St to Greenwich St.
Tacos & Tequila Salvation Taco; noon + 3pm; $39
Join Time Out New York for a day of tacos, tacos, and—yep, you guessed it—more tacos! On Sunday, June 25, we’ll be spending the day at Salvation Taco, stuffing our faces and drinking unlimited cocktail tastings from their menu. Taco’ bout a fun time!
Coney Island Cyclone’s 90th Birthday Luna Park; 2pm; free
Haven’t yet had your perfect summer day at Coney Island’s Luna Park yet? Ride the legendary roller coaster, which has delighted fans since 1927, at this day of celebration. Grab a coney cone or a funnel cake and get down between rides to performances by rapper Fabolous, DJ Will, radio personality Angela Yee and the Harlem Globetrotters.
Sister Act, Abundantly! King Theatre; 6pm; $50
AbunDance Academy of the Arts performs theatrical dances based on both of Whoopi Goldberg’s bad-nun cinematic classics.