Pride March 2025 NYC: guide to the parade, street closures and best places to watch

New York City's massive Pride celebrations have a deep and important history in the city. The first march was held in 1970 one year after the Stonewall Uprising, and the event has grown into an annual civil rights demonstration. Fast forward to 2025, and a Pride march feels just as important and relevant as it did 55 years ago: Earlier this year, the government erased mention of trans people on the Stonewall National Monument's website. 

While many colloquially call the event the Pride Parade, organizers refer to it as The March as a nod to the event’s heritage. After all, the first march was once an unpermitted political protest against anti-LGBTQ+ policies and attitudes.

This year, activists and allies will take to the streets (and later NYC’s gay bars) in support of global LGBTQ+ rights at the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 29. In recent years, The March has grown to include more than 700 groups with millions of spectators.

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When is the NYC Pride March?

The NYC Pride March is on Sunday, June 29, 2025, starting at 11am.

What is the theme for the 2025 Pride March?

NYC Pride 2025's theme is "Rise up: Pride in Protest." It's a more defiant stance compared to recent years. "As the LGBTQIA+ community faces increasing hostility and legislative attacks, this year’s theme is a reflection of the Pride movement’s origins in protest—and is a powerful call to action for our communities and allies to rally and march in defiant celebration, advocacy and solidarity," their website reads.

“This year, more than ever, we acknowledge that Pride can be celebrated in many ways, but at the heart of our mission, we recognize that we must also remain steadfast in protest,” said Kazz Alexander, NYC Pride's Co-Chair. “The challenges we face today, particularly in this political climate, require us to stand together in solidarity. We must support one another, because when the most marginalized among us are granted their rights, all of us benefit. Pride is not merely a celebration of identity—it is a powerful statement of resistance, affirming that justice and equity will ultimately prevail for those who live and love on the margins.”

Who are the 2025 Pride March Grand Marshals?

President Joe Biden's Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has been named as one of the grand marshals for the NYC Pride March. Other Grand Marshals this year include Marti Gould Cummings, DJ Lina, Elisa Crespo and Trans formative Schools. NYC Pride selects the Grand Marshals, "to recognize their resilience, activism and diverse contributions to uplifting the queer community and advancing LGBTQIA+ progress in New York City and beyond," per NYC Pride.

Is NYC Pride March free?

Yes, it is! 

How long does the NYC Pride March last?

In past years, the Pride March celebrations have gone on for between six and 12 hours. Be prepared for the many unofficial afterparties, too!

What's the weather looking like?

As of now, the weather looks pretty perfect for Sunday's march. Manhattan is in for 87-degree temperatures with some clouds and sun, per AccuWeather. And, thankfully for anybody who doesn't want their makeup to melt off their face, it's going to be less humid—whew! 

What's the NYC Pride March route?

The Pride March kicks off at 26th Street and 5th Avenue, then continues through the city until dispersing at 15th Street and 7th Avenue.

What streets will be closed?

Here's the full list of the street closures, per NYC DOT. 

Formation:

• 5th Avenue between 33rd Street and 25th Street
• West/East 33rd Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West/East 32nd Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West/East 31st Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West/East 30th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West/East 29th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West/East 28th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West/East 27th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West/East 26th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• West 25th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue

Route:

• 5th Avenue between 25th Street and 8th Street
• West 8th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
• Greenwich Avenue between 6th Avenue and Christopher Street
• Christopher Street between Greenwich Avenue and 7th Avenue South
• 7th Avenue between Christopher Street and 16th Street

Dispersal:

• 7th Avenue between 15th Street and 19th Street
• 16th Street between 8th Avenue and 6th Avenue
• 17th Street between 9th Avenue and 6th Avenue
• 18th Street between 8th Avenue and 6th Avenue
• 19th Street between 9th Avenue and 6th Avenue

Miscellaneous:

• Christopher Street between West Street and 7th Avenue South
• Greenwich Avenue between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue

How can I watch the march on TV?

If you can't make it in person along the route, the NYC Pride March is typically broadcast on ABC-7 starting at 12pm.