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Grand Central Station Pride
Photograph: Courtesy of NY Governor's Office

The best LGBTQ+ things to do in New York

We've got all of our picks of the best parties, events, performances and more LGBTQ+ things to do in NYC.

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
Written by
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
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June is Pride Month, which means New York’s LGBTQ+ is ready to party, celebrate and stand up for equal rights in all the city’s rainbow-wrapped glory for the NYC Pride March and more. But just because the main events are over, that doesn’t mean Pride Month has to end early. We still have four more days of June, and they’re packed with queer events. 

If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ things to do, we have your back—we’ve assembled the best parties, performances, the best gay bars and the best events that'll have you dancing, singing, learning and feeling heard. And while there’s no official census or index, it’s believed that New York City has the largest LGBTQ+ population in America—and that’s something to celebrate!

RECOMMENDED: A guide to Pride NYC

Best LGBTQ+ things to do

Pride Night at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Photograph: Shutterstock

Pride Night at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Celebrate a night of queer community, cohosted by Queer Soup Night, on Wednesday (6-8pm). Join a meetup with NYC Queer Birders on Cherry Esplanade, with two birding outings at 6:15 and 7:30 p.m., Enjoy outdoor story time with Drag Story Hour at 6:45 p.m., and sip on Dyke Beer on Lily Pool Terrace while the sun sets in the Garden. BYO picnic and blanket.

Pride at The Cauldron
Photograph: The Cauldron NYC

Pride at The Cauldron

This spooky-themed bar and restaurant will host three consecutive nights of Pride to wrap up the month. On Tuesday, June 28, check out the voguing contest and ball with Hibiscus from 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm. On June 29, compete to Sing Your Heart out with drag queen Tiffany Anne Coke from 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm and on June 30, Lip Sync for Your Life Contest with Holly Box-Springs, Jacklynn Hyde, Hibiscus & DJ Gingy at 9:30 pm. 

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New York Liberty Pride Night
Photograph: Shutterstock

New York Liberty Pride Night

Brooklyn’s own WNBA Team will celebrate Pride at their game against the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m. The first 2,000 fans at Barclays Center will get a free themed tote bag. Special performances, giveaways and merch will celebrate Pride throughout the game. 

Gay Gals Coming Out Party

Boyfriend Coop, a new queer cafe and bar aiming to open in Ridgewood next year, is hosting a party at Mayday Space in Brooklyn on Thursday, June 30. Tickets are free and the event will include a fundraising happy hour, live performances, a DJ and more.

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Gowanus Dredgers Pride Paddle Canoe
Photograph: Courtesy www.gowanuscanal.org

Gowanus Dredgers Pride Paddle Canoe

Voyage through Gowanus Bay on Tuesday, June 28 with this special paddle starting from Gowanus Bunker Boathouse. Rainbow flags and apparel are encouraged for this maritime parade. Tickets are just $10.

“But I’m a Cheerleader” Screening
Lionsgate

“But I’m a Cheerleader” Screening

Alamo Drafthouse downtown will screen this queer classic starring Natasha Lyonne and Clea Duvall on Wednesday, June 29. Tickets are only $5 and include a free cocktail at the bar! All proceeds will be donated to Lambda Legal, which helps fight for LGBTQ+ equality. 

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Pride at Moxy Hotels
Photograph: Courtesy Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge/Justin Levy

Pride at Moxy Hotels

Moxy Hotels have a lineup of Pride-themed parties, package deals, live games and performances, giveaways, and more at Moxy Times SquareMoxy Chelsea, and Moxy East Village this month

  • Guess Who, Bitch!?, June 30, 7pm at Moxy Chelsea: a surprising twist on a nostalgic childhood game, guests can guess their favorite drag queens instead of Anita, Bernard, and Susan, with prizes and performances throughout the night. Tickets are available here.
Songs for a Memorial at the AIDS Memorial
Photograph: Steven Evans, Songs for a Memorial AIDS Memorial

Songs for a Memorial at the AIDS Memorial

A sculptural installation by artist Steven Evans at the NYC AIDS Memorial illuminates the history, struggle and future of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City. "Songs for a Memorial" consists of 12 text-based, polychromatic, LED sculptures designed to evoke neon signs and the dynamic energy of nightlife and uses titles from songs tied to the period surrounding the onset and height of the AIDS epidemic, from the 1970s hit “Love Is the Message” by MFSB, Sylvester’s anthem “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” and the early 1980s British synth-pop protest song “Why” by Bronski Beat among other Downtown New York club and radio favorites. There's a playlist now on Spotify playlist that includes the song titles used in the works. Don't miss "Dance Floor," an hour-long storytelling program with tales from nights under the disco ball with special guests including DJ Lady Bunny starting at 6pm on June 29. Guests will be invited to dance the night away starting at 7pm. These events and the exhibit are open to the public for free.

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Pride Month at NYPL
Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock

Pride Month at NYPL

The New York Public Library hosts LGBTQ+ inclusive programming year-round but goes all out for June. Pride Month’s roster of events includes LGBTQ+ book clubs, storytimes, bilingual drag queen readings, queer craft club, screenings, performances and more. Best of all, every activity is free!

The Paley Center’s Salute to LGBTQ+ Achievements in Television
Photograph: courtesy of The Paley Center for Media

The Paley Center’s Salute to LGBTQ+ Achievements in Television

The Paley Center for Media is spotlighting the creative contributions of legendary LGBTQ+ icons, influential programs, and extraordinary moments that have shaped culture across drama, comedy, news/talk/documentary, music/variety, and sports. Now through June 26. The celebration includes a special preview screening and conversation of Peacock’s Queer as Folk on Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30pm, featuring Creator/Executive Producer Stephen Dunn, Executive Producer/Writer Jaclyn Moore, and stars Devin Way, Fin Argus, Jesse James Keitel, CG, and Johnny Sibilly. Admission is $20 for nonmembers; $16 for students, teachers, seniors, veterans, and first responders; free for children 12 and under.  RSVPs are required for the Queer As Folk screening. 

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  • LGBTQ+
  • LGBT

Once a month, Dave’s Lesbian Bar takes to the streets of Queens and brings a pop-up queer space to Astoria. Known to pack bars and sidewalks, this recurring event is the place to be for live queer performances, queer makers markets, queer haircuts and so much more. 

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  • Shopping
  • Bookstores
  • Lower East Side
  • price 2 of 4

A bookstore unlike any other, New York’s only queer, trans and sex worker-run bookstore has it all: Radical zines, bestsellers, and titles organized to support trans kids. Visit to browse the books and also for free events like readings and book discussions, letter writing to incarcerated LGBTQ folks and more.

  • Attractions
  • Beaches
  • Rockaways

A historically inclusive queer beach, this stretch of Rockaway is a meeting place for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers from every borough, eager for judgment-free time in the sun. Pack extra snacks to share if you want to make friends. 

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Dyke Nite

Organized by New York-based Dyke Beer, Dyke Nite pops up all around the city to bring queer people together for low-stress, fun events. Think bar nights, ax throwing, beer pong, queeraoke and more. 

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OutBox
Photograph: Michael Kirby Smith

OutBox

This inclusive boxing and fitness gym in East Williamsburg is beloved for its queer-led classes and personal training sessions. The gym is open to people of all fitness levels and body types.

Best gay clubs and parties in NYC

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