WorldPride, which takes place periodically in cities around the world, is one of the most anticipated celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, to honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, New York City will play host to what’s destined to be one of the largest gatherings of love, pride and protest in the world. Keeping track of all the citywide events can be mind-boggling, so we put together a WorldPride cheat sheet. Read on for all you need to know about WorldPride 2019 in NYC.
Courtesy, Barclays Center
When is WorldPride?
There are Pride events scheduled all June long across the boroughs, but the most significant stretch kicks off with the WorldPride Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, June 26, at 7pm. It’s a ticketed fundraising event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with performers including Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper and Billy Porter. The closing ceremony will be in Times Square on the evening of Sunday, June 30—an event that’s open to the public. Melissa Etheridge, MNEK and Jake Shears will be part of the show.
Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk
When is the Pride March?
The Pride March is on Sunday, June 30. The official step-off time is at noon.
Photo: Molly Flores
Where does the Pride March begin?
The intersection of 26th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk
What is the Pride March route?
This year’s brand-new March route heads south from its starting point to 8th street before turning west, crossing Sixth Avenue and veering down Christopher Street—a historic LGBTQ+ stronghold. After going past the iconic Stonewall Monument, the March will head north onto Seventh Avenue, pass by the New York City AIDS Memorial and conclude in the heart of Chelsea, on 23rd Street and Seventh Avenue.
Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk
How long is the March?
The last group is expected to reach the end of the route by 9:30pm. For marchers, the entire route should take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.
Photo: Molly Flores
Do I need tickets to see the March?
No, the March is free to view and open to the public. Note: registration to be part of a group that walks or rides in the March is now closed.
Photo: Patrice Helmar
Is the March accessible?
WorldPride will have accessible portable bathrooms for attendees with disabilities. There will be a seating area with complimentary ASL interpreters; attendees can register to use those seats by calling 212-807-6327.
Photo: Alexander Thompson
What kind of weather can we expect for WorldPride?
NYC’s average temperature in late June is in the low 80s Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) during the day and mid-to-high 60s Fahrenheit (almost 20 degrees Celsius) at night. Check the forecast closer to your trip for specifics.
Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk
How many people are expected to attend WorldPride?
It’s estimated that the WorldPride activities and the March will attract around 4 million people from around the world, making it the largest Pride celebration in US history.
Pride Island. Photo: Tiffany Sage
What other big events are part of WorldPride?
There’s a lot happening. For a full list of all WorldPride and other Pride events throughout June, check out our Pride Month Calendar. Here are some of the highlights:
Rally: Stonewall 50 Commemoration
is a free event in the West Village streets where the Stonewall Uprising occurred. Held June 28, it will feature speeches and appearances by activists, organizers and politicians.
starts Saturday, June 29, at Pier 97 on the western edge of Hell’s Kitchen. Grace Jones will headline, with other performers including Kim Petras, Amara La Negra and Teyana Taylor. The sold-out event continues on
, with more musical guests to be announced.
, an inclusive women’s party, will take place Saturday, June 29, at The DL, on the Lower East Side. The fundraiser is a high-energy dance bash that goes until the wee hours.
