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Though the landmark may have lost its No. 1 height status, it's remained a beloved destination with incredible views of the city. Think again, my friend.

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"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. President Joe Biden's Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has been named as one of the grand marshals for the NYC Pride March.

Here's the full guide to the march on Sunday, June 29, including where to see it, what time to arrive and the lineup of grand marshals.

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2. Empire State Building's Pride light-up event

The Empire State Building's tower lights will shine in the rainbow colors of the inclusive Pride flag on Sunday, June 29, coinciding with the date of NYC's Pride March.

The Empire State Building has been an icon since it opened in 1931 as the world's tallest building.

Think again, my friend.

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Thanks for subscribing! From intimate piano bars where Broadway stars drop in to massive warehouse clubs that party until dawn, NYC offers every kind of gay night out imaginable.

Thanks to a state-of-the-art LED system, the lights glow in a dazzling palette of 16 million colors with limitless combinations. 

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3. Rooftop Cinema Club's Pride screenings

Take your movie-going experience to the next level this summer at Rooftop Cinema Club.

Been there, done that? the perfect place to drop in if you want to meet someone briefly in town. 

7. Papi Juice

This monthly celebration—billed as a dance party and kiki celebrating queer and trans people of color and the folk who love them—is the ultimate if you’re looking for great music and great fashion amongst a sexy, upbeat, no frills crowd.

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8. Nowhere Bar

As close to a Cheers-esque gay bar that you’ll find, this beloved local hot spot boasts a truly mixed crowd from various walks of life.

Anyone 21+ is welcome and the crowd is always diverse. 

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2. Hot Rabbit

This long-running queer dance party is well known as a very good spot to find a one-night stand (or more).

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OUTNYC

Your comprehensive guide to life, events, and community in New York City.

June is Pride Month, which means New York’s queer community is ready to party and—more than ever this year—stand up for their rights.

The Phoenix has a strong tradition of catering to a diverse and trendy crowd, and has become a gay institution in the east village. Change is a constant in life, and The Phoenix has not shied from its own evolution. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Gay hook-up spots in NYC

1. Dave's Lesbian Bar

The monthly Astoria pop-up is a celebration of all things queer and lesbian.

Think again, my friend.

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Thanks for subscribing! Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

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Thanks for subscribing!

Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

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The Phoenix, originally established as The Bar in 1999, rose from from the ashes after a fire devastated the mainstay dive watering hole. The focus of the party is the music—which tends to be a mix of raggaeton, Jersey Club, dance hall, and pop—but it's not uncommon to see people take someone they met at the party home once the lights turn back on.

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6. Ritz Bar and Lounge

Popular with locals, this multi-level, multi-DJ dance bar just West of Times Square is also a haven for tourists, i.e.

This National Historic Landmark continues to serve the community.

HistoricIconicWest Village

Hours: Daily 2pm-4am

Address: 53 Christopher St

Must-Do: Pay respects to history

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Julius'

NYC's oldest continuously operating gay bar (since 1864) with classic atmosphere and legendary regulars.

HistoricClassicOldest

Hours: Daily 1pm-4am

Address: 159 W 10th St

Vibe: Neighborhood dive

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Hardware

Hell's Kitchen drag destination in a converted hardware store, featuring nightly performances and award-winning shows.

Drag ShowsDaily ShowsAward-winning

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 697 10th Ave

Shows: Multiple daily

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VERS

Chic Hell's Kitchen spot with craft cocktails, trendy atmosphere, and beautiful people-watching opportunities.

CocktailsTrendyStylish

Hours: Daily 5pm-2am

Address: 5 W 48th St

Happy Hour: 5-8pm daily

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Metropolitan

Williamsburg's beloved gay bar with backyard patio, pool table, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

BackyardPool TableNeighborhood

Hours: Daily 5pm-4am

Address: 559 Lorimer St

Best: Summer patio parties

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Ginger's Bar

Park Slope's iconic lesbian bar with pool table, outdoor space, and welcoming community atmosphere.

Lesbian BarPoolCommunity

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 363 5th Ave, Brooklyn

Vibe: Friendly neighborhood

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Marie's Crisis Café

Legendary West Village piano bar where patrons sing Broadway classics in an intimate basement setting.

Piano BarBroadwaySing-along

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 59 Grove St

Cash Only: No cover, tips appreciated

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Lips

Midtown's drag dinner theater featuring fabulous queens serving up entertainment with your meal.

Dinner TheaterDrag QueensFull Shows

Shows: Wed-Sun evenings

Address: 227 E 56th St

Reservations: Required

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Club Cumming

Alan Cumming's East Village venue featuring cabaret, comedy, and eclectic performances in an intimate setting.

CabaretComedyCelebrity

Hours: Show nights vary

Address: 505 E 6th St

Tickets: Check calendar

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Pieces

Hell's Kitchen drag institution with multiple shows nightly and some of NYC's most talented performers.

Multiple ShowsDragNightly

Shows: Every night 9pm-2am

Address: 8 Christopher St

Cover: $10 (2 drink minimum)

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Therapy

Hell's Kitchen's premier drag destination with two floors of entertainment and legendary weekend shows.

Two FloorsWeekend ShowsPopular

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 348 W 52nd St

Shows: Weekend evenings

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The Duplex

West Village's historic cabaret venue featuring intimate performances, comedy, and emerging talent showcase.

HistoricCabaretIntimate

Shows: Nightly 7pm & 9:30pm

Address: 61 Christopher St

Reservations: Recommended

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The Penthouse

Elevated cocktail experience in Midtown with panoramic views and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for date nights.

Date NightViewsSophisticated

Hours: Wed-Sat 6pm-2am

Address: 30 W 21st St, 21st Floor

Reservations: Recommended

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Westlight

Brooklyn's premier rooftop experience with 360-degree views of NYC skyline and craft cocktails in Williamsburg.

360° ViewsBrooklynCraft Cocktails

Hours: Daily 5pm-1am

Address: 111 N 12th St, 22nd Floor

Best Time: Sunset

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Elmo

Chelsea's stylish restaurant and lounge known for its beautiful crowd, excellent brunch, and sophisticated evening scene.

RestaurantBrunchStylish

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Address: 156 7th Ave

Brunch: Sat-Sun 11am-4pm

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Gantry Plaza Rooftop

Long Island City's waterfront rooftop with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views and relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

WaterfrontOutdoorQueens

Hours: Seasonal, Apr-Oct

Address: 4-09 47th Rd, LIC

Vibe: Casual, scenic

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The Fleur Room

Luxurious rooftop bar atop the Moxy Chelsea with stunning city views and craft cocktails in an elegant setting.

RooftopLuxuryCity Views

Hours: Thu-Sun 5pm-late

Address: 105 W 28th St, 30th Floor

Dress Code: Upscale

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Atlas Social Club

Stylish Hell's Kitchen lounge with craft cocktails, upscale atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe for the community.

CocktailsUpscaleLounge

Hours: Daily 5pm-2am

Address: 753 9th Ave

Happy Hour: 5-8pm weekdays

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Mood Ring

Bushwick's mystical bar with astrology-themed cocktails, queer-friendly atmosphere, and cosmic dance parties.

AstrologyQueer-FriendlyDance Parties

Hours: Wed-Sun 6pm-4am

Address: 1260 Myrtle Ave

Vibe: Mystical, inclusive

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The Boiler Room

East Village's no-frills gay dive bar with pool table, jukebox, and authentic neighborhood atmosphere.

Dive BarNo FrillsPool Table

Hours: Daily 2pm-4am

Address: 86 E 4th St

Cash Only: ATM on-site

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Nowadays (Underground)

The indoor counterpart to the daytime garden parties, featuring late-night electronic music and underground vibes.

ElectronicUndergroundLate Night

Hours: Fri-Sat 11pm-6am

Address: 56-06 Cooper Ave

Season: Year-round indoor

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Happyfun Hideaway

Bushwick's intimate queer party space hosting underground events, art shows, and community gatherings.

CommunityArt ShowsUnderground

Hours: Event-based

Address: Check social media

Follow: @happyfunhideaway

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Bossa Nova Civic Club

Bushwick's legendary underground venue featuring experimental music, performance art, and boundary-pushing events.

ExperimentalPerformanceUnderground

Hours: Event nights only

Address: 1271 Myrtle Ave

Tickets: Check website

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Nowadays Loft

Secret warehouse loft parties featuring cutting-edge DJs, intimate dance floors, and underground electronic music.

SecretElectronicIntimate

Hours: Special events

Location: TBA via mailing list

Access: Invitation only

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Your Guide to NYC Gay Nightlife

Best Times to Go

  • • Happy Hours: 4-8pm weekdays
  • • Peak Hours: 10pm-2am Fri/Sat
  • • Late Night: 2-4am for die-hards
  • • Sunday Funday: Day parties 2-8pm

Budget Planning

  • • Dive Bars: $8-12 drinks
  • • Mid-tier: $12-18 cocktails
  • • Upscale: $18-25+ craft cocktails
  • • Cover Charges: $10-40 depending on venue

Getting Around

  • • Hell's Kitchen: A/C/E to 42nd St
  • • West Village: 1 to Christopher St
  • • Brooklyn: L train to various stops
  • • Late Night: Use rideshare apps

Safety Tips

  • • Stay with friends, especially late night
  • • Watch your drinks and don't leave them unattended
  • • Keep phone charged for rideshare/emergency
  • • Know your limits and pace yourself

Dress Codes

  • • Dive Bars: Come as you are
  • • Dance Clubs: Stylish casual
  • • Rooftops: Smart casual to upscale
  • • Special Events: Check requirements

Etiquette

  • • Tip bartenders and drag performers well
  • • Respect performers during shows
  • • Be inclusive and welcoming to all
  • • Ask before taking photos of others

Don't Miss Out

NYC's nightlife scene is constantly evolving with new parties, special events, and seasonal celebrations.

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Best Pride Month events

1. NYC Pride March 2025

NYC Pride 2025's theme is "Rise up: Pride in Protest." It's a more defiant stance compared to recent years. Stay connected to never miss the hottest gay events in the city.

3. Bubble T

One of very few dedicated queer Asian parties, Bubble T’s monthly event is about unwinding, finding community, and more, if you’re down. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Been there, done that? Meet like-minded and very attractive individuals at their monthly events. 

5. Whorechata

Like its name suggests, Whorecahta is a party that centers Latinx and POC queer and trans people while encouraging sexual exploration.

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The party roves between Manhattan and Bushwick and attracts a younger crowd eager to stay out until dawn.

gay nightclub nyc

Whether you're looking to show your support by joining the NYC Pride March or looking for a place to dance your worries away, Pride celebrations continue all month long.

We’ve assembled the best performances, comedy shows, parties, gay bars and 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 all year long!

RECOMMENDED:A guide to Pride NYC

Been there, done that?