Even dogs can get in on the action at the inaugural PetPride festivities, part of the PrideFest street fair on Sunday at 12:30 (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Multiple venues
Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27
Free – $100
www.nycpride.org
The annual Gay Pride celebration shifts into high gear this weekend with several of its signature events. On Saturday night, the seventh annual “Rapture on the River: A Women’s Dance” takes place at Pier 54, featuring music by Susan Morabito ($25 in advance, $35 day of show). The 2010 NYC LGBT Pride March gets under way Sunday at noon, beginning at 36th St. & Fifth Ave. This year’s grand marshals are Dan Choi, Judy Shepard, and Constance McMillen, with Frank DeCaro, Bruce Vilanch, and Romaine Patterson among the reviewing stand judges. The PrideFest street fair, on Hudson St. between Abingdon Sq. & West Fourteenth on Sunday, includes emcees Hedda Lettuce, Vanessa Valtre, and Kiiara Monteiro, with a special performance by Antigone Rising in addition to Nikki Exotika, Justin Utley, London Bridgez, Sprio, Melinda Hansen, and many others. And things come to a rousing conclusion Sunday night with “Dance on Pier: Dance 24,” a hot party on Pier 54 with DJs Steven Oliveri and Freemasons ($100).