It doesn’t get much more crazy and colorful than the annual Gay Pride Parade (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Multiple locations
June 23-24, free – $165
www.nycpride.org
2011 gay pride parade slideshow
Expect massive celebrations of the passage of the same-sex marriage bill during this year’s annual gay pride weekend. Things hit their stride on Saturday, beginning with the NYC Dyke March at 5:00 at Bryant Park, followed by the VIP Rooftop Party at Hudson Terrace ($45), which boasts three floors of dancing with spectacular views of the city, and the ever-popular Rapture on the River ($25-$75), which is moving to Pier 57 and features a live performance by Hunter Valentine. The LGBT street fair Pridefest takes place on Hudson St. between Abingdon St. & West Fourteenth St., featuring lots of vendors, a kids space, and performances by the cast of Wicked, Jessica Betts, Shiragirl, Billy Winn, Robin Cloud, Christine Martucci, Amdias, Beleke, Soneboy, the Glamazons, and others. On Sunday, the March will head from Thirty-sixth & Fifth to Christopher & Greenwich, led by grand marshals Cyndi Lauper, Chris Salgardo, Phyllis Siegel, and Connie Kopelov, with awards given out for Best Use of Theme, Most Original, Best Marching Contingent, Best Decorated Vehicle, and Best Musical Contingent. Following the March, the party continues on Pier 57 for the wild and crazy Dance on the Pier ($90-$165), with DJs Eddie Baez, the Perry Twins, and Boris and live performances by Eva Simons, Lauper, and others.