Six Months in New York City

You’ll never run out of things to do in New York but here are some of our favorite ways to experience the Big Apple this year.

JUNE
June 14 – 15: Aretha Franklin at Radio City Music Hall
Experience America’s most legendary diva at one of NYC’s most iconic venues. Tickets are between $55-150 and can be found here.
June 22: Folsom Street East Street Festival
Gear up for the largest annual leather & fetish street fest on the east coast. There’s vendors, performers, and plenty of sexy entertainment at this kinky celebration. Read more here.
June 24: Pride Family Movie Night Presents The Wizard of Oz
Hey friends of Dorothy! Kick off Pride weekend with this free, family friendly movie night. Enjoy this Judy Garland classic while lounging under the stars on Hudson River Park’s Pier 46. The movie screens at dusk but there will be live entertainment, games, and snacks before the show so get there early. All information on Pride events can be found here.
June 28: New York City Dyke March
The March before the March is open to all self-identified women but all other supporters are encouraged to cheer from the sidelines. It’s not to be missed.
June 29: NYC Pride March
The March begins at Fifth Avenue and 36th Street and ends in a party on Christopher Street. The Grand Marshals this year will be Laverne Cox, Jonathan Groff, and Rea Carey. Stay hydrated because after the march is the infamous Dance on the Pier party from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. For all Pride events, visit here.

JULY
July 4: Macy’s Fireworks
Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for the best view because the fireworks are being set off from the East River in 2014. Get there early because it’s gonna be a spectacle, and we don’t just mean the fireworks display. More info.
July 13: Bastille Day Celebration
Smith Street in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn hosts the biggest celebration in the world outside of France, complete with a Petanque (it’s like French bocce ball) tournament. Read more about the celebration here.
July 17: Queen with Adam Lambert at Madison Square Garden
There is no replacement for the late, great Freddie Mercury, but it sure would be fun to see Glambert keep pace with these legends. Grab some glitter and get tickets here.
July 24-29: Newfest, New York's LGBT Film Festival
Narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and many special events. See website for 2014 films and details here.

AUGUST
August 8-24: New York International Fringe Fest
Stretching out over two weeks, Fringe Fest includes more than 1,000 eclectic performances from absurdist comedies to hip-hop musicals. Multi-day passes are available here.
August 29-31: Electric Zoo Festival
The 2014 lineup hasn’t been announced but past acts have included Moby, Tiesto, Paul van Dyk, and Skrillex. For ticket information, visit here.
August 25-September 8: US Open
Hear all of the grunting live as the best tennis players in the world go toe to toe in Queens. If watching up close is too action packed for you, there are usually screenings in Bryant Park for people who like to watch their tennis from a picnic blanket. For a complete US Open schedule, click here.

SEPTEMBER
September 6: Gay Day at Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags hosts its annual Gay Day in the park and its 11th annual Out at Night Party with live DJs. Tickets go on sale June 1st here.

OCTOBER
October 21-25: CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival
The CMJ Festival has always been famous for showcasing the hottest music and media. Next year's need-to-know bands and films will be here, so don't miss the chance to brag to your friends that you saw them before they were cool. Check the lineup here.
October 31: Village Halloween Parade
There is no better place in the country to spend a crazy Halloween than in Greenwich Village. It’s a massive party with wildly costumed characters, puppets, bands, and ghoulish dancers. Don’t let the crowd scare you off—this is a lively NYC tradition you won’t want to miss. Watch or participate!
October 18-January 4: The Classical Nude & the Making of Queer History
Take in some thought provoking art at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art. “Over the course of history, the classical nude has been a sensitive barometer of the shifting social values associated with same-sex desire. This exhibition examines how, at different historical moments, artists have made over the classical past in their image.” More info can be found here.

NOVEMBER
Queer Experimental Film Festival
The longest running queer film festival has debuted early work from now famous directors like Todd Haynes and Gus Van Sant. Queer experimental film, avant-garde cinema, interactive installations, & infamous parties are all part of the experience. Check here for specific dates when posted.