Part of the Gay New York City Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Friday, June 26, 2026
Tompkins Square Park
Tompkins Square Park, E 7th St & Avenue A, New York, NY 10009The NYC Drag March 2026 kicks off Pride weekend on Friday, June 26, with a gloriously rowdy procession from Tompkins Square Park to the Stonewall Inn. Part protest and part party, this beloved grassroots tradition gathers drag performers, kings and queens, and anyone who loves them in the East Village before parading west through the streets to the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, singing show tunes and protest anthems the whole way. There is nothing corporate or polished about it, and that is exactly the point. The Drag March is leaderless, permit-light, and run on pure community spirit, a defiant and joyful celebration of self-expression that traditionally caps off at Sheridan Square outside Stonewall with a raucous sing-along. Expect wild looks, big wigs, and a crowd that treats the whole route as a moving stage, making it one of the most photogenic and free-spirited entries on the NYC Pride 2026 calendar. A few local tips. The march steps off from Tompkins Square Park in the East Village around 7 p.m., reachable via the L train to First Avenue or the 6 to Astor Place, then a few blocks east. It is free and open to everyone, costumes wildly encouraged, and because it is grassroots the exact start time can drift, so arrive a little early to catch the gathering. Wear something you can walk in, bring water for the warm evening, and be ready to belt out a few numbers. As the unofficial opening ceremony of NYC Pride weekend, the Drag March sets the tone with camp, defiance, and joy.
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Sat, Aug 15
8 PM - 10 PM
HUSH HK, New York City
Shush Saturdays at Hush in New York City's Hell's Kitchen: the club's marquee weekly Saturday night party, from 9PM.
Weekly
Sat, Aug 15
8 PM - 10 PM
Rise Bar, New York City
Shine Saturdays Dance Party at Rise Bar in New York City's Hell's Kitchen: DJ Xavier Mazara in the Main Room and VJ Paul Leasure or Mikey Mo in the Shine Lounge every Saturday from 9PM, with DJ &Drew guesting the 3rd Saturday.
Weekly
Sat, Aug 15
8 PM - 10 PM
The Stonewall Inn, New York City
Show Time at The Stonewall Inn in New York City's West Village: a weekly Saturday 9PM drag showcase on the second floor with a rotating lineup, no cover.
Weekly
Sat, Aug 15
8 PM - 10 PM
The Duplex, New York City
Upstairs Weekend Dance Party at The Duplex in New York City's West Village hits the Upstairs bar every Friday and Saturday at 9pm, with music, low lights and cocktails on Christopher Street.
Weekly
Sat, Aug 15
8 PM - 10 PM
The Toolbox Bar, New York City
Weekends at the Toolbox at The Toolbox Bar in New York City's Upper East Side: a Friday and Saturday 9PM drag-and-dance party with pop-up drag and remixed beats, hosted by Heidi N Dix and Virgo Rising.
Weekly
Sat, Aug 15
9 PM - 11 PM
Boxers NYC, New York City
Viva La Vida at Boxers Chelsea, New York City: a weekly Saturday-night Latin dance party with DJ Alex and gogo dancers, at 10pm.
WeeklyLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.
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