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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Tue, Sep 29
9 PM - 11 PM
Playhouse Bar, New York City
Ruby Tuesdays at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, New York City: a weekly Tuesday drag night hosted by performer Ruby with DJ Drew, at 10pm.
Weekly
Tue, Sep 29
9 PM - 11 PM
Pieces, New York City
Hi-Drag at Pieces in New York City's West Village: Tiffany Anne Coke and Boudoir Lefleur host this late Tuesday drag show with DJ Nicky Boombox, every week at 10PM.
Weekly
Tue, Sep 29
9 PM - 11 PM
Boxers HK, New York City
eXXXtra Tuesdays at Boxers HK in Hell's Kitchen, New York City: a weekly Tuesday drag show starring Bianca Star, Lagoona Bloo and Selma Nila, at 10pm.
Weekly
Tue, Sep 29
9 PM - 11 PM
Industry Bar, New York City
Star Search at Industry Bar in New York City's Hell's Kitchen: NYC's longest-running amateur drag competition, hosted by Kizha Carr with DJ Xavier Mazara, every Tuesday at 10PM.
Weekly
Tue, Sep 29
9 PM - 3 AM
Eagle NYC, New York City
Twisted Tuesday at the Eagle NYC in Chelsea, New York City: a no-cover late-night party for the leather and fetish crowd, Tuesdays from 10pm.
Weekly
Tue, Sep 29
10 PM - 12 AM
Rise Bar, New York City
Cut Throat Karaoke at Rise Bar in New York City's Hell's Kitchen: late-night competitive karaoke every Tuesday at 11PM with sound by DJ TK.
WeeklyLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.
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