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, Nov 14
8 PM - 10 PM
Playhouse Bar, New York City
Shenanigans Saturdays at Playhouse Bar in the West Village, New York City: a weekly Saturday drag show with Izzy Uncut and Beaujangless, spun by DJ Jay Essex, at 8pm.
Sat, Nov 14
8 PM - 10 PM
Hardware, New York City
Bad & Bougie at Hardware in Hell's Kitchen, New York City: a weekly Saturday drag show starring Janae Saisquoi and Lanye Armon with DJ 2Face, at 8pm.
Sat, Nov 14
9 PM - 11 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.
Sat, Nov 14
9 PM - 11 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.
Sat, Nov 14
10 PM - 12 AM
Hardware, New York City
Surge at Hardware in Hell's Kitchen, New York City: a late-night Saturday party presented by Lucifer with DJ 2Face, Lexington Banks and rotating gogo boys and hosts, at 10pm.
Sat, Nov 14
10 PM - 12 AM
VERS, New York City
VERS Saturday Nights in New York City's Hell's Kitchen: the weekly Saturday dance party at VERS with a rotating lineup of NYC DJs, running late every Saturday from 10PM.
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