New York City’s iconic Pride Parade—officially known as the NYC Pride March—took the streets by storm on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with an estimated million-plus spectators and participants celebrating LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and the movement’s protest roots. This year’s NYC Pride Parade route wound through Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering a dazzling mix of floats, performances, and community spirit. The theme, “Rise Up: Pride in Protest,” honored the legacy of the first Pride March in 1970 and the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, which set the stage for LGBTQ+ activism worldwide.
As the largest Pride event in North America, the NYC Pride Parade route remains a beacon of inclusivity and resilience. The 2025 march kicked off at 11 a.m. at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue, traveled south to Eighth Street, then west to Greenwich Avenue, north to Christopher Street—passing the historic Stonewall Inn—and finally north on Seventh Avenue, dispersing at 15th Street. The grandstand, a premium viewing area, was set up at the General William Jenkins Worth Monument by Madison Square Park, offering VIP amenities and live entertainment for those seeking a special experience.
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NYC Pride Parade Route: Step-by-Step Highlights
The 2025 NYC Pride Parade route was carefully mapped to maximize visibility and accessibility for both participants and spectators. The 1.8-mile journey began with formation zones on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 25th Streets. Marchers stepped off at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue, heading south through Midtown and Chelsea before turning west on Eighth Street toward Greenwich Village.
From there, the parade continued north on Greenwich Avenue for one block to Christopher Street, a symbolic stretch that passes the Stonewall National Monument and the Stonewall Inn—ground zero for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The route then turned west on Christopher Street to Seventh Avenue, where it traveled north to 15th Street, concluding the official march.
Key landmarks along the NYC Pride Parade route included:
- Madison Square Park: Grandstand and premium viewing.
- Stonewall National Monument: Historic site of the 1969 uprising.
- Christopher Street: Heart of Greenwich Village’s LGBTQ+ community.
- Seventh Avenue: Final leg with vibrant crowds and energy.
Street closures and heavy security were in place from early morning, ensuring a safe and smooth event. Major cross streets between 33rd and 25th Streets on Fifth Avenue, as well as surrounding blocks, were closed to traffic, with parking restrictions strictly enforced.
What’s New for NYC Pride Parade 2025?
This year’s NYC Pride Parade stood out not just for its size but for its defiant, activist spirit. The theme, “Rise Up: Pride in Protest,” echoed the original intent of Pride as a movement for equality and justice. Organizers emphasized that this is a march, not just a parade, to honor the protest roots that launched the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Grand Marshals for 2025 included high-profile activists and allies: former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, performer and activist Marti Gould Cummings, DJ Lina, Elisa Crespo, and Transformative Schools. Their presence highlighted the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters.
In addition to the main march, PrideFest in Greenwich Village offered family-friendly entertainment, vendors, and community resources. The weekend also featured the NYRR Pride Run in Central Park, which drew thousands of runners and raised funds for Lambda Legal, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ rights and people living with HIV.
Live streaming and broadcast options allowed global audiences to join the celebration, with the official NYC Pride March broadcast airing at noon on June 29. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube were flooded with real-time updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal stories from marchers and spectators.
Key Point Summary
- Date and Time: June 29, 2025, starting at 11 a.m.
- Route: 26th Street and Fifth Avenue to 15th Street and Seventh Avenue, passing Stonewall Inn.
- Length: 1.8 miles.
- Theme: “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.”
- Grand Marshals: Karine Jean-Pierre, Marti Gould Cummings, DJ Lina, Elisa Crespo, Transformative Schools.
- Attendance: Over 1 million spectators and participants.
- Special Features: Grandstand at General William Jenkins Worth Monument, PrideFest in Greenwich Village, NYRR Pride Run.
- Accessibility: Free to attend, with VIP and premium experiences available for purchase.
- Street Closures: Major closures on Fifth Avenue, Eighth Street, Christopher Street, and Seventh Avenue, with strict parking restrictions.
- Live Coverage: Broadcast and streaming options for global audiences.
Celebrating Diversity and Activism
This year’s NYC Pride Parade route was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality. The march’s path through historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods underscored the enduring legacy of the Stonewall Uprising and the progress made since. Spectators and participants alike were treated to a dazzling array of floats, performances, and community displays, all united by a common message of love, acceptance, and resistance.
Social media buzzed with real-time updates, as influencers, activists, and everyday New Yorkers shared their experiences using hashtags like #NYCPride and #RiseUpPride. Instagram stories and YouTube live streams captured the energy and emotion of the day, from the first step-off to the final cheers at 15th Street.
The NYC Pride Parade route remains a symbol of hope and solidarity, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate and advocate for a more inclusive world. Whether in person or online, the event continues to inspire and unite millions around the globe.
Join the Celebration and Stay Informed
If you missed this year’s NYC Pride Parade, don’t worry—official broadcasts and highlights are available online, and plans are already underway for next year’s event. Follow NYC Pride on social media for updates, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved in future celebrations. Together, we can keep the spirit of Pride alive all year long.