The Pride Parade 2025 NYC is set to electrify Manhattan this Sunday, June 29, with over a million people expected to fill the streets for North America’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration. This year’s march, themed “Rise Up: Pride in Protest,” honors the activist roots of the original 1970 Pride March and the 1969 Stonewall Riots, promising a blend of vibrant festivity and renewed calls for equality and justice.
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Pride Parade 2025 NYC: Everything You Need to Know
The Pride Parade 2025 NYC kicks off at noon, beginning at East 26th Street and Fifth Avenue. The 1.8-mile route will wind through the heart of Manhattan, traveling down Fifth Avenue past iconic landmarks, before heading west on Eighth Street, then north on Greenwich Avenue, and finally dispersing at West 15th Street and Seventh Avenue. The Grand Stand, where thousands will gather to watch the spectacle, is located at the General William Jenkins Worth Monument by Madison Square Park.
The event is free to attend, with no tickets required for the march itself. However, exclusive experiences, food, and drinks at various Pride events may require separate purchases.
Key Point Summary
- Date & Time: Sunday, June 29, 2025; march begins at noon
- Theme: “Rise Up: Pride in Protest,” honoring the Stonewall Riots and activist roots
- Route: 26th St & 5th Ave to 15th St & 7th Ave, 1.8 miles through Manhattan
- Grand Marshals: Karine Jean-Pierre, Marti Gould Cummings, DJ Lina, Elisa Crespo, and Transformative Schools
- Attendance: Over 1 million expected; 60 floats and 75,000+ marchers
- Security: 10,000 barriers, enhanced NYPD presence, no credible threats reported
- Street Closures: Major cross-town closures from 10 a.m.; public transit strongly encouraged
- PrideFest: Street fair on Fourth Avenue from 14th St to Astor Place, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Youth Pride: June 28 at Pier 16 and 17
“Rise Up: Pride in Protest” – This Year’s Theme
The 2025 theme, “Rise Up: Pride in Protest,” is a powerful call to reclaim the original spirit of activism that gave birth to Pride. Organizers from Heritage of Pride emphasize that this year’s march is not just a celebration but a demonstration, echoing the voices and struggles of those who sparked the movement more than five decades ago. The theme is especially poignant as the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face legislative and social challenges across the country.
Grand Marshals: Celebrating Resilience and Activism
Each year, NYC Pride selects grand marshals who exemplify courage, activism, and progress. For Pride Parade 2025 NYC, the honorees are:
- Karine Jean-Pierre: Former White House Press Secretary and LGBTQIA+ advocate
- Marti Gould Cummings: Drag artist and political activist
- DJ Lina: Renowned DJ and nightlife icon
- Elisa Crespo: Executive Director of the Stonewall Community Foundation
- Transformative Schools: Organization championing LGBTQIA+ youth
Their selection reflects the diversity and resilience of the queer community, inspiring attendees to continue the fight for equality.
Security and Street Closures: What to Expect
With more than a million participants and spectators, security is a top priority for Pride Parade 2025 NYC. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has confirmed that 10,000 metal barriers, sanitation trucks, police vehicles, and uniformed officers will line the route. While there are no credible threats, the NYPD is on high alert, especially given ongoing global conflicts. Pedestrian crossings will be limited, and major streets along the route will be closed from 10 a.m. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use public transportation.
PrideFest and Youth Pride: More Ways to Celebrate
Beyond the main march, Pride Parade 2025 NYC features a range of events for all ages:
- PrideFest: The annual street fair runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fourth Avenue, offering food, live entertainment, and interactive activities.
- Youth Pride: On June 28, LGBTQIA+ youth and allies can gather at Pier 16 and 17 for a day of music, community, and celebration.
Controversy: Exclusion of Uniformed LGBTQ+ Officers
This year’s Pride Parade 2025 NYC is not without controversy. For the fifth consecutive year, organizers have barred members of the NYPD’s Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) from marching in uniform. The ban, first implemented in 2021 amid heightened anti-police sentiment, has drawn criticism from both NYPD Commissioner Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams. They argue that excluding LGBTQ+ officers from marching in uniform contradicts the event’s message of inclusion, especially as these officers are tasked with ensuring the safety of all participants.
GOAL’s president, Det. Brian Downey, has voiced concerns that the policy erases queer officers’ visibility while still expecting them to provide security. The debate underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and segments of the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the complex intersection of safety, protest, and representation.
Weather and Final Preparations
Forecasts predict possible morning showers, but the afternoon should see clear skies and temperatures in the 80s—ideal conditions for the parade and festivities. Vendors, artists, and volunteers are already setting up along the route, with rainbow flags and banners transforming Manhattan into a sea of color and pride.
How to Join the Pride Parade 2025 NYC
- Arrive Early: With over a million attendees, early arrival ensures a good viewing spot.
- Use Public Transit: Street closures make driving and parking nearly impossible.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
- Celebrate Responsibly: Respect the space and safety of others, and follow NYPD guidance.
Pride Parade 2025 NYC: The Heartbeat of Pride Month
The Pride Parade 2025 NYC is more than a march—it’s a living testament to the resilience, diversity, and unity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re marching, watching, or celebrating at PrideFest, this weekend is a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and “Rise Up” for a more just and inclusive future.
Join the movement, make your voice heard, and be part of history at Pride Parade 2025 NYC.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the energy, unity, and activism at the heart of Pride Parade 2025 NYC. Gather your friends, show your colors, and help make this year’s celebration unforgettable!