Celebrate LGBTQ WorldPride 2019 in New York With Kids
The State of New York is pulling out all the stops to welcome LGBTQ community members from around the globe for WorldPride 2019 in June. It's the first time WorldPride will be celebrated in New York City, and marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the pride movement at the Stonewall Riots. That's too big of a deal for just one day of celebrating, so events will be happening all throughout June -- and many are family-friendly.
WorldPride 2019 in New York City
The Stonewall Riots were a seminal point in the LGBTQ rights movement, with action centered at The Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood. In 1969, police raided the gay bar for what would be the final time, and patrons and locals pushed back, sparking an equal rights movement that would spread worldwide. Stonewall is now a US National Historic Landmark.
The Stonewall Riots are remembered in NYC each year with an annual New York Pride March, an event that is now colorfully duplicated in many other major cities around the world.
It's only fitting that the site of the very first Pride Parade will be the host city of WorldPride 2019. Pride celebrations will span the month of June in New York City, with commemorative events, rallies, parties and more. This all leads up to the NYC Pride March, the largest of its kind in the world, which will step off at noon on June 30 at 26th Street and Fifth Avenue. This is always a festive and celebratory event, drawing a mix of people from all walks of life to the world's largest LGBTQ pride march. (TPG has even been known to participate in pride marches!)
Although we have not yet taken our kids to NYC Pride, we have attended the parade and festivities a number of times in our hometown of San Diego. Since the kids were little, they've loved the colorful characters, upbeat music and joyful crowds of San Diego Pride. As they've grown older, the meaning of Pride has deepened for them. And even now, they still love a good parade (who doesn't?)
Celebrate Pride in New York State
I LOVE NY is also organizing Pride Celebrations at destinations throughout the Empire State:
"Sing Out, New York!": May 28–June 2 and June 6–9
The Albany Symphony will present "Sing Out, New York!", a major music festival and regional concerts celebrating equal rights.
- The five-day American Music Festival, scheduled for May 28–June 2 in Troy, will feature symphony performances and a tribute to those lost to AIDS.
- A regional tour of free, outdoor concerts from June 6–9 will highlight events like the Stonewall uprising, WorldPride 2019 and the women's suffrage movement, showcasing New York State's role in social justice movements.
Children's Museum of Manhattan Pride Night: June 6
- The Children's Museum of Manhattan is hosting their 13th annual Family Pride Night, which is a free evening of fun celebrating LGBTQ+ families.
NYC Pride Family Movie Night: June 21
- LGBTQ+ families (and supporters) can head to the West Village's Pier 45 for a free outdoor, kid-friendly movie starting at 6:30pm. While the event is free, there will be premium tickets for sale (for reserved seating and prepackaged meals) to support the Heritage of Pride foundation
Pride on the Beach: June 21–23
- Long Island will mark New York's Pride celebrations with Pride on the Beach. During the three-day destination weekend, more than 30,000 people are expected to flock to Long Beach for 30+ LGBTQ events, including the festival's 29th annual Pride Parade, the second annual Pet Pride Parade in collaboration with Animal Planet, concerts and parties.
Pride on the Vines: June 25
- Visitors to Long Island can head straight from the beach to the vineyard for Pride on the Vines. This daylong event on the North Fork's picturesque wine country will include tours, tastings, receptions and parties.
Youth Pride: June 29
- You can warm up to the main NYC event the following day with an afternoon of games, performance and family-fun for LGBTQ+ teens and their allies. This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
Chautauqua Institution's Conversation with Bishop Gene Robinson: July 2
- Bishop Gene Robinson will lead a discussion about the building of America's LGBTQ community through major events including Stonewall, the AIDS crisis and marriage equality. Robinson is the Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop and vice president of religion at the Chautauqua Institution.
Pride at the Falls: July 5
- WorldPride and Stonewall 50 will also be celebrated at a natural wonder: Niagara Falls, America's oldest state park. Pride at the Falls will feature a free concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, along with fireworks. The Falls will be lit in rainbow colors.
Many other Pride events and celebrations are currently being planned at numerous LGBTQ-friendly locations across the State of New York, including Buffalo, Fire Island, the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley and more.
Where to Stay
A number of hotels across New York City have put together Pride Packages and special celebrations to coincide with WorldPride 2019. Hyatt Hotels is an official sponsor of WorldPride 2019, and Delta Airlines is the official airline sponsor.
You can also check out the best Marriott Category 5 properties in New York and family-friendly hotels in New York City where you can use points.
Examples of some nice NYC hotels that currently have awards available for June 30 - July 1 include:
- Andaz Fifth Avenue (25k Hyatt points)
- Hyatt Union Square (25k Hyatt points)
- The Beekman (25k Hyatt points)
- Kimpton Ink 48 (65K points or 50k IHG points plus $104)
- The London NYC* (95k Hilton points for a suite)
- Conrad New York (80k Hilton points for a suite)
*Note that The London NYC is being converted to a Conrad this summer and some floors and the lobby are currently under construction.
Bottom Line
Attending WorldPride events across New York promises to be uplifting and tons of fun for families of all types. Do you plan to attend one with your family?
Planning a trip to New York City? Here are some more useful stories:
- Affordable Activities for Families Visiting New York City
- Enjoy New York City With the Family — Without the Tourist Traps
- Tips for Navigating New York City With Kids
- 10 of the Most Instagrammable Places in New York City
- Taking a Bite of the Big Apple: 11 NYC Restaurants Kids Will Love
Featured image by Hunter Abrams
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