Read on for details for each night of happenings!

The Pride Preview Kick-Off Party happens on Friday night, May 24^th in the fabulous Canvas bar & lounge (305 Main Street) in Downtown Poughkeepsie from 9pm to 1am. Featuring entertainment from Superior Sounds and DJ “K” Kevin Silas, come give a warm upstate welcome to the evening’s featured dancers – NYC’s own Dan & Francisco. 200+ of you joined us last year to get the Pride Preview ball rolling – don’t miss a minute of this year’s fun!

Pride Preview “Kickoff”

Friday May 24th | 9p – 1a Canvas (305 Main Street), Poughkeepsie $5 cover | CLICK HERE to see who’s going on Facebook |

On Saturday night, May 25^th, Big Gay Hudson Valley sets sail on the Hudson River with TWO all-new cruises from Poughkeepsie’s Waryas Park. Cruisers can choose between a sunset cruise from 5:30pm to 7:30p, or the later ‘Red Ribbon’ moonlight cruise from 8:30pm to 10:30pm to benefit the Hudson Valley AIDS Walk. Passengers are encouraged to dine either after or prior to their selected cruise at one of the many local spots populating Main Street. You’ll then join Empire Cruise Line’s Captain Jeff Pyle and Stephan & Patrick from Big Gay Hudson Valley for a scenic ride on the majestic Hudson River. The ship will feature music and lights by Superior Sounds DJ, dancing on the upper deck, and a full service cash bar on the main deck. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy local sights like the Culinary Institute of America and the Vanderbilt Mansion while cruising under the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. Pick up your cruise tickets today using the link below – our space is limited, so book now!

Sunset Pride Preview Cruise

Saturday May 25th | 5:30pm to 7:30pm Waryas Park (29 North Front Street), Poughkeepsie Tickets $25 per person

Red Ribbon Cruise to Benefit Hudson Valley Community Services

Saturday May 25th | 8:30pm to 10:30pm Waryas Park (29 North Front Street), Poughkeepsie Tickets $30 per person | CLICK HERE to see who’s going on Facebook |

Event management for Big Gay Hudson Valley Pride Preview Cruises aboard the Mystère powered by Eventbrite

The main event – The Pride Preview Picnic – happens on Sunday, May 26th in Dutchess County’s Tymor Park. Located in Lagrangeville, NY, this beautiful farm-turned-city park is a short 20 minute drive east of Poughkeepsie with easy access to the park available off of the Taconic Parkway. Featuring activities hosted by community groups, a marketplace of gay and gay-friendly businesses, live performers, DJs, Dancing, and Drag Bingo, everyone is encouraged to pack a picnic and a cooler for this BYO event. [column width=”45%” margin_right=”5%”]

What’s in your basket?

The Pride Preview Party is a BYO picnic, and as such we encourage everyone to pack the most fabulous picnic dinner possible. With more than 50 picnic tables in Tymor Park, you’ll have tons of room to set-up the ultimate Pride Preview Picnic! While a bar will not be set up on site, those of the legal drinking age are invited (and encouraged) to pack their favorite adult beverage of choice to be enjoyed on the lawn during the event.

If you’re one of those that just doesn’t feel like cooking, we’ll have picnic fare from Poughkeepsie’s The Crooked Rooster and Kangaroo Swirls Ice Cream Truck available for sale at Tymor Park.

Entertainment!

Entertainment for the evening includes live performances by the Hudson Valley’s very-own DJ Ali Gruber (who spins some fierce vinyl), Freddy and Jay Freeman of Bearapalooza, Music by Superior Sounds, and a Drag Bingo Cabaret with Trixie Starr. Last year more than 700 of you joined us for the party – so please help us to spread the word by telling your friends![/column][column width=”45%” margin_left=”5%”]

Park Activities

Tymor Park is equipped with miles of hiking trails, a playground, volleyball courts, and so much more. You can learn more about them and take a peek at the park on their website or facebook page. Please note that pets are not allowed in Tymor Park. We love those little guys, but they’ve gotta sit this one out. Tymor Park also offers on-site camping. If you’re interested in crashing at the park after the party is over, please register directly with the Town of Union Vale using this form (file for “Group Site” on the form’s field for Camping Area To Be Used). Please note that it is a group camping area that only allows tent camping (no RV’s, campers, etc). Restrooms and showers are available on site. All registrations must be filed directly with Tymor Park (BGHV will not handle any registrations) and must be submitted by Monday May 20th. No camping registrations will be accepted the day of the event. [/column][end_columns]

Pride Preview Marketplace

Get a “sneak peek” at what the Hudson Valley has in store this gay pride season by visiting our Pride Preview Marketplace. There you’ll meet… [column width=”45%” margin_right=”5%”] Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center
Hudson Valley Community Services
LOFT LGBT Community Services Center
PFLAG Hudson Valley
VCS Gay Pride Rockland
Hairdresser’s Disco Ball & Fantasy Hair Show
Cunneen Hackett Arts Center
Hudson Valley Horrors Roller Derby
Hudson Valley Bears[/column] [column width=”45%” margin_left=”5%”]Bard College’s Summerscape
Vassar College’s Powerhouse Theater
Law Offices of Michael S. Pollok
Out-Fit Challenge
Johnny Angel – Psychic Medium
Trixie’s Oven
Episcopal Church
Cassie Leonard for Avon
Century 21 Hudson Valley Realty
Best Western Plus the Inn & Suites at the Falls
New York Life of the Hudson Valley
[/column][end_columns] Save yourself some time (and $5!) by purchasing your tickets now using our secure order form below:

5th Annual Pride Preview Party

Sunday May 26th | 2pm – 10pm Tymor Park, Lagrangeville, NY [View on Google Maps] $10 per person in advance, $15 at the door | CLICK HERE to see who’s going on Facebook |