With the hum of the air conditioner comes the annual tradition we’ve shorthanded to calling “Pride Month”.  Every June, the LGBT community and their allies gather across the country to celebrate just how fabulous it is being fabulous – and the Hudson Valley is no exception.  This year you can follow festivals up & down the river and experience all that our region has to offer.

Big Gay Hudson Valley’s 4th Annual “Pride Preview Weekend”:  May 25th, 26th & 27th

This year’s annual kick-off to summer returns with a weekend full of events spread throughout Poughkeepsie.  Big Gay Hudson Valley will be kicking off with a sports-themed “kick-off” party at The Out Bar (206 Main Street) on Friday night.  We’ll then be setting sail on the high seas for our first-ever *SOLD OUT* sunset cruise on the Hudson.  Sunday night celebrates our wildly popular Pride Preview Party – a BYO picnic held in the gardens of the historic Locust Grove Estate.  This year’s party boasts fabulous drag bingo prizes, headline entertainment from NYC’s DJ Cazwell, and so much more.  Check out our blog for all of the Pride Preview Weekend info.

Hudson Valley Pride:  May 29th – June 3rd

Presented by the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, this week’s worth of activities is packed with movie nights and a Wine & Cheese party hosted by the Center and its very active member groups.  Events are all based in the Center’s home in Kingston (300 Wall Street).  The week’s capstone Pride March & Festival returns to its cozy home in the village of New Paltz on Sunday June 3rd with an after party to follow.  Visit the Center’s website for a complete calendar of events and more information.

Gay Pride Rockland: June 10th

Presented by Volunteer Counseling Services (VCS), this annual family-friendly festival returns to the Riverspace Parking Lot on Main Street in Nyack.  The event is free to attend and will feature Da New Breed Dance Crew, Soul Street Dance Company, face painting, balloons, public art, and more.  Visit Gay Pride Rockland’s website for more information.

Capital District Pride: May 31st – June 10th

The Pride Center of the Capital Region and their partners are presenting…brace yourselves…11 days of pride celebration this year!  It’s huge!  With more events than we could possibly list here, check out the Capital Pride Center’s website for a complete rundown of the activities, capping off with Pride in the Empire State’s capital.  Hosted at Washington Park on Sunday June 10th in Albany, there will be live music, exciting floats, and – as always – a few surprises.  The day kicks off with a parade and is followed up by a festival featuring live performances, games, and plenty of fun.  It’s going to be huge!

City of Hudson Pride: June 15th – 17th

The mad mistress of Hudson, Miss Trixie Starr, and her team at the Hudson Pride Foundation are back for round three this year with a full weekend of events celebrating City of Hudson Pride.  Their plans include sunset & moonlight Hudson River Boat Cruises, a Parade down Warren Street, After-Parties, and Family Pride Day.  The complete calendar and event details are on their website.

NYC Pride: June 24th

The Heritage of Pride foundation once again hosts one of the nation’s largest Pride Parade & Festivals in the heart of Manhattan.  Cyndi Lauper, Chris Salgardo (President of Kiehl’s), and Phyllis Siegel & Connie Kopelov will be honored as this year’s grand marshal as parades, rallies, festivals, and after parties pop up across the city.  Log on today for the list of official NYC Pride events.

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