New York City’s 55th annual Pride March will take place this Sunday. The parade, first held in 1970 to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, is expected to draw millions to the streets of Manhattan in celebration.
When and where
This year’s parade will occur on Sunday, June 29, at 11 a.m. The parade will begin on 26th Street and Fifth Avenue and disperse at 15th St. & 7th Ave. The route through Lower Manhattan traverses south on Fifth Avenue, through Greenwich Village, passing the Stonewall National Monument.
2025’s theme
NYC Pride’s theme for 2025 is “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.” According to the NYC Pride official website, this year’s theme reflects the origins of the Pride movement, which was grounded in protest. As the LGBTQIA+ faces increasing hostility, the theme is a “powerful call to action for our communities and allies to rally and march in defiant celebration, advocacy and solidarity.”
“This year, more than ever, we acknowledge that Pride can be celebrated in many ways, but at the heart of our mission, we recognize that we must also remain steadfast in protest,” said Kazz Alexander, NYC Pride Co-Chair. “The challenges we face today, particularly in this political climate, require us to stand together in solidarity. We must support one another, because when the most marginalized among us are granted their rights, all of us benefit. Pride is not merely a celebration of identity—it is a powerful statement of resistance, affirming that justice and equity will ultimately prevail for those who live and love on the margins.”
Who are the organizers?
The origins of NYC’s Pride March trace back to the 1969 Stonewall riots when LGBTQ+ people resisted a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. The uprising sparked widespread activism and led to the formation of the Stonewall Veterans Association. Soon after, activists formed the Christopher Street Liberation Day committee, proposing an annual demonstration named Christopher Street Liberation Day to commemorate the riots. The first March took place on June 28, 1970, from Sheridan Square to Central Park, drawing hundreds of participants and marking a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Since 1985, the Heritage of Pride (HOP) has taken over planning the parade. HOP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and volunteer organization that welcomes participants regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, religion, and HIV status.
This Year’s Grand Marshals
Every year, NYC Pride selects Grand Marshals in recognition of their “Resilience, activism and diverse contributions to uplifting the queer community and advancing LGBTQIA+ progress in New York City and beyond.”
The Grand Marshals for the 2025 Pride March include former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre; drag artist and former City Council candidate Marti Gould Cummings; disc jockey Lina Bradford, known as DJ Lina; politician and nonprofit executive Elisa Crespo; and Trans Formative Schools, a progressive education community dedicated to uplifting and supporting trans children.
How to Participate
The March is free for anyone who wants to attend. If you want an elevated experience, you can buy tickets to NYC Pride’s Grandstand. NYC Pride’s Grandstand is a ticketed experience that offers viewing spots for the March, stadium-style seating, and other amenities, including private bathrooms and complimentary food and drinks.
If you cannot attend the March in person, you can watch a live stream of the March on NYC Pride’s website, which starts at noon.
