Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 NYC Pride March
The 2025 NYC Pride March is on Sunday, June 29, and this year’s theme says a lot about where the movement stands right now: “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.” The message is clear: Pride is about showing up, being counted, and staying loud when rights are on the line.
Below is everything you need to plan your weekend and make the most of this citywide event.
What You Need to Know About the 2025 New York City Pride March
Key Information to Remember
- Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
- Start Time: 11:00 AM
- Route: Begins at 26th Street & 5th Avenue, heads downtown, passes the Stonewall National Monument, and ends at 15th Street & 7th Avenue
- Theme: “Rise Up: Pride in Protest”
- Viewing Options: In-person along the route or live on ABC7NY
- Website: nycpride.org
‘Rise Up: Pride in Protest’
This year’s theme, “Rise Up: Pride in Protest,” draws attention to a political and cultural climate that’s become more tense for LGBTQIA+ communities. The theme is a nod to Pride’s original spirit: resistance and visibility. While Pride still celebrates joy and identity, this year’s version is rooted in calling out policies, cultural shifts, and systems that threaten progress.
Recent developments, like rollbacks on federal LGBTQIA+ protections and mounting state-level restrictions, have made clear that visibility alone isn’t enough. Organizers say the theme is not just a slogan but a direction, a way to re-center protest as part of the celebration.
Route, Timing & How to Watch
The Pride March steps off at 11:00 AM on June 29 from 26th Street & 5th Avenue. The route takes participants downtown, west along 8th Street, past historic landmarks like the Stonewall National Monument, and finishes at 15th Street & 7th Avenue in Chelsea.
If you attend in person, it’s smart to get there early. Some of the busiest areas are near Stonewall and in the Village, where the energy peaks. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
All NYC Pride events feature:
- ASL interpretation
- Wheelchair-accessible entry and viewing areas
- Gender-neutral, ADA-compliant restrooms
- Trained volunteers and hydration stations
If tuning in from home, the march will broadcast on ABC7NY.
Who Are the 2025 Grand Marshals?
NYC Pride has named five Grand Marshals for this year’s march, each representing different aspects of advocacy, culture, and youth empowerment:
- Karine Jean-Pierre: Former White House Press Secretary under Joe Biden and the first Black and openly queer person to hold that position.
- Marti Gould Cummings: Drag artist, activist, and the first non-binary candidate to run for public office in NYC.
- DJ Lina Bradford: Longtime New York DJ who has used her platform to elevate voices in the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly Black trans women.
- Elisa Crespo: Executive Director of the Stonewall Community Foundation, known for work on trans rights, healthcare access, and inclusive policy reform.
- Trans formative Schools: This youth-focused organization supports queer, trans, and non-binary students through affirming education programs. They are this year’s Youth Activist Grand Marshals.
Related Events
PrideFest
PrideFest takes place Sunday, June 29 at 11:00 AM in Greenwich Village. This is a public street fair with vendors, community booths, music, and food. It offers an open, come-and-go setting to support LGBTQIA+ causes, shop, or just take a break from the crowd.
Youth Pride
Held the day before the march, Youth Pride is for LGBTQIA+ teens and their supporters. This year it’s happening on Saturday, June 28 at 12:00 PM at the South Street Seaport Museum (Pier 16 & 17). Expect performances, interactive experiences, and a welcoming space for teens to connect, celebrate, and be themselves. It’s free, but RSVPs are encouraged.
How Do I Take Part?
- March: Group and individual registration is available through the NYC Pride website.
- Volunteer: Pride needs hundreds of volunteers to manage logistics, guide marchers, and keep events running smoothly. It’s a meaningful way to contribute.
- Donate:The nonprofit Heritage of Pride organizes NYC Pride. Contributions help fund accessibility services, youth programming, and community outreach.
More…
- https://www.nycpride.org/news-press-media/nyc-pride-unveils-2025-theme-rise-up-pride-in-protest
- https://www.timeout.com/newyork/lgbt/gay-pride-parade-in-nyc
- https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-pride-2024-when-march-theme-watch/14964776
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissakravitz/2025/03/20/new-york-city-prides-2025-theme-will-be-rise-up-pride-in-protest
- https://www.iloveny.com/event/nyc-pridefest/64483
- https://gomag.com/article/nyc-pride-unveils-full-list-of-trailblazing-2025-grand-marshals
- https://www.overhereny.com/must-catch-concerts-in-new-york-this-june/