Gay Pride Parade NYC 2016: Pulse Nightclub Manager, Owner To Attend

Pride time is upon us! This year will be a bittersweet pride, to say the least, coming on the heels of the Orlando massacre in which 49 people were killed in a gay nightclub. There will be increased security at pride festivities, according to a statement from NYC Pride. Pride announced Thursday the owner and manager of Orlando nightclub Pulse will both be joining NYC this weekend "to stand defiantly against hate."

The New York City Gay Pride Parade is sure to be both somber and celebratory. It's actually not officially even called a parade, it's called a march, to emphasize its purpose. It's going down Sunday, June 26, and it begins at noon. It will travel from West 36th Street and Fifth Avenue to Greenwich and Christopher streets in the West Village. Accessible seating for viewing the parade will be available on Fifth Avenue between 24th and 25th streets, and you can reserve your free tickets here.

Here's a map plotted to show the parade's trail as well as the location of PrideFest, a street fair with vendors from around the country, as well as food and music to celebrate LGBTQIA pride.

PrideFest is happening 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Hudson Street between Abingdon Square & West 14th Street. PrideFest, for the first time, is offering $35 VIP tickets, which will get you free Meatball Shop and other food, as well as other benefits.

The Pride Rally, a tradition to mark the first rally a month after the Stonewall Riots in 1969, takes place Friday, June 24 at the Hudson River Park's Pier 26 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. General admission is free, and VIP passes run $40 or more.

The theme this year is "Equality Needs You" to remind participants and onlookers just how far LGBTQIA equality has to go.

Manhattan drivers, don't park your car on any of these streets. Christopher Street and Fifth Avenue from approximately Eighth to 36th streets will be blocked off. Daily parking for Pier 40 will close at noon.

There are several other official Pride events for every member of the family you can find on the official website, as well as an incredible guide to other events this month that TimeOut New York has put together.

So deck yourself out in rainbow clothing, and show them what you're made of! Oh, and glob on the sunscreen.

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