NYC Pride 2022: Schedule, Theme, Grand Marshals, How To Watch Parade

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — NYC Pride is returning in June and it will make its return to in-person events after two years of mostly virtual happenings due to the pandemic.

The nearly two weeks of events will largely take place in the West Village, starting on June 15 and running through June 26.

Here is an overarching breakdown of everything you might want to know about NYC Pride this year, including the schedule of events, the 2022 theme, the route of the parade, and more.

2022 Theme

The official theme for NYC Pride 2022 is "Unapologetically Us."

"As the world begins to emerge from a pandemic that gave society a full reset and forced everyone to reconsider and re-prioritize their lives, NYC Pride is acknowledging that struggle and the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community," reads an explanation for the theme on NYC Pride's website. "Many have focused on exploring their true selves, coming out to the world with vibrant, loving hearts and souls open to the public - no matter how scary, unsure, or vulnerable it might have been."

NYC Pride also released a video of a photoshoot based around the 2022 theme.

Parade Route + How To Watch

The 53rd NYC Pride March will kick off at noon on June 26th.

Marchers will start from 25th Street and Fifth Avenue, and proceed south on Fifth Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing Sixth Avenue, the march will continue on Christopher Street passing the Stonewall National Monument, and turn north on Seventh Avenue, before dispersing in Chelsea at 16th Street and Seventh Avenue.

The parade will be broadcast on ABC from noon to 3 p.m.

Grand Marshals For 2022 Parade

There will be five grand marshals for the 2022 parade on June 26.

• Ts Madison
• Punkie Johnson
• Schuyler Bailar
• Dominique Morgan
• Chase Strangio

You can read more about each grand marshal on NYC Pride's website.

Safety Measures

The COVID-19 precautions — which range from optional-yet-strongly-encouraged mask-wearing to proof of vaccinations or negative tests for certain events — aren't the only significant safety change.

Uniformed law enforcement officers such as the NYPD could be few and far between.

NYC Pride organizers banned corrections and law enforcement exhibitors from marching in uniforms and participating in recruitment activities until at least 2025.

Read the full list of COVID-19 precautions and requirements by event, including the June 26 Pride March, here.

• Read More: NYC Pride 2022: New Safety Measures As Fully In-Person Events Return

Full Event List For NYC Pride 2022

All event descriptions are from NYC Pride's website.

June 15: Family Movie Night (5 p.m., location TBD)

• "Enjoy a family flick at Family Movie Night with NYC Pride! Films are appropriate for all ages."

June 17: Pride Presents (7 p.m., Spring Studios)

• "A unique cinematic event celebrating LGBTQIA+ film during Pride. This year’s feature film, Disclosure, will make its film festival debut on the East Coast."

June 19: The Brunch (Noon, 74 Wythe)

• "An indulgent culinary experience including a four-hour sponsored open bar, a curation of Juneteenth food stories and bites from six acclaimed Black LGBTQIA+ chefs."

June 23: The Conference (9 a.m., New York Law School)

• "NYC Pride’s The Conference is an annual symposium led by changemakers in the queer community, focusing on developing new ideas and approaches to activism and community is back in person."

June 24: The Rally (4 p.m., The Battery)

• "After two years of rallying the LGBTQIA+ online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYC Pride Rally is BACK in person. The first Rally occurred one month after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park and followed by a candlelight vigil in Sheridan Square. NYC Pride has continued this proud tradition by hosting the event in various locations throughout the city."

June 25: Youth Pride (Noon, location TBD)

• "Celebration of and for LGBTQIA+ and ally teens returns to in person."

June 25: Fantasy Days (2 p.m., Harbor Rooftop)

• "Formerly known as VIP Rooftop Party, NYC Pride is proud to reintroduce our iconic circuit party as FANTASY DAYS. After a 2 year hiatus due to COVID-19, we are back with rotating DJ’s, an enhanced VIP experience and pop-up performances that will tap into your wildest fantasy."

June 25: Teaze (2 p.m., 3 Dollar Bill)

• "After a two-year hiatus, NYC Pride is back with TEAZE! A unique party experience "teazing" some of the most diverse party experiences New York City has to offer! Get ready to dance the day away with music from a mix of beloved DJs and performers at one of the most inclusive party venues in Brooklyn."

June 25: Pride Island (2 p.m., Governors Island)

• "NYC Pride is excited to announce the return of Pride Island, THE premiere LGBTQIA+ music festival experience of Pride Weekend. For the first time ever, celebrate with us in our NEW location on Governors Island."

June 26: PrideFest (11 a.m., Greenwich Village)

• "Going into its 28th year, PrideFest is thrilled to be BACK for our annual LGBTQIA+ street fair that combines exhibitors, entertainers, food and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality."

June 26: The March (Noon, Lower Manhattan)

• "Over the years, its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence and neglect."

June 26: Bliss Days (2 p.m., Harbor Rooftop)

• "Join us in love, light and appreciation for womxn in our community."