Pride parades on Long Island
Sarah Azzara, of Rocky Point, waves streamers during the Hamptons Pride Parade held in East Hampton in June 2023. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
June is Pride Month, and on Long Island, there are parades, performances and other happenings supporting the LGBTQIA community. From parties to live entertainment, here are events celebrating acceptance for all:
Emily Ulceus, environmental educator, right, leads group on boardwalk during the Rainbow Lantern Walk at Sunken Meadow Park in Kings Park on June 2. Credit: Howard Simmons
RAINBOW LANTERN WALKS AT STATE PARKS
Stroll through the park after dark with a guide as rainbow lanterns illuminate the path ahead. Learn about LGBT+ history at 8 p.m. June 14 at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve (581 W. Jericho Tpke., Smithtown, 631-265-1054); 8 p.m. June 28, Sunken Meadow State Park (1 Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park, 631-269-4333); 8 p.m. June 29 at Heckscher State Park (1500 Timber Point Rd., East Islip, 631-581-2100); $4, reservations are required, parks.ny.gov.
Jose Cuevas, of Freeport, attends the Long Island Pride Downtown series in Freeport in June 2023. Credit: Howard Simmons
PRIDE ON THE MILE
The Sparkle On Stage Cultural Arts Centers sponsors “Pride on the Mile” featuring a Pride market on the esplanade, noon to 6 p.m. June 15 on the Nautical Mile (Woodcleft Avenue, free admission). There will also be a “Dragaret” stage show for ages 18 and older at 8 p.m. at Sparkle On Stage. Tickets start at $20 (195 Woodcleft Ave., sparkleonstage.org, 516-240-1188). Attendees can join the Pride Crawl along the Nautical Mile, noon to 6 p.m. (free admission, buy a $5 cup that entitles you to buy $5 specialty drinks at participating locations). Families can take part in the “Triple Play” children’s event that features a magic show at 4 p.m.; “Drama With Your Mama,” theater class at 2 p.m. and a Drag Story Hour at noon at Sparkle on Stage. Tickets start at $15. Dance along to live music, noon to 6 p.m. at Half Way Down (free admission; 153 Woodcleft Ave., halfwaydownthemile.com, 516-608-0700).
PRIDE AT SUFFOLK COUNTY FARM
The festival features hayrides, rainbow treats, drag queen story time featuring Bella Noche, family chats, nutrition workshops and farm animals, 4 to 7 p.m. June 15. Free; 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank, ccesuffolk.org, 631-852-4600.
PRIDE IN THE PARK IN NORTHPORT
The event features live music, arts and crafts and food vendors, 12:30 to 5 p.m. June 15 on the harbor. Free; end of Main Street, Northport, northportpridefest.com.
Several Long Island towns like East Hampton, Babylon, Huntington, Northport and Patchogue will be holding events to celebrate Pride Month. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
NORTH FORK PRIDE IN GREENPORT
The celebration includes a parade with floats and marchers followed by a festival, noon to 5 p.m. June 22. The parade lineup is at Broad at Main streets, traveling on Main Street and then Front Street to Mitchell Park to the festival. Free; northforkpride.org, 631-665-2300.
LGBTQ+ PRIDE SKATE
Skate, participate in the “Best Pride costume” contest and enjoy music starting at 9:30 p.m. June 28 at United Skates of America. Tickets are $12.51 without skates, $19.98 with skates and must be purchased online in advance; for ages 16 and older; 1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford, unitedskates.com, 516-795-5474.
FIRE ISLAND INVASION
During the annual re-enactment of the first “invasion of the Pines,” which took place in 1976, drag performers from Cherry Grove and the Pines gather at the Ice Palace Bar at the Cherry Grove Hotel and parade through the streets of Cherry Grove at 2 p.m. July 4. The group will board a ferry and sail to Pines Harbor where they will be greeted by residents and visitors. Free to watch; invasion-viewing packages available at pinesfi.com.
