Summer in New York: Gay & Lesbian events and parties

Leather folks, kinksters and curious onlookers come out in the sun for this annual street fair (named for the giant San Francisco fest), which has become the unofficial kickoff to NYC Pride Week. You’ll find demonstrations, vendors, a beer garden and (obviously) a sausage truck.

This yearly event, which raises awareness about women’s and trans rights, isn’t exactly the glittery spectacle you’ll get at the following day’s Pride March—but it’s still one of the week’s essential events. BYO signs and banners, and keep in mind that the Dyke March doesn’t have a permit—it’s a protest, not a parade—so prepare for possible interference from the fuzz.

More than a million spectators line the streets for what is always one of the year’s most dazzling sights, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots. This year’s grand marshals are musician and activist Cyndi Lauper, Kiehl’s president Chris Salgardo, and the adorable Phyllis Siegel and Connie Kopelov, the first same-sex couple to legally marry in New York.

Sibling DJs the Perry Twins open for headlining spinner Boris at this massively popular dance, the official capper to Pride Week. Strap on your boogie shoes and prepare to get sweaty.

Pride Weekend’s big official women’s dance features six hours of grooving and mingling under the sun and stars. This year’s spinners are Missy B, Trina and ubiquitous headliner Whitney Day.