At Christopher Street Tours, we celebrate Pride every day. And while June is filled with exciting celebrations and powerful moments of protest, there are countless ways to honor LGBTQ+ history, culture, and community all year long in New York City (and around the world). Whether you’re a local or planning a visit to the Big Apple, here are eight meaningful ways to celebrate and honor Pride all year round in NYC.
- Take an LGBTQ+ Walking Tour with Christopher Street Tours 🏳️🌈
Of course, we have to start here! Our Village Pride walking tour takes you through all the historic and current LGBTQ+ sites of the West Village, where LGBTQ+ history has been made for generations. From the Stonewall Inn to the Gay Liberation Monument, we share the powerful stories of those who paved the way before us and those continuing the fight for equality today. Tours are offered year-round and they’re the perfect way to ground yourself in queer history and learn about our queer ancestors. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or a first-time visitor, we promise you’ll leave feeling inspired and empowered. - Raise a Glass at the Historic Stonewall Inn 🍻
No visit to New York City is complete without stepping inside the legendary Stonewall Inn, known as “the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement.” Home of the 1969 Riots, the Stonewall Inn is a living monument to queer resistance and queer joy. Today, it’s still an active gathering place for the community, hosting drag shows, trivia nights, and queer events all throughout the year. - Visit the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art 🖼️
Located in SoHo, the Leslie-Lohman Museum is the first and only queer art museum in the world. Their exhibitions center queer artists, both established and emerging, and often explore themes of identity, resistance, and belonging. It’s also a cultural center, community space, and they host regular events throughout the year. Be sure to check out their events calendar! - Visit the Bureau of General Services – Queer Division 📚
Located inside Manhattan’s LGBT Center on 13th Street, the Bureau is not just an LGBTQ+ bookstore, but also a community hub. You’ll find shelves filled with queer literature, zines, poetry, art books, and more, as well as readings, workshops, book launches, and panel discussions, making it a welcoming and affirming space for all. Stop by, pick up a book, and continue your educational journey. - Reflect at the NYC AIDS Memorial 🕊️
Located at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and West 12th Street, the NYC AIDS Memorial is a moving tribute to the more than 100,000 New Yorkers lost to HIV/AIDS. The memorial is both solemn and powerful – a place to grieve, honor, and reflect on those who came before us. It’s also a reminder of the activism that rose from the crisis and the communities that cared for one another. Bring a journal, sit quietly, or visit after a walk through the West Village to deepen your connection to this essential chapter of queer history. - Uplift the Ali Forney Center 💖
One of the most impactful ways to honor Pride and LGBTQ+ history is supporting non-profit organizations that continue to do important work throughout the year. By donating, volunteering, or uplifting their mission, you can support and contribute to the Ali Forney Center, a lifesaving organization that provides housing, meals, medical care, and affirming support services to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness in New York City. - Grab a Burger at Julius’ Bar 🍔
It may look like your neighborhood dive, but Julius’ is part of iconic queer history. As NYC’s oldest continuously operating gay bar, it was the site of the 1966 “Sip-In” led by members of the Mattachine Society to protest discrimination against serving gay patrons. Today, it’s a welcoming spot for burgers, beers, and community. Stop in for a bite, learn about its legacy, and experience a space that’s been serving LGBTQ+ folks for generations. - Support Local Drag ✨
Check out weekly drag shows at iconic spots like Pieces, Playhouse, 3 Dollar Bill, Barracuda, and more! There are so many spots with regular drag shows, and New York City has some of the best local drag performances in the world. You can also find drag brunches, open mic nights, and queer cabarets all over the city.
Pride lives on in every step we take, every story we tell, and every act of love and liberation. Whether you’re standing at the foot of the Stonewall Inn, flipping through a queer zine at a bookstore, or showing up for your community in a myriad of other ways, know that you’re part of something historic, ongoing, and powerful.
We can’t wait to see you on tour and beyond!
