The Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival returns to Jackson Heights! As the second-oldest and second-largest Pride celebration in New York City, this massive event officially kicks off the city’s outer-borough Pride Month calendar.
Organized by the LGBT Network, it draws tens of thousands of people to celebrate the visibility, strength, and diverse identity of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Whether you are a local resident navigating street closures or a first-time visitor, here is everything you need to know for this weekend.
34th Queens Pride Parade 2026
Marchers, floats, and community advocates
37th Ave from 89th St to 75th St and 37th Ave
Jackson Heights, Queens
Sunday, June 6, 2026
12-2pm
FREE
34th Queens Pride Multicultural Festival and Concert
Pride street fair
37th Road and 75th St
Jackson Heights, Queens
Sunday, June 6, 2026
2-6pm
FREE with merchant booths
Queens Pride Parade Route
The celebration is split into two high-energy phases across Sunday afternoon:
The Parade (12-2pm)
Marchers, vibrant floats, and community advocates launch from 37th Avenue and 89th Street at noon. The procession flows down 37th Avenue, tracking west until concluding at 75th Street.
The Multicultural Festival & Concert (2-6pm)
Immediately following the parade, the intersection of 37th Road and 75th Street transforms into a bustling street fair. Attendees can browse roughly 150 unique local merchant booths, food stalls, and community resource stands alongside a main stage hosting live music and drag performances.
Last-Minute Transit & Street Closures
Driving to Jackson Heights this weekend will be incredibly difficult. Expect major traffic delays and zero parking near 37th Avenue.
Recommended Subway Lines
Take the 7, E, F, M, or R trains to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave / 74th St Station. From there, walk just one block north to hit the main festival grounds and the parade termination point.
Major Street Closures
The NYPD will close off the following areas to vehicular traffic starting Sunday morning:
Multicultural Festival Lineup
The History: Born Out of Activism
Unlike other commercialized celebrations, the roots of Queens Pride remain firmly tied to grassroots human rights activism. In the early 1990s, the Queens LGBTQ+ community was substantial but largely invisible. Two major catalysts changed the neighborhood forever.
The Murder of Julio Rivera: In July 1990, a young gay Puerto Rican bartender was brutally murdered in a targeted hate crime inside a Jackson Heights schoolyard. The tragedy ignited fierce public demonstrations demanding police accountability and community safety.
The “Children of the Rainbow” Controversy: In 1992, local school boards heavily rejected an inclusive multicultural curriculum designed to teach public students tolerance toward diverse family dynamics, including same-sex couples.
In direct defiance, activist and teacher Daniel Dromm alongside Maritza Martinez founded the first Queens Pride Parade on June 6, 1993. Over 10,000 people marched to demand visibility and protection. Activists frequently note that these local events served as the historical “Stonewall Rebellion” for the outer boroughs of New York City.
Quick Tips for Attendees
Arrive Early: Sidewalk space along 37th Avenue fills up quickly. Arrive by 11:30 AM to secure a prime viewing spot.
Bring Cash: While major vendors accept digital payments, carrying cash makes buying from independent food trucks and street vendors much faster.
Pack Essentials: The forecast calls for outdoor crowds all afternoon. Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and your best Pride gear!