Beyond Pride: Top Non-Pride Activities in NYC During WorldPride 2019
WorldPride and Stonewall50 draw countless LGBTQ+ visitors to New York City, but the city's offerings extend far beyond pride-focused events, exhibits, and parties. As one of the world's largest, busiest, and most culturally vibrant destinations, New York never sleeps. Whether you're seeking a peaceful park stroll—with plenty of green spaces—or a glamorous evening out, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time (and budget) here.
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Featuring 3,000 participants adorned in infinite glitter, body paint, bling, mermaid tails, mythical sea creatures, pirates, and more, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade marches through iconic Coney Island streets on June 22. This family-friendly spectacle includes scantily clad merfolk of all genders. Spotlight this year: King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, folk singer Arlo Guthrie and his sister Nora, raised nearby by their father Woody Guthrie.
Participants can register in advance for $15 or $20 on the day—costumes required to join. Spectators enjoy it free, with prizes for top costumes.
Governor’s Island
Photo by Julienne Schaer / NYC & Company
Just 800 yards from Manhattan and closer to Brooklyn, this 172-acre oasis in New York Harbor offers a quick escape. Ferries from either borough cost $3 and take under 10 minutes. Once there, rent bikes or kayaks, tackle the rock-climbing wall, or bring kids to the playground, 75-foot Slide Hill, or mini zip line. Mini golf provides a relaxed vibe, while Hammock Grove is ideal for reading or napping.
Experience festivals like the June 23 Porch Stomp, a folk music event with jams, workshops, and porch concerts at historic Nolan Park. Dine at waterfront spots or Liggett Terrace Food Court; picnics welcome, but alcohol must be bought on-island.
Free Shakespeare in the Park
Photo by Joseph Moran
New York City's premier theater is free in a stunning Central Park setting: Shakespeare in the Park at the 1,800-seat Delacorte Theater. Founded by Joseph Papp to make theater accessible, it features Much Ado About Nothing nightly during Pride month.
Free tickets require planning: line up at Delacorte before 8:00 AM, enter the in-person lottery at The Public Theater's Lafayette Street location, or use the digital lottery on TodayTix. Create a free Public Theater Patron ID on the theater’s website.
Photo by Michael Seto
2019 SummerStage
Signaling summer's arrival, SummerStage delivers 100 free musical and dance performances, from rapper Young M.A. and the Metropolitan Opera to Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. This women-led festival prioritizes diversity with 50/50 gender balance. A few benefit concerts have tickets; check the schedule for details.
Hugh Jackman | Photo courtesy Geisler-Fotopress GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
Hugh Jackman: The Man. The Music. The Show.
A versatile superstar on screen and stage, Hugh Jackman is also a dedicated Broadway ally through fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and roles like The Boy from Oz. Catch his WorldPride weekend tour de force in NYC, blending hits from Les Misérables, The Boy from Oz, and more, with possible guests like Keala Settle. His talent, range, and energy guarantee fans leave converted.
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