Tomik’s World Pride Party Guide 2019
Arriving at Pride Island 2017
Everyone who has discussed World Pride with me knows that I have been over it for 11 months. That’s because for 11 months I have been getting text messages and FB invites to parties that seemed a lifetime away, but are now all very quickly approaching. I just couldn’t wrap my head around party planning that far in advance! To be honest, I really thought that my Pride weekend would incorporate some cultural shit, maybe one good circuit or rooftop party, the parade, and that would be that. Who was I kidding?! Myself apparently. Things really changed for me last month when my out-of-town besties decided that they would be flying in to partake in the gaggle of festivities. & what kind of host would I be if I just let them go off into this sprawling metropolis all helpless and alone?
Their impending arrival came with questions. What should we do? Where should we go? What’s even happening? So I did what any sensible person would do when bombarded with these type of questions and I opened up my Facebook event invites and scrolled…. and scrolled… and scrolled. Then I did a search on my text messages for “Pride”, and because somehow I’ve ended up on every promoters text message list, I scrolled… and scrolled, and finally threw my hands up like…
Then something happened that inspired me to get it together. My friend David x Daisy (pronounced David by Daisy), an NYC gay nightlife staple and personality, posted his own Pride Guide that essentially said to stop worrying about wtf everyone else is doing, pick a party, and go! & as simple as it sounds, that is exactly what I needed to hear.
Click here to see what Daisy has to say about Pride cultural activities, how to choose parties that give back to the community, and much more!
Unsurprisingly to many, the Type A personality in me jumped out! Because how can I pick a party if I don’t know all of my options?! So I did a thing. I made a list of every party that I could find between Thursday, June 27th, and Monday (yes Monday), July 1st. Not only that, they are listed by the day, I’ve indicated which parties are circuit parties, organized them by borough, listed locations, ticket prices, which parties are sold out already (bc you might be able to find ppl reselling their tickets on the events FB page), which will still sell tickets at the door, a link to each parties website, and whether you can buy the party as part of a package. I saw no point in keeping this wealth of knowledge for myself, so GAG, I’m sharing it with all of you! FYI, it’s on a Google Sheet. If that’s not good enough for you I don’t know what to tell you.
>>> TOMIK 2.0’s WORLD PRIDE PARTY GUIDE 2019 <<<
>>> TOMIK 2.0’s WORLD PRIDE PARTY GUIDE 2019 <<<
>>> TOMIK 2.0’s WORLD PRIDE PARTY GUIDE 2019 <<<
There are 50+ parties to choose from, and now that I have the lay of the land, I’ve for the most part narrowed my options down. Next I’m just discussing them with the tribal council before we starting voting some of them off the island.
Some things to keep in mind:
BUDGET - Most of these parties ain’t cheap! If you’re the type of person that wants to be out every single night, look at the parties that are sold as wknd bundles (solidaritypride.com, oneworldpride.com, pridefestival2019.com). There is even a bundle that includes 3 nights of after parties (prideafters.com). Also be aware that some events bundle the main party with the afterparty for those of you who just want one good night to use up the rest of your serotonin. So do your research! I’ve already done most of it for you. Just look in the column marked notes.
LOW PRICE ≠ BORING - Just bc a party is not $100+ does not mean it won’t be all the way fucking live! Au contraire! Some of the least expensive parties will absolutely be amazing. Trade: Gaywatch, the legendary party from Toronto, is $20 at the door and has an amazing lineup of DJ’s, hosts, and performers. Also, Wrecked & Carry Nation are throwing a 15 hour party for $50 that might actually cause seismic activity.
FREE PARTIES - Keep in mind, that although this is a list of the big parties, all of your same gay bars that have been servicing their communities 7 days a week, 12 months a year will still be open. This is like Black Friday for them. Bar hopping around West Village, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen is easy because they are so concentrated with gay bars. Just be prepared to wait in a very long line. Last year, I went to Atlas Social Club and got my whole entire life. It was one of the best nights I’ve ever had in Hell’s Kitchen and it was FREE!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! - As if you won’t already be spending enough money through the weekend on food, drinks, and tickets. Think about how much you want to spend on transportation. I live in Brooklyn and before I go out, I tell myself, “I’m going to take the train home.” No problem, right? Meanwhile, after the party is over, I’m opening my Lyft app, quick, fast, and in a hurry. & if I’m in anywhere on the westside, that ride is going to cost $50, at least. So if transportation budget is a concern, pick a party near you. If you live or are staying in Brooklyn, party there! Outside of Pride weekend, the gay nightlife scene in NYC has largely moved to Brooklyn. & during Pride wknd that is being reflected in where some of the biggest parties are being held.
ALCOHOL - This is especially important if you are coming from out of town. Always, always, always ask how much your drink is before you order it. Periodt! This is NYC, where the rent is too damn high, and some of these bars will stick you for it. The higher the floor you’re on, the higher that tab is going to be. Have fun at all of them rooftop hotel parties boo, but don’t get got!
HYDRATE SIS! - I make it a point to drink a full cup of water between EVERY alcoholic beverage during Pride wknd. No exceptions! During Pride people usually start drinking early, like everyday, knowing good and well that they plan to be out all day & night. You gotta pace yourself. People look at me like I’m crazy when they see me with water, and do you know what I do? Let them hoes look! I love to have fun, but being messy is never cute. If you can get a nap in, gon head and do that too. We stan a well rested, properly hydrated queen! Touch this skin hunny!
MEET PEOPLE - This is something Daisy mentions on his blog that I loved. The world is going to be here. Don’t get caught up in the cliques that you’re rolling with. Meet new people. My best friend of 10+ years who is coming to stay with me for Pride is someone that I met on the dance floor. Smile at strangers. Compliment their outfits. Say hello. Have conversations. Exchange information. Let the world open up to you. You never know what some of these lovely new connections can lead to.
& that’s all I got! One thing that I know my list is missing is more lesbian parties, bc obviously I don’t get invited to those. So if you have any leads on those let me know. Hopefully this guide makes people’s decision making a little easier. I will update every Wednesday to let you know which parties have sold out. I’ll also add other parties that I hear about along the way. If this helps you in anyway, please feel free to share it with your friends, and/or drop a Venmo donation to @tomik2point0. I put a lot of time and love into this, and who doesn’t love a little display of appreciation?
