Pride is underway, and there’s plenty of action to come. Discover our top picks for Pride festivals throughout the summer months. With stellar spaces in all of these destinations, there’s a Sonder for you — whether you’re in town to march, make new connections, or both.
New York City
Where better to kick off the season than NYC Pride? A commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 — the beginning of the modern Pride movement. With the Manhattan march on June 25, there’s still time to get involved. Stay close to the buzz at Henri on 24, a quick subway ride from the Village. Or see New York from a new perspective at Court Square in Long Island City. There’s plenty of space for your whole crew to explore events and afterparties across the boroughs. Christina Aguilera at Brooklyn Army Terminal, anyone?
Madrid
Blazing, busy, and beaming. Madrid’s gay neighborhood, Chueca, is vibrant all year round, but nothing beats the electric atmosphere of Pride in the last week of June — that’s Orgullo to the locals. And the city’s march is the biggest in Europe, chanting along Paseo del Prado. The comfortable apartments of Malasaña nearby are the perfect spot to take a beat amidst the chaos.
Why not keep the fiesta going in Barcelona? Pride BCN begins just as things wrap up at MADO’23. With the festivities peaking on July 14 and 15, take time to relax at Paseo de Gracia before you do it all again.
London
Pride 2023 is shaping up to be the biggest the UK capital has seen. With 1.5 million expected visitors, this year’s parade on July 1 will be powerful. And even more so with a slogan of community solidarity — “Never March Alone”. The best part of London Pride? The main events are free and open to all. Close to the parade start point at Hyde Park Corner, Chelsea Green is a perfect base for the weekend. Or kick back at The Bard after an unforgettable night in Soho.
Montreal
Festival Fierté Montréal in August is the last Sonder stop in a summer packed with Pride. From community days celebrating the work of local 2SLGBTQIA+ groups to nights in Le Village hosted by Canadian drag royalty — there’s never a dull moment. Embrace it all from the heart of Montreal at Gare St Denis.
If you’re itching to jump into Pride sooner rather than later, check out the Toronto events happening throughout June. The Elm is just a short stroll from the action of Church-Wellesley Village.
Local Pride, local support
Wherever your Pride season takes you, consider giving back to the organizations fuelling the fun and powering the progress in these communities. Explore the donation and volunteering opportunities below.
