Brooklyn knows how to celebrate Pride with heart, soul, and style and in Williamsburg, it all comes together. Whether you’re marching in the Brooklyn Pride Parade, heading to the high-energy LadyLand Festival, or simply soaking up the local queer art and nightlife, June is the perfect time to visit.
In 2025, The Penny is proud to be a preferred hotel partner for LadyLand Festival, hosted in collaboration with DONYC and GAYDONYC, and we’re opening our doors to festival-goers and allies alike. This guide will take you through what to expect, how to celebrate Pride Month, and where to find the best events, performances, and community moments in and around Williamsburg and beyond.
Brooklyn Pride Parade
The Brooklyn Pride Parade is one of the borough’s most joyful traditions, held annually in Park Slope on the second Saturday of June. As the only twilight Pride parade in New York City, it kicks off at sunset with dazzling floats, vibrant costumes, and community groups marching along Fifth Avenue. It’s family-friendly, free to attend, and ideal for visitors looking to celebrate in a grassroots, neighborhood atmosphere. Arrive early to explore local shops and grab a bite before the parade begins. Easily accessible by subway from The Penny, it’s an essential stop on your Pride itinerary.
Brooklyn Pride Festival in Park Slope
Held the same day as the parade, the Brooklyn Pride Festival takes over Fifth Avenue with live performances, food trucks, nonprofit booths, and LGBTQ+ vendors. The day begins with the Pride 5K in Prospect Park and flows into a full afternoon of celebration. Whether you’re shopping queer-owned goods or watching drag performances on the community stage, the festival is welcoming, energizing, and rooted in local pride. It’s a great daytime complement to the parade and a reminder of what community celebration is all about.
LadyLand Festival (June 27–28, 2025)
LadyLand Festival returns to Brooklyn on June 27–28, 2025, bringing music, fashion, and freedom together for two unforgettable nights. Held at Under the K Bridge Park, this outdoor queer music festival showcases boundary-breaking artists, DJs, and performers from around the globe. With past headliners like Honey Dijon and Arca, it’s more than a party, it’s a cultural moment.
The Penny is honored to be a preferred hotel partner for this year’s event. Festival-goers can rest easy (and stylishly) with us just a short ride away. Book early to stay in the heart of Williamsburg with all the comforts you’ll need after a night of dancing.
GAYDONYC Pop-Ups and Pride After-Parties
Brooklyn’s nightlife comes alive during Pride, and GAYDONYC knows how to throw a party. Throughout June, they host a curated mix of pop-up events, after-parties, and underground happenings across Williamsburg and Bushwick. Expect rooftop raves, drag brunches, and surprise performances in intimate venues and art spaces. Many events offer donation-based entry, with proceeds going to local LGBTQ+ causes. Be sure to check GAYDONYC’s socials for the latest lineup and don’t forget to recharge at The Penny between parties.
Queer Art and Performance Venues in Williamsburg
Pride in Brooklyn isn’t just parades and parties, it’s also about platforming queer creativity year-round. Williamsburg is home to several performance spaces and galleries that spotlight LGBTQ+ artists. Venues like 3 Dollar Bill, National Sawdust, and The Brick Theater regularly host drag shows, experimental theater, and multimedia art. And at The Penny, you’ll find works from LAND Gallery artists, part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive representation. Add a show or gallery stop to your itinerary for a deeper connection to queer culture in Brooklyn.
Pride Brunch with a View at elNico
There’s no better way to toast Pride in Williamsburg than with a celebratory brunch at elNico. Perched on the 11th floor of The Penny, this rooftop bar and restaurant offers sweeping skyline views and a vibrant atmosphere filled with colorful art, lush greenery, and playful energy.
elNico’s brunch menu blends bold Mexican flavors with global flair, think inventive dishes that honor tradition while pushing boundaries. The drinks menu is equally dynamic, with agave-forward cocktails crafted by world-renowned mixologist Leo Robitschek and bar director Cristhian Rodriguez. Get in touch or book your table online today to secure your spot!
Whether you’re fueling up before the Brooklyn Pride Parade or winding down from a night at LadyLand Festival, elNico’s brunch is a feast for all senses—and a perfect place to gather, celebrate, and rise above the everyday.
Why We Celebrate Pride Month: A Brief History
Pride Month honors the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for equality, visibility, and the right to love freely. It commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, when patrons of a Greenwich Village gay bar resisted a police raid, sparking a movement that changed history. Pride today is both a celebration and a call to action recognizing how far we’ve come while uplifting those still fighting for equality. By participating in Pride events, supporting queer artists, and educating ourselves, we honor the legacy of activists past and build a more inclusive future.
How to Celebrate Pride Month Mindfully
Celebrating Pride means showing up with purpose. Support LGBTQ+ businesses, donate to local nonprofits, attend educational panels, and amplify queer voices on social media. Respect personal space and event guidelines, especially in spaces centered on marginalized communities. If you’re visiting, be an ally by learning about the culture, history, and struggles that shaped the month. The Penny believes Pride should be joyful, inclusive, and intentional and we invite our guests to engage with that spirit during every stay.
LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses to Support in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is home to a vibrant network of LGBTQ+-owned shops, bars, and brands. Grab a coffee at Clementine Bakery, browse records at Human Head, or shop handmade goods at Big Night. For nightlife, try Mood Ring in Bushwick or The Rosemont, both known for their safe and expressive environments. Supporting these businesses not only enriches your trip, it directly uplifts the queer community. Ask our team at The Penny for the latest local recommendations—we’re happy to point you toward places we love.
Williamsburg Pride Vibes: Rooftops, Music & Culture
Looking for Pride celebrations without the crowds? Stay local. Williamsburg’s rooftops offer chill vibes and skyline views, perfect for smaller gatherings. Check out Westlight or El Nico for elevated cocktails and DJ sets, or explore Littlefield for intimate performances and themed nights. Pride in Williamsburg is relaxed, creative, and deeply rooted in community, making it one of the best ways to experience Pride in Brooklyn.
Why Brooklyn Is a Perfect Destination for Pride Travelers
Brooklyn offers an unmatched blend of energy, inclusivity, and culture during Pride Month. From grassroots events in Park Slope to avant-garde festivals like LadyLand, it delivers a full spectrum of experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. The borough’s mix of artistic expression, political activism, and nightlife creates space for both celebration and reflection. Williamsburg, in particular, stands out for its creative spirit, walkability, and welcoming venues.
Whether you’re flying in for the weekend or planning a longer stay, Brooklyn gives you the freedom to celebrate Pride your way. And with its inclusive ethos and artsy soul, The Penny is the perfect base for your adventure.
Stay at The Penny: A Proud Partner for LadyLand Festival 2025
This Pride Month, The Penny isn’t just a hotel, it’s your gateway to Brooklyn’s most exciting and inclusive celebrations. As a preferred lodging partner for LadyLand Festival 2025, we’re thrilled to welcome guests who value creativity, comfort, and community.
Our thoughtfully designed rooms include kitchenettes, complimentary Wi-Fi, unlimited filtered water, and those signature Dusen Dusen robes everyone raves about. The Penny also features a rotating art collection curated in partnership with LAND Gallery, highlighting the work of emerging and underrepresented New York artists. It’s a stay that reflects the creative, inclusive spirit of Williamsburg, where every detail is rooted in thoughtfulness and local connection.
Whether you’re heading to a rooftop after-party or catching your breath between Pride events, offers everything you need to feel at home in Williamsburg. Book early to secure your spot during Brooklyn’s biggest weekend of the year.
