By Kevin Bailey, Founder of Come Out Central New York

Every June, Central New York transforms into a region-wide celebration of queer joy, resilience, and connection. But this year, Pride hits a little differently. With a theme of Revolutionary Love, Pride 2025 is more than a series of events — it’s a call to action, a declaration of belonging, and a joyful resistance to the forces that seek to silence us.

As the founder of Come Out Central New York, I’ve seen firsthand how this community shows up — not just for a parade, but for each other. Pride in Syracuse isn’t just one day or one party. It’s a month-long movement powered by artists, activists, small businesses, drag royalty, and everyday people who believe in a future where we all thrive.

Whether you're a lifelong Syracusan or visiting for the first time, here are just a few of the events and experiences you won’t want to miss this June:

 

Electric Love: A Pride Month Kickoff Party

Saturday, May 31st | 9 PM – 1 AM
Gilded Club, Armory Square

Light up the start of Pride Month with a neon-themed dance party hosted by Arya Klos and featuring DJ Ben Sobyne. With performances by Ma’amShe and Yuka Liptis, Electric Love invites you to glow, move, and feel the pulse of queer community from night one.

 

Pride Ethos: A Living Exhibit

June 12 & 13 | 7 PM
Everson Museum of Art

Part performance, part immersive art experience, Pride Ethos transforms the Everson into a living exhibit of queer creativity. Featuring drag, burlesque, theatre, and dance, this two-night showcase is co-produced by Come Out CNY, Breadcrumbs Productions, and GoJo Productions.

 

Pride Weekend Kickoff Party

Friday, June 20 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor

Kick off the biggest weekend of Pride in CNY with a party by the water! Featuring live entertainment, dancing, and a crowd full of love and energy, this party is a joyful prelude to Saturday’s parade and festival. Hosted in collaboration with Come Out CNY and local performers, the Aloft Kickoff sets the tone for a weekend of celebration and connection.

 

CNY Pride Parade & Festival

Saturday, June 21 | Parade at 11 AM | Festival at 12 PM
Progress Park, Inner Harbor, Syracuse

The heart of Pride Month in Central New York, this vibrant and family-friendly celebration draws over 20,000 people from across the region. The parade marches through the Inner Harbor, followed by a full afternoon of music, food, vendors, and community connection at Progress Park.

 

Revolutionary Love: Pride Month Closing Party

Saturday, June 28 | 9 PM – 1 AM
Salt City Bar

End Pride Month the way we started it: dancing, glowing, and loving out loud. This 70s-themed dance party brings disco energy and radical joy to the heart of downtown. Hosted by Samantha Vega and Valentino Rose and featuring music by DJ Cassidy, it’s the perfect final act for a month of queer celebration.

 

Pride Across the Region

In addition to these events, don’t miss the DeWitt Pride Festival, Manlius Pride and Cazenovia Pride! These regional events are a reminder that Pride in Central New York is not just centered in the city of Syracuse — it’s rooted in neighborhoods, towns, and villages across the map. 

Why Pride in Central New York Matters

Pride Month in CNY is powered by volunteers, small businesses, performers, and organizers who believe that queer visibility matters — not just in June, but all year long. The events you’ll attend this month aren’t just entertainment — they’re acts of resistance, expressions of love, and invitations to belong.

The theme of Revolutionary Love reminds us that Pride is political and personal. It’s about showing up, speaking out, and celebrating each other boldly. Whether you’re waving a flag for the first time or the fiftieth, there’s a place for you here in Central New York.

 

Explore the Full Calendar

Want more? Check out the full list of Pride Month events across the region at comeoutcentralnewyork.com/pride-2025 — and follow @VisitSyracuse and @comeoutcny on Instagram to stay updated throughout the month.

To celebrate Pride in Syracuse, check out our queer travel page!


 

Love, Syracuse