New York's capital city, although it has just fewer than 100,000 residents, has a vibrant and active gay and lesbian community (this is partly taking into consideration the much larger metro area, of about 860,000). Much of the city's gay scene is focused around historic Lark Street and Washington Park. The city celebrates Pride each year with Capital Pride, which draws more than 10,000 participants and comprises a variety of events and gatherings over nearly two weeks, culminating the Capital Pride Parade and Festival, on the final Sunday of Pride Weekend, which this year is June 7 through June 9, 2013.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Albany during Gay Pride.
Albany's Capital Pride Parade and Festival takes place from noon until 5 pm, Sunday, June 9, in the city's leafy Washington Park. The parade kicks off at State and Sprague streets at noon - here's a map of the route. It also runs partly along lively Lark Street, where several gay-popular bars and restaurants are located.
Other events taking place during the days leading up to the big weekend include a Pride flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, a Pride kick-off barbecue, an LGBTQ Alternative Youth Prom, a Pride T-Dance and Drag Show, a bowling tournament, panels and discussions, a river cruise, and more. Here's a full schedule of events.
Additionally, numerous bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Weekend. Popular spots for nightlife include Lark Street, which has such noted gay clubs as Oh Bar, and there's also a gay bathhouse, River Street Club, a 15-minute drive away in the city of Troy. Check the GayAlbanyOnline.com for more on the area's gay scene. Also take a look at the excellent visitor site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
