New Jersey Gay Pride 2013 - Asbury Park Gay Pride 2013

The scenic Jersey Shore community of Asbury Park, which has rebounded dramatically following damage last year from Hurricane Sandy, continues to develop into an increasingly popular playground and seaside getaway for gays and lesbians living in the metro New York and Philadelphia areas. Asbury Park oceanfront is always the site of Jersey Pride, which is held in early June and is now in its 22nd year. This weekend-long celebration is the de facto Pride event for the entire state of New Jersey, although it draws quite a few revelers from border states like New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania (Asbury Park is about a 90-minute drive south of New York City, and a 90-minute drive east of Philadelphia). In 2013, the Jersey Pride celebration takes place Sunday, June 2.

Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Asbury Park during Gay Pride.

The main New Jersey Pride celebration takes place throughout Sunday, from noon until 7 pm, and features a parade, food, more than 100 vendors, a family zone, an AIDS Memorial quilt, lazing on the nearby beach, and watching plenty of live entertainment - performers last year included Deborah Cox, God-Des & She, and talented comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer, the emcee this year. Jersey Pride takes place at the Boardwalk in the heart of Asbury Park, at Ocean Ave. and 5th Ave.

Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride. Check local gay publications, such as OutInJersey website, for details. A good source of local tourism information is the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce.