New Jersey Gay Pride 2009 - Asbury Park Gay Pride 2009

Celebrating Jersey Pride, at the beach in Asbury Park

The scenic Jersey Shore community of Asbury Park 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 18th 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 2009, the Jersey Pride celebration takes place on Sunday, June 7, but celebrations also include a few additional events taking place on Saturday, June 6.

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

Here's a quick preview of what you can expect at New Jersey Gay Pride in Asbury in 2009:

On Saturday, June 6, there are a few Pride events taking place in town. Gay cycling enthusiasts can attend the Ride With Pride at 8 am, an 11-mile bike ride that includes a breakfast.

Additional Pride events on Saturday include the Foreplay Block Party (noon to 6 pm) for friends and members of the "leather, bear, and kink" communities; a Jersey Pride Dance from 8 pm until midnight at Uva Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar in nearby Bradley Beach; and a Gay Pride Sober Dance from 8 until 11 pm at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.

The main New Jersey Pride celebration takes place on Sunday, June 7, from noon until 7 pm and features food, lazing on the nearby beach, and watching plenty of live entertainment - this year's headliners include Evelyn "Champagne" King, The Clicks, and the Kinsey Sicks. 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 the online Gay Asbury Park website and OutInJersey website, for details. A good source of local tourism information is the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce.