The biggest gay Pride events in the USA - ranked

America hosts some of the world’s largest and most exciting Pride parades and events. Bigger isn’t always better (no sniggering at the back), but there is something appealing about an epic Pride party. In this list, we'll also reveal the largest LGBTQ+ event ever held.

We’re going to move on swiftly so we don’t have to riff on the word “big” anymore. Here’s a look at the top five can’t-miss Pride celebrations nationwide.

1) New York City Pride

New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, with its annual Pride March commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots. The NYC Pride March is one of the oldest and largest in the world, drawing millions of participants and spectators. The event features a week-long series of activities culminating in the parade through the heart of Manhattan. New York hosted WorldPride in 2019 attracting over four million people, making it the largest LGBTQ+ event ever held.

2) San Francisco Pride

Known for its historic roots in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, San Francisco Pride is a huge event each June, attended by hundreds of thousands. The parade runs along Market Street, from Embarcadero to Civic Center, where a massive celebration with multiple stages for live performances, speeches, and community engagement takes place. San Francisco was the home of the Gay Renaissance in the 1970s, as viewers of the film Milk will know.

3) Chicago Pride Parade

Chicago's Pride Parade is held on the last Sunday of June, concluding a month of pride festivities across the city. It attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees who line the streets of the Uptown and Lakeview neighborhoods. The parade is known for its lively atmosphere, with vibrant floats, marching bands, and dance troupes. Chicago has one of the best gay scenes in America so it’s a must-visit destination during Pride season.

4) Los Angeles Pride

Los Angeles hosts LA Pride, which brings together an eclectic mix of fun and activism. It features a week of events including a night parade, concerts, and the famous festival in West Hollywood Park. The Dyke March and the LGBTQ+ night at the Dodger Stadium are LA Pride highlights.

5) Houston Pride

Houston Pride showcases the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in the heart of Texas. The festival and parade, which draw large crowds, highlight the Southern city’s vibrant gay community. The event features a parade in downtown Houston and a festival with live music, drag shows, and vendor booths. It’s a Pride party as big as Texas.

Other notable Pride events

There are so many world-class Pride events in the US; too many to list in one article. Another notable Pride US Pride event we had to mention is Washington Pride (better known as Capital Pride for obvious reasons): it features an ever-popular block party in the streets. The last major Pride event of the year is Palm Springs Pride. Palm Springs is sunny all year round so they can celebrate Pride as late as November. It makes for a great getaway if you're looking for winter sun and Pride in one trip.