New York epitomises everything that comes to mind when you think of Americans themselves; loud, proud, larger-than-life, dynamic, demanding, challenging, and always entertaining. So what could be more of a cultural feast than pride in New York City?

Pride in NYC has a number of events spread over two wild summer weekends. Kicking things off with a political twist is the rally on 20th June in Bryant Park from 2-6pm. The rally includes speeches, music and entertainment from some of the US’ biggest LGBT supporters and advocates; last year’s stellar line-up included Judy Gold, Senator Tom Duane, Terrance Dean, and Julie Goldman, as well as a rousing chorus or two from the NYC Gay Men’s Choir.

Every pride has a parade, but New York was where it all started, after the raid on the Stonewall Inn in Christopher Street in 1969. So, you could say that NYC’s parade is the original pride march, and with this year marking the 40th anniversary of riots, veterans will be flocking to register on the parade. As you can imagine, there are thousands of floats, marchers and onlookers every year, so arrive to watch the parade early to avoid disappointment. The parade starts at noon on Sunday 28th June, with a minute’s silence at 2pm.

Also on Sunday 28th is Pridefest on Hudson street, the annual LGBT street fair. As well as stalls and tents selling anything and everything gay, there is also a stage where live music and entertainment blares out all day. After hitting the fair you can head to Dance on the Pier in Hudson River Park, an event described by organisers as a “protest set to music”, celebrating the fact that LGBTs can now dance together in public where they once could not. The party on the pier is a definite hotspot, lasting until 10.30pm and rounded off with a fireworks display, and tickets start at $50 per person.

For the girls, there is a separate women’s dance on the pier on Saturday 27th June. Known as Rapture, the dance has become a fixture in the diaries of all the gay girls about town in NYC, and is bound to be just as fun and funky as the following day’s fixed affair.