For over 20 years Pier 54 in New York City’s Hudson River Park has been the host of New York City Pride’s annual Dance on the Pier and Rapture on the River events. But after an environmental review stated the pier was structurally unstable, the popular parties are moving up the West Side to Pier 57.
The new space, located at 15th Street
and the West Side Highway, is enclosed—allowing producers to start and end the parties later, avoid issues with weather, and enjoy other benefits.
“[It’s] significantly larger, which will allow for easier access to bars, restrooms, and social spaces,” said Chris Frederick, NYC Pride’s managing director. “Considering these two events represent more than half of our annual fundraising efforts, their continued success and appeal has become the organization’s primary focus of the year.”
“But Pier 57 will allow us to take Rapture on the River and Dance on the Pier to the next level and will create the ultimate dance experience attendees have grown accustom to seeing,” said Mo George, director of the Pride dance events.
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Geared toward the lesbian community, Rapture on the River will start at 4pm on June 23 and last until about 10:30-11pm. Dance on the Pier—a men’s event that has hosted surprise performances by the likes of Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez—will begin at 8pm on June 24 and go until 2am the following morning. Tickets are on sale now at the NYC Pride website.
