Brooklyn Pride Celebrates 30 Years of Twilight Marches on Fifth Avenue

What started as a grassroots effort in 1997 has become a beloved annual tradition in New York City's most populous borough.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a rainbow-colored Pride flag repeated in a tight grid pattern, conveying the vibrant and celebratory nature of the Brooklyn Pride event.The vibrant colors and repeated imagery of Brooklyn Pride's 30th anniversary celebration capture the energy and community spirit of this beloved local tradition.Brooklyn Today

Brooklyn Pride is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026 after first launching its annual twilight parade and festival in 1997. The event, founded by community leaders like Jerry Allred and Sonia Galarza, has grown into a beloved tradition that brings together LGBTQ Brooklynites and allies each June for a lively celebration on Fifth Avenue. While the parade was canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic, the festival continued, showcasing Brooklyn Pride's resilience. Over the years, the celebration has expanded to include a 5K run, a Cyclones Pride Night, and other events, all while maintaining a tight budget and community-driven atmosphere.

Why it matters

Brooklyn Pride's three-decade run as a grassroots LGBTQ celebration in New York City's most populous borough is a testament to the power of community organizing and the importance of local Pride events. As larger Pride organizations have faced financial challenges and backlash, Brooklyn Pride has remained stable and true to its roots, providing a joyful annual tradition for queer Brooklynites and their allies.

The details

Brooklyn Pride was founded in 1997 by a group of Brooklyn residents, including Jerry Allred, Sonia Galarza, and Dale Gates, who were inspired by the success of the Queens Pride Parade and wanted to establish a similar event in their own borough. The first Brooklyn Pride Parade and festival took place on June 14, 1997, starting at Third Street and Fifth Avenue and concluding at Prospect Park. Over the years, the event has become known for its twilight parade, which was not originally by choice but rather a result of scheduling conflicts with the Puerto Rican Day Parade the following day. This twilight aspect has helped shape the parade's identity and contributed to its community-driven atmosphere, with families, friends, and local residents lining the route and spilling out of nearby establishments to celebrate.

  • Brooklyn Pride first launched its parade and festival in 1997 on June 14.
  • The annual Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade has taken place each June since 1997, typically on the second Saturday of the month.
  • In 2021, the parade was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the festival still went on.
  • Brooklyn Pride's 30th anniversary gala will be held on April 18, 2026.
  • The 2026 Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade is scheduled for June 13, with the 5K run/walk and festival also taking place that day.

The players

Jerry Allred

One of the original chairs and founders of Brooklyn Pride.

Sonia Galarza

One of the original chairs and founders of Brooklyn Pride.

Dale Gates

One of the individuals who helped get Brooklyn Pride off the ground in its early years.

Mickey Heller

The current co-chair of Brooklyn Pride and the longest-serving board member or chair of the organization.

Marty Markowitz

The former Brooklyn Borough President who had a parade float in the Brooklyn Pride Parade.

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What they’re saying

“There were a lot of great relationships between people from Queens and Brooklyn. And then, after Queens started, Brooklyn felt it was time to have our own.”

— Mickey Heller, Brooklyn Pride Co-Chair

“People can come up to us and say they appreciate that we don't have barricades. People can come up, the people marching can say hi, and it's such a good, congenial atmosphere that people have an incredible time.”

— Mickey Heller, Brooklyn Pride Co-Chair

“Because of the founders and other people throughout the years, we've been very fortunate to be very frugal. We didn't rely on city dollars, and we didn't rely on huge amounts of money. Everyone is a volunteer, and because of that, we have not really experienced the financial hardship that some of the other Pride organizations have experienced. Sponsors have stayed on, for the most part.”

— Mickey Heller, Brooklyn Pride Co-Chair

What’s next

The 2026 Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade is scheduled for June 13, with the 5K run/walk and festival also taking place that day. The event will be a celebration of 30 years of the beloved annual tradition.

The takeaway

Brooklyn Pride's three-decade run as a community-driven LGBTQ celebration in New York City's most populous borough demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of local Pride events. Despite facing challenges that have impacted larger Pride organizations, Brooklyn Pride has remained financially stable and true to its roots, providing a joyful annual tradition that brings together queer Brooklynites and their allies.