Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Flag raising and full schedule of events for Pride Month

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is celebrating Pride month in a variety of ways – from flag raisings to events across the state. This follows the OPRHP mission statement – to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors. OPRHP is committed to welcoming visitors to take part in the valuable natural, historic and cultural resources offered.

Every June, the Pride flag flies over parks and sites as a gesture of hope and reinforcing our message of "All Are Welcome." Additionally, OPRHP offers Pride Month programming, including popular Rainbow Lantern Walks, throughout the month of June. Click here for an updated events list.

"We raise the Pride flag each June as a visible reminder of our unwavering commitment to inclusion and equality," said Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we proudly uphold the message that All Are Welcome in our parks and historic sites throughout the state. Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our promise to treat every visitor and guest with dignity, respect, and belonging."

Below is a list of programs and events scheduled for Pride Month. Registration is required for some events. Call the park directly to register. For contact information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/

Scheduled Pride Events

May 18: Pride in the Sky at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Poughkeepsie

May 30: Pride flag raising at Niagara Falls State Park, Terrapin Point

June 2: Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons raises Pride flag at Shirley Chisholm State Park, New York City

June 5: Pride Outside: Picnic & Guided Hike, Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center, NYC. Cold picnics only, grills not permitted in the park. All ages. 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. An optional 2.5 mile "Rainbow Loop" hike beginning at 6:30 p.m. Registration required.

June 7: Pride Walk: Nature is a Rainbow, Humphrey Nature Center, Letchworth State Park, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

June 8: OPRHP walking in the Albany Capital Pride parade, Washington Park, Albany. 11:30 a.m.

June 13: Pride Month Art: Keith Haring, Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Learn about the life and style of the influential modern painter; learn to paint your own work of art in their style, 6:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Registration required.

June 13: Rainbow Lantern Walk, Sunken Meadow State Park (Governor Alfred E. Smith). One of our popular evening lantern walks with a Pride Month twist! 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Registration required.

June 13: Let's Go Birding Together Walk, Green Lakes State Park. Inclusive and welcoming birding experiences for the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and families. Connecting with nature, birds, and others in a positive way. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

June 14: 4^th Annual Planting Fields Pride, "Love Blooms Here," Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Long Island, 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

June 19: Pride Storytime, Marsha P. Johnson State Park (East River State Park), NYC. In collaboration with Drag Story Hour, come out for a special story time and craft for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. All ages. 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Registration required.

June 20: Rainbow Lantern Walk, Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Join us for one of our popular evening lantern walks with a Pride Month twist! 7:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Registration required.

June 21: "We'll be Free": Molly Houses, Community, & Homosexuality in the 18th c. English Colonial World, Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site. Join us for a talk by Dr. Megan Rhodes Victor of Queens College on Colonial Molly Houses. The talk is free and open to the public. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

June 22: Pride in the Park, Hempstead Lake State Park. Celebrate Pride at the park with a story time and hands-on activity. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Registration required.

June 24: Pride Walk at the Falls, Niagara Falls State Park. Join an educator on a walk to Luna Island on the 14th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act passed in New York State! 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Registration required.

June 25: Civil Service Pride event, New York State Museum, Albany

June 27: Rainbow Lantern Walk, Heckscher State Park. A popular evening lantern walk with a Pride Month twist! 7:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Registration required.

June 28: Pride Bird Walk & History Stroll, Marsha P. Johnson State Park (East River State Park). In collaboration with NYC Queer Birders, spot birds in the park and then learn about LGBTQ+ history in NYC and beyond. For teens and adults. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration required.

June 28: Pride Paddle, Grafton Lakes State Park. A calming paddle around Long Pond to celebrate Pride. This guided tour will include topics about LGBT+ history and our local ecosystem. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Registration required. Limited spots available. Cost is $10/person which includes the kayak rental.

June 28: Fifth Annual Cazenovia Pride Festival, Lorenzo State Historic Site. Celebrate each person's uniqueness and come together to Love Out Loud! Food trucks, vendors, entertainment, and fun for everyone! 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. For more information visit cazpride.org. Event admission is free.

June 28: Rainbow Lantern Walk, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. One of our popular evening lantern walks with a Pride Month twist! 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Registration required.

Visit our Events page for the most up-to-date list.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

Shirley Chisholm 060225b.jpg
Shirley Chisholm 060225.jpg