Laser light show at the Club 57 party at Providence

Hotels in this story

Price Dates

The Maritime Hotel

W New York - Union Square

Hilton Garden Inn Times Square

JW Marriott Essex House New York

Soho Grand Hotel

New York City has the most vibrant gay culture on the East Coast, which means spotting same-sex couples holding hands in the West Village during the day is as common as cabs and corner coffee shops. But once the sun goes down, the nightlife is nothing if not extraordinary.

If you’re looking to experience a truly eye-opening adventure — filled with more glitter, sequins, and drag queens than an episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race — you should make it a priority to visit one of New York’s fabled gay soirées (which we’ll tell you all about below).

If you want to party with out gay rapper Cazwell (one of the party’s hosts and DJs, who has performed with Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper), this is the place to be. The Chelsea hotspot’s main attraction is a burlesque show — but don’t except to see any frocks falling on this stage. At Boy Box, it’s all about the boys.

225 West 19th Street; stay nearby at the Maritime Hotel.

One of the newest parties to hit the gay circuit, this party is like an Alice in Wonderland romp with Amanda Lepore as the big-name draw. Held at Carnival and replete with carnie games, you can dunk a drag queen while throwing back beers, and maybe even take home a prize at the end of the night.

110 University Place; stay naerby at the W Union Square.

What better way to kick off the weekend than with a $3 Stoli happy hour and go-go dancers? This mega party features four dance floors separated on three levels so you can party hop without ever leaving the building.

251 W 30th Street; stay nearby at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Both Adam Lambert and Ke$ha have performed at this blowout party. The crowd is a mix of all types who can be found partying on any of the club’s three levels. The only drag queens here are the ones at the door so there’s less pressure to dress up here—after all, most shirts seem to disappear midway through the night anyway.

311 W 57th St; stay nearby at the Jumeirah Essex House.

With a 30-minute open vodka bar at the beginning of the night and the chance to catch a glimpse of Mary Kate Olsen (who’s been seen aprtying in this eco-friendly club), this is one of the best ways to start off your week with a bang… and a hangover. Just make sure you look the part: as social scenster and party promoter advises, “If you want to make it past the door you’ve got to have a strikingly creative look, have a great attitude, and always flash a smile.”

150 Varick Street; stay nearby at the SoHo Grand Hotel.

-Adrien Field of The Field Notes

[Photo credit: AhJotah/Flickr]