Event Dates
From: Saturday, September 6, 2025
To: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Bushwig New York 2025
Bushwig is one of the biggest gay drag festivals to take place on the East Coast of the US and is held each year.
Bushwig New York 2025
Bushwig is one of the biggest gay drag festivals to take place on the East Coast of the US and is held each year in early September and attracts over 4,000 visitors.
- Are you visiting Brooklyn? Stay at the Boutique Wythe Hotel, designed to the last detail and run to anticipate your every need and host to some of the biggest gay pop-up and circuit parties.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Saturday 6th September 2025 & Sunday 7th September 2025.
- The original Brooklyn Festival of Drag, Music Love, and Unity, otherwise know as “Bushwig” is back at The Knockdown Center in NYC.
- The event brings together a gathering of hundreds of drag stars for a full day and night to remember.
- Dance, be free, get high, make love and rejoice in togetherness with our big beautiful queer family. Everyone is welcome. Visitors to Brooklyn or Queens can expect drag queens everywhere, in glittering beards and sidewalk-engulfing hyper-couture dresses, stomping through the city on stilts and in 10″ platform shoes and all manner of chunky heels!
- Bushwig showcases drag on the fringes, with performers who push the boundaries of what a queen can look like or do on stage. It serves as a messier, more avant-garde, and frequently more thrilling antidote to RuPaul’s polished world.
- Brooklyn artists Trust and Horrorchata founded their drag festival in 2012 as a smaller scale Wigstock celebrating local talent. Since its debut, the festival has expanded internationally, becoming an annual staple for the drag community.
The Program
The festival features daylong drag performances and DJ sets. It’s been known to highlight rising city queens. Bushwig is serving up two full days of:
- Non-Stop Drag!Live Music, DJs and Dancing, spread across 3 different stages and a dance zone.
- More than 150 performers – 2025 lineup to be confirmed.
- Enjoy Shopping, food and drinks, Icons, legends, looks, stunts and shows.
- Check out the top 10 hotels to stay during Bushwig.
- Brooklyn is large, and the gay bars are spread across multiple neighbourhoods. Start your night in Park Slope and then hit the busier bars in Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy later in the evening. The gay clubs are concentrated in Williamsburg.
The Venue
- The event takes place at The Knockdown Center, at 52-19 Flushing Ave., in Maspeth, Saturday (1 p.m. to 3 a.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m. to midnight).
- The Knockdown Center is an art and performance space dedicated to cross-disciplinary projects and collaborations. This century-old building is famous for innovative and experimental programming in visual arts, performance, music and more.
- Stay at the Henry Normal Hotel, just 2 miles from the venue and with a superb rating.
Recommended New York Hotels
The following Midtown hotels are close to the city’s top attractions. The easiest way to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan is to line 5 subway and takes 39 minutes.
The New York EDITION Arlo NoMad Hotel Cassa Hotel citizenM Hotel
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Where we stay!
The Marlton hotel is in the heart of
Greenwich Village in the gay district.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Bushwig New York visit the Website
Gay Map of New York
Most of the gay bars are located in the Christopher Street and Time square areas; we have found hotels closes to the gay bars in each area that have the best revues with our hotel partner Booking.com
11 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
Arlo NoMad is 644 m from Madison Square Park, 322 m from the Empire State Building and 805 m from Herald Square. The access to the Subway Train 6, on 33rd Street and Park Avenue, is 322 m from the property.
Each room at the hotel is sized at 150 square feet and is fitted with a refrigerator, flat-screen cable TV, work desk and complimentary WiFi.
5 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
Located in the iconic landmark Metropolitan Life Clock Tower 22 m from Madison Square Park, The New York EDITION offers a Michelin star restaurant and free WiFi access.
Featuring oversized windows and sweeping city views, every room includes photography by Melvin Sokolsky. Rooms offer a 48” flat-screen TV and each room has a private bathroom with custom Le Labo bath amenities.
52 W 13th StNew York, NY 10011
Nestled in Manhattan’s , this hotel is 805 m from New York University and Washington Square Park. Breakfast is served at the property for an additional charge as well.
Boasting elegant 1920s-inspired décor, guest rooms at Walker Hotel Greenwich Village feature leather chairs and cable TVs. Guests are pampered with bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
103 Waverly PlaceNew York, NY 10011
Located 32 m from Washington Square Park and 141 m from the subway station, this Greenwich Village hotel features a spa and a restaurant. Complimentary WiFi is available.
Washington Square Hotel provides in-room safety deposit boxes, desks, flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. The bathrooms include bathrobes and hairdryers.
300 West 44th StreetNew York, NY 10036
InterContinental is spread across 36 stories and offers accommodation with floor-to-ceiling windows offering of the Manhattan skyline, and .
Each room includes flat-screen TV, work station, spa-inspired bathroom with walk-in rain shower, coffeemaker, minibar and hairdryer.
218 West 50th StreetNew York, NY 10019
Located right in the of , this hotel is just 1 minute's walk from and within 5 minutes' walk of and Columbus Circle. and the are within 15 minutes' walk.
A flat-screen and a small refrigerator with free water are offered in 's rooms, which feature a centralized digital system that , music and electronics. Bathrooms include Hansgrohe rain showers and oversized bathroom . Wi-Fi of charge.
232 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A dishwasher, microwave and fridge
315 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001
Furnished Quarters at The Olivia features accommodation 200 m from Madison Square Garden. Complimentary WiFi is provided. All air-conditioned units include a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare meals.
42 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019
AKA Central Park offers studio, 1-2 bedroom, and penthouse suites with living areas and fully-equipped kitchens. Amenities and services include a lounge, meeting space, and complimentary WiFi. A minute’s walk away from 5th Avenue
605 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
All units include a flat-screen TV with cable channels. There is also a dining area and a kitchen fitted with a dishwasher and oven. There is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hair dryer in each unit. Towels are offered.
61 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
- A historic gay bar, piano bar, and cabaret theater established in 1951
- Featuring a piano bar with singing bartenders and an upstairs cabaret theater hosting various performances.
275 West 22nd Street New York, NY 10011
- Opened in 1995, this gay bar is known for its nightly drag shows and intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
- It has been a popular spot for celebrities and hosts the long-running "Star Search" show.
505 East 6th Street, New York, New York 10009
- Co-owned by actor Alan Cumming, this East Village gay bar and nightclub hosts cabaret events
- Broadway-style shows, dance parties, and drag performances, attracting a diverse and eclectic crowd.
59 Grove Street New York, NY 10014
- A historic piano bar and gay bar known for its boisterous sing-along culture, particularly popular among Broadway enthusiasts.
- The bar occupies the former residence of Thomas Paine.
554 West 28th Street New York, NY 10001
- A palatial two-story leather bar located near the West Side Highway
- Known for its classic leather bar vibe and hosting the annual Mr. Eagle competition.
363 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- A cash-only, dive Irish and lesbian bar in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood
- Featuring an outdoor patio, pool table, and hosting events like queer craft markets and drag king shows.
53 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
- The site of the 1969 Stonewall riots
- This historic gay bar is known as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and continues to serve as a symbol of pride and activism.
159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States
- One of the oldest gay bars in New York City
- Known for its historic significance in LGBTQ+ history and its laid-back atmosphere.
80 Grove St, New York, NY 10014, United States
- A long-standing gay bar featuring a piano bar, dance floor, and drag performances
- Attracting a diverse crowd with its lively entertainment.
8 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
- A popular gay bar known for its nightly drag shows, karaoke, and themed events
- Offering a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
369 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
- A vibrant gay bar and lounge offering multiple floors with DJs, dancing, and a rooftop patio
- Known for its energetic nightlife scene.
559 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
- A dive bar in Williamsburg featuring a multi-level lounge, pool table, dancefloor, and backyard patio.
- Hosts weekly events like "Queeraoke" on Tuesdays and trivia on Wednesdays.
- Known for its Sunday barbecues from Memorial Day to the end of September.
2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- A creative collective and nightclub in Bushwick known for its eclectic events, circus performances, and inclusive atmosphere.
260 Meserole Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206
- Located in East Williamsburg, this venue is considered the city's largest LGBTQ+ owned bar
- Offering a spacious area for parties and community events.
63 Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11206
- A popular gay bar in Williamsburg featuring a dance floor, outdoor patio, and regular events including drag shows and DJ nights.
462 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11211
- A laid-back gay bar in Williamsburg with a spacious backyard
- Known for its relaxed atmosphere and affordable drinks.
1260 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11221
- An astrology-themed queer bar in Bushwick known for its unique cocktails, dance floor, and inclusive events.
1271 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, New York 11221
- A techno-focused nightclub in Bushwick, providing an inclusive space for music and dance, maintaining ties to Bushwick's DIY roots.
852 Wyckoff Avenue, Ridgewood, New York 11237
- A roller-skating venue in Bushwick that combines hipster culture with tiki drinks, offering a unique nightlife experience
322 East 14th Street New York, NY 10003
- A cozy gay bar in the East Village
- Known for its friendly crowd, themed nights, and relaxed atmosphere.
447 East 14th Street New York, NY 10009
- A classic East Village gay bar offering a jukebox, pool table, and regular events like karaoke and drag shows
- Attracting a diverse clientele.
37 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011
- Gay bar that has two levels, several pool tables, brick oven pizza
- Beer on tap, many plasma screens and an outdoor patio
735 9th Avenue, New York, New York 10019
- A gay sports bar with locations in Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen
- Featuring multiple TVs showing sports, brick-oven pizza, and bartenders in boxer shorts.
783 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
- Hell's Kitchen's Newest LGBTQ+ Cocktail Bar, It’s a “one-stop shop” literary-themed multiplex The Dickens now open for dinner and drinks and dancing over 4 floors.
- The venue boasts six different spaces to grab a cocktail, including a first floor cocktail bar and restaurant; low-key hangout
- The Genie’s Lounge; moody, stylish party venue at the whiskey-themed Dark Room; dance floor Discoteca; and a top-notch rooftop at the Margarita Market.
139 East 45th Street New York, NY 10017
- Uncle Charlie’s is an all-inclusive gay piano bar & lounge located in Midtown East, New York City.
- THE MAIN BAR A welcoming area with plenty of comfortable bar seating, plus several banquettes with table service on selected nights.
- THE PIANO LOUNGE A separate room where our stars shine.
- OUTDOOR PATIO A true rarity for New York! An outdoor patio for smokers, or a place to relax with a quiet conversation under the stars!
114 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
- The First All Male Bar To Open After The 1969 Stone Wall Riots.
- With slightly rickety wood tables and chairs, TV's tuned to normal shows and Major Sport Events rather than music videos, and a big bulletin board covered with ads and local event flyers.
- Don't expect any sort of dress-up from the patrons, either: T-shirts, non-designer jeans, and lots of baseball caps predominate with our Eclectic,30-and-up, Bear, Cub, Otter & Hipster Crowd who often sport beards.
- Friendly to a fault, Old school Cruising and actual Conversations, No Attitude Atmosphere
405 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States
- Gay cruising bar can be lots of fun
236 East 58th Street New York, NY 10022
- Welcome to The Townhouse of New York, a premier gay gentleman’s piano bar.
- Dress smart if you want to get in (Jacket and Tie) Fun Gay bar worth a visit
2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027, United States
- Gay bar with a dark, intimate vibe offering pizza & wings, plus beer & signature cocktails.
100A 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States
- Buzzing gay bar offering beer, cocktails, drag shows, happy-hour drink specials & dancing.
185 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, United States
- Rockbar hosts events ranging from their popular Sunday Beer Blast, to a monthly Naked party
- There’s something going on every night of the week at this bear-focused, but very inclusive spot.
714 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
- A gay bar Serving you craft cocktails, elevated bar snacks, & unique entertainment in Hell's Kitchen
992 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, United States
- A small, friendly gay lounge with a neighborhood vibe & weekly events like drag-queen karaoke.
382 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003, United States
- Unapologetically sexy. An LBGTQ+ Phenomenon. A cult following. Over its 44-year history, The Saint At Large has retained its reputation for cutting-edge innovation and staging.
- Its biggest event, THE BLACK PARTY, held every Spring in New York City, is considered the father of all large circuit events
697 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Cool gay bar hosting some of the best drag performances and performers in the city
753 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
- A gay bar with Retro athletic club decor, hot men and good music
793 9th Avenue, between, 52nd W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
- Wild West-themed, cash-only gay bar with cowboy decor
- Country-&-western music & dancing barmen
859 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
- Rise is one of hell's kitchen's favorite gay bar, Daily Happy Hour Specials
- Offering Nightly Entertainment.
- Come out for some fun and keep it going with our DJs, Drag shows, Karaoke and more
225 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
- Energetic gay bar offering DJs, drag shows & more in an industrial-chic atmosphere.
1742 2nd Ave store, New York, NY 10128, United States
- Local gay bar offering a range of cocktails, happy hour specials & live entertainment
355 West 52nd Street New York, NY 10019
- Open Everyday.
- Four- time winner "New York's Best Gay Men's Bar"
- Offering Drag shows and events
167 8th Avenue New York, NY 10011
- GYM SPORTS BAR NYC's PREMIER Gay Sports Bar Established 2005
- Multiple sports on TV’s scattered around the bar
343 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
Don't Tell Mama is a veritable nightlife mall with four individual spaces: a piano bar, a restaurant and 2 separate cabaret showrooms.
Don’t Tell Mama – The story
DTM started as a Piano Bar Cabaret. Established in 1982, Don’t Tell Mama Piano Bar and Cabaret is world famous as a New York Entertainment Landmark.The origin of the name Don’t Tell Mama is the title of a song by John Kander & Fred Ebb from the 1966 Broadway Musical “Cabaret”.
281 West 12th Street New York, NY 10014
- Definitely a neighborhood gay spot where people love it.
- Non expensive drinks it's a chill spot where great conversations happen
86 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
- Atmosphere is friendly. The bartenders are great! The drinks were really good...no skimping on the alcohol.
- All in all a fun gay bar, the bar is cash only
656 9th Avenue New York, NY 10036
- Hell's Kitchen's longest running neighborhood gay bar, now celebrating 30 years of unpretentious fun!
Recommended Hotels in New York By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in New York that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The New York EDITION
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Iconic Metropolitan Life Clock Tower
- Close to the gay district
- Oversized windows, city views
- Located in iconic clock tower, offers Michelin star restaurant, free WiFi, rooms with city views and photography.
CitizenM 4 Star
Times Square
- 4 Star – Heart of Manhattan, Near Times Square
- Close to the gay district
- Flat-screen TV, free water
- Right in Manhattan’s heart, minutes from Times Square, Central Park, and major attractions, modern amenities in rooms.
Arlo NoMad
4 Star, Luxury
- 4 Star – Close to Madison Square Park
- Close to the gay district
- Refrigerator, flat-screen cable TV
- Near Madison Square Park and Empire State Building, offers compact, efficiently designed rooms with essential amenities.
InterContinental
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star – Views of Manhattan Skyline
- Close to the gay district
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-inspired bathroom
- Across 36 stories, offers rooms with Manhattan skyline views, Broadway Theater District proximity, and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Video Of previous Bushwig events
Nymphia Wind at Bushwig 2023
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in New York
New York City is incredibly diverse, and LGBTQ+ communities can be found throughout the city. These neighborhoods, however, are particularly renowned for their vibrant gay scenes and welcoming atmospheres. Enjoy exploring the Big Apple
Hells Kitchen | Midtown Manhattan
Photo: Hell’s Kitchen is home to some of New York’s most popular gay bars.
- Situated in Midtown Manhattan, Hell’s Kitchen is a thriving gay neighborhood. It offers a mix of trendy restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
- Many Broadway theaters are located in this area, making it convenient for theater enthusiasts.
- The neighborhood also hosts the annual Drag March and boasts a diverse range of bars and clubs.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Hells Kitchen
Chelsea
Located on the west side of Manhattan home to the popular Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards and host of the annual NYC Pride March.
East Village
With a bohemian atmosphere, offering a mix of trendy bars, clubs, and performance spaces and a younger edgier scene.
Greenwich Village
Birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, offering a unique mix of charming streets, quirky shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Williamsburg
Happening hotspot in Brooklyn and home to some of our top gay parties and events, easily accessible via the subway.
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