NY Nightlife: The Scene

girlNATIONnyc, Vintage, Stiletto, Kiss the Sky, Scissor Sundays and much more…

girlNATIONnyc at M Lounge by Megu, Alternating Saturdays
The longest-running girl party in New York is switching up its schedule. The previously weekly event will now take place every other Saturday at M Club by Megu, the sophisticated TriBeCa lounge, giving promoter Hana an opportunity to deliver more exclusive entertainment for your going-out pleasure. To wit: this month Hana welcomes special guest dancer Momo and girlNATIONnyc fave DJ Zuleica on the decks. Step right up and order your free girlNATIONnyc signature shots from resident mixologist Lisa Graziano—she and her crew of multiple bartenders will have a cold one in your hands in no time. Don’t forget to wear your hottest spring outfits—Diana at the door has a discerning eye. If you can’t make it on a Saturday, head over to Stonewall on the first Friday of every month for girlNATIONnyc’s monthly residency.

Vintage at Grove 49, Once a month Sunday
Vintage, the Sunday tea dance for discerning tastes, has proved wildly popular in the few months it has enjoyed a residency at Grove 49. The intimate, low-ceilinged space is tastefully decorated with plush settees, cocktail tables and red lights for a nouveau bordello vibe. Celesbians are drawn to Vintage like moths to a flame, lured by the sexy bartenders and open vodka bar from 4-5pm (included with the cover price, the proceeds of which support SAGE programs). DJ Stacy provides an upbeat soundtrack of classic disco and modern pop tracks. Between 200 and 300 women attend every time, so arrive early. This is one party in New York City where you can show up at 4pm and the place will be packed!

Stiletto Sundays at Maritime Hotel Cabanas, April 28
It’s back! The hotly anticipated sixth season of the super-popular weekly summer party launches April 28 at the swanky Maritime Hotel Cabanas. Maggie C’s brainchild pulls together all the ingredients for the perfect spring or summer Sunday afternoon, starting with a spacious, semi-outdoor lounge with a retractable roof to let the sun shine in. Gorgeous girls in sundresses mingle around beer buckets, cocktails and snacks from the full menu (there’s a barbecue, too, if you want to test your grill skills). Top-shelf DJs like Brynn Taylor spin an energetic mix as darkness descends and the scene gets pumped for the weekend’s last gasp before Monday morning. Mark your calendars for the 5th anniversary bash this summer!

Kiss the Sky Brunch at the AVA LOUNGE, April 27
Nikki Hill and Spice NYC are bringing lesbian nightlife into the daylight with a new concept in weekend socializing. Kiss the Sky brunch launches Saturday, April 27 and will continue monthly thereafter. Much more than your average blue plate special, Kiss the Sky marries an incredible setting—the penthouse and rooftop lounge at the chic Dream Hotel—with a tasty brunch menu and classy cocktails. Start your morning off with a free glass of champagne when you arrive, then choose one the three bistro-style brunch entrees for $15. Additional drink specials take the edge off last night, while DJ Roxy Cottontail keeps the atmosphere hoppin’ (ahem).

Yes Ma’am, May 10, May 22, Jun 7
Bevin Branlandingham (of Rebel Cupcake), Nicky Cutler and DJ Average Jo are looking forward to a busy next two months. Their party, Yes Ma’am, is quickly becoming Brooklyn’s best roving queer caravan, and this April and May sees the party setting up shop at the Mansion. This stunning Beaux Arts building in Bed-Stuy’s Stuyvesant Heights Historical District provides an unusual spot for the monthly party that has a little of everything: giveaways and prizes from the Pleasure Chest, signature boozy punch, a houseboy raffle and an ultra-welcoming attitude for queers of all stripes. On May 22, the the event moves to Stonewall for a special benefit for Trans Womyn Belong Here, a campaign to open the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival to trans women. They return to the Mansion on June 7 for a fundraiser for Brooklyn Pride.

Scissor Sundays at the Rusty Knot, Every Sunday
It’s about time someone linked NYC’s gay scene with a nautical theme. The Rusty Knot, the newest establishment in the Spotted Pig restaurant mini-empire, offers a Sunday tea dance for an attitude-free mixed queer crowd every week. JD Samson (of Le Tigre and MEN fame) hosts the shindig and curates the musical selections. Knock back a few cheap beers, nosh on the bar-food nibbles like tacos al pastor and pretzel dogs, and dance your heart out with your fellow fruits. Wind down your weekend by gazing out the picture windows at a spectacular Hudson River sunset. Or, challenge the sharks to a game of pool if you’re feeling lucky, sailor.


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