New York's Hottest Pride Disco Immersion | Horse Meat Disco

If you’re looking for the must-visit party during Pride in New York City, look no further than the Pride edition of Horse Meat Disco. Held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the iconic Knockdown Center in Queens, this night was nothing short of legendary. From the moment I walked into the vast warehouse space to the moment I stumbled out as the sun rose, I was surrounded by a beautiful mix of people, sounds, and energy that perfectly captured the essence of queer joy and community. The music was next-level — infectious disco grooves, deep house rhythms, and unexpected classics that kept the crowd moving for hours. The atmosphere was electric: the crowd diverse, expressive, and unapologetically themselves. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of losing yourself on a dance floor filled with love and light during Pride week in NYC.

Horse Meat Disco began its life in London in 2004, birthed by James Hillard and Jim Stanton, later joined by Luke Howard and Severino Panzetta. Frustrated by the lack of disco and soulful sounds in gay nightlife, which was then dominated by hard house and commercial beats, they decided to carve out their own space. Rooted in a deep love for classic disco and a desire to create a party that was genuinely inclusive, HMD branded itself as a “queer party for everyone.” Whether you’re a club kid, a bear, a fashionista, a leather queen, a drag performer, or just someone who loves to dance, Horse Meat Disco is a place where you’re not only welcomed, you’re celebrated. From its humble beginnings at The Eagle in London’s Vauxhall neighborhood, HMD quickly gained an international reputation for its eclectic sets, diverse crowd, and community-first ethos.

Over the years, the party has grown into a global phenomenon, with regular stops in cities like Berlin, Lisbon, and of course, New York City. But even as it has expanded, HMD has remained deeply rooted in its mission: to foster joy, connection, and liberation on the dance floor. The music isn’t just background noise — it’s the soul of the experience, curated with intention and passion by DJs who live and breathe disco and house.

In New York, Horse Meat Disco has found its perfect home at the Knockdown Center in Maspeth, Queens. Originally a glass factory built in 1903, the venue has evolved into one of NYC’s premier warehouse-style party spaces, known for hosting immersive art and music events. Its industrial architecture, soaring ceilings, and sprawling layout create the ideal setting for a dance party that feels both intimate and epic. When HMD takes over the space, it becomes a sanctuary — a place where queer history and nightlife culture intersect in a glorious celebration of identity and rhythm.

The 2025 Pride edition of Horse Meat Disco was the culmination of all those ideals. With doors opening at 10 PM and the last beat dropping at 5 AM, the party was an all-night marathon of music, sweat, and unfiltered joy. The event was hosted by a dynamic crew including Apollo, Ejim, Phillip Evelyn III, Fashion Faguette, Martin Gregory Jerez, Justin Justfan, and Garrett Magee, with DJs Stacy Christine and Sekucci joining the HMD crew behind the decks. Each set brought its own flavor, seamlessly blending old-school disco cuts with contemporary grooves that had the crowd screaming, dancing, and hugging strangers like old friends. I remember at one point hearing Sylvester’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” mixed into a thumping house track, and the entire room erupted. It was one of those transcendent moments — the kind you never forget.

There’s something special about Horse Meat Disco that sets it apart from other Pride events. It’s not just a party — it’s a ritual. It honors queer legacy, uplifts every expression of queerness, and creates a dance floor where everyone has space to shine. The crowd isn’t there to be seen or to pose — they’re there to feel. And that feeling is contagious. I found myself dancing next to people I’d never met, exchanging smiles, hugs, and compliments with no pretense. The energy was generous, the vibe authentic.

If you’re considering which events to attend for Pride in NYC next year, make Horse Meat Disco your top priority. But don’t wait too long — these events sell out quickly, and for good reason. The combination of expert musical curation, radical inclusivity, and unfiltered joy makes this one of the most essential queer nightlife experiences anywhere in the world. Come ready to dance, to express, to connect. Come open. Come bold. Come as you are.

Because when that mirrorball spins, and the beat drops, and you’re surrounded by thousands of beautiful souls moving in unison — that’s when you realize: this is what Pride is all about.