Rainbows will be zooming by on the roller coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure next month for the park’s annual LGBT party.
“Out at Night,” now in its ninth year, will be held Sept. 14 at the adventure park in Jackson, N.J. The gates will open at 6 p.m.
The park will be open only to the LGBT and ally communities.
When the event started, it was open to the public during the festivities. Two years later, it became exclusive.
Organizer Gage Kris said that typically the park accommodates 60,000 people but that, on LGBT night, the crowd is between 10,000-12,000, which alleviates the ubiquitous theme park lines.
Adventure lovers can hop aboard the new 24-story swing ride SkyScreamer or see the park from the sky on one of its nine coasters. Those looking for less scream-inducing rides can keep their feet closer to the ground on go-carts, bumper cars and a plethora of amusements suited for both adults and kids.
After the rides, guests can visit The Dome, a new indoor dance-club area equipped with $10,000 worth of lighting and sound equipment.
The Dome will host a live performance by Melissa Gorga of “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” who will appear along with her husband, Joe Gorga.
Other special guests include “Real Housewives” star Greg Bennett, “Amazing Race” winner and “The A List: New York” star Reichen Lehmkuhl, Hollywood consultants Brandon Liberati and Craig Ramsay and musician Dina Marie. Music will be provided by Seth Gold, Steve Sidewalk and DJ Barney with Dome hosts Porcelain, Eric Satine Harlow and Zoë LaBianca.
Kris said he expects the host of celeb guests to bring in new crowds and make this year’s celebration the largest ever.
He said the guests usually represent all facets of the community and its allies.
“It’s a good mix of everyone,” he said. “It’s very diverse. We get gay, straight, bi people — everyone comes because it’s a great, private party.”
He added that the privacy allows for a relaxed atmosphere, which is rarely attainable in a theme park.
“You can do the rides without a wait, at your own pace. You can walk around with your partner holding hands and not have to worry about anything. And you can also meet lots of new people. It’s just a great night overall.”
The larger the crowd, the more impact the event can have on the community.
Ticket sales this year benefit six charities: Mazzoni Center, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Imperial Court, Gay Center New York City and The GIFTS Program.
Tickets are $48, with discounts for season-ticket holders and groups of 10 or more.
A bus will leave from Broad and Pine streets at 5 p.m. Admission and bus tickets are available for $78, which also includes water, soda, beer and wine during the trip. VIP passes, which include express entry and free parking, are available for $150.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.gaysixflags.com. n