NATIVE SON AWARDS WEEKEND
Native Son Awards Weekend is a two-day cultural experience celebrating the power, creativity, and impact of Black queer men through storytelling, entertainment, wellness, and community.
The weekend begins with the Native Son Awards on June 19, honoring trailblazers and changemakers shaping culture and community, followed by Native Son House on June 20 — an immersive daytime experience featuring conversations, activations, wellness, marketplace experiences, networking, and cultural discovery.
Founded by Emil Wilbekin, Native Son is dedicated to amplifying the voices and visibility of Black queer men.
NATIVE SON AWARDS — JUNE 19
ABOUT THE EVENT
The premier cultural event honoring Black gay and queer men across entertainment, media, business, and community leadership.
Ticket Types
- GA: Pre-reception + Awards program
- VIP All Access: Premium seating, priority entry, VIP gift bag, afterparty access, and Native Son House VIP access.
- Tables: Premium seating, VIP gift bags, and afterparty access (except non-profit tables)
- Afterparty Only: Afterparty access only
Event Flow
Arrivals → Pre-Reception → Awards Program → Afterparty
Seating
- VIP + Tables: Assigned seating
- GA: Open seating at designated tables
Dress Code
Elevated, fashion-forward, and expressive.
Is the afterparty included?
Included with VIP All Access and select table purchases. Available separately for GA guests based on availability.
NATIVE SON HOUSE — JUNE 20
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
A curated, multi-room experience centered around culture, creativity, wellness, and community.
Ticket Types
- GA: Access to programming, activations, and marketplace experiences
- VIP: premium seating, special programming access, Food and Beverage and VIP Commemorative gift
Featured Experiences
- Main stage conversations + performances
- Live podcasts
- DJ + live music
- Wellness + reset spaces
- Curated retail + food marketplace
- Native Son pop-up shop
Dress Code
Daytime, expressive, and culturally inspired.
Merchandise
Limited merchandise will be available online and onsite. Merchandise discount redemption instructions will be shared via confirmation email.
TICKETING + POLICIES
AGE REQUIREMENT
Is the event 21+?
Yes. All Native Son Awards Weekend experiences, including the Awards, Afterparty, and Native Son House, are strictly 21+. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry.
Do I need separate tickets?
Yes. The Awards and Native Son House are ticketed separately. Native Son House access is included with Awards VIP All Access tickets only.
Are tickets refundable?
All sales are final. Transfer details, if applicable, will be included in your confirmation email.
How will I receive tickets?
Tickets are delivered digitally via PDF and QR code/mobile wallet.
Is the event cashless?
Yes. Native Son Awards Weekend is a cashless experience. All food, beverage, merchandise, and onsite purchases must be made using credit/debit cards or mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay etc. Cash will not be accepted onsite.
Is any portion tax-deductible?
A portion may be tax-deductible. Details will be included in your receipt.
LOCATIONS
Native Son Awards
Pier Sixty
Pier 60 Chelsea Piers
New York, NY 10011
Native Son House
The Maison Projects
229 W 28th St
New York, NY 10001
Both experiences take place in New York City.
ACCESSIBILITY + EVENT INFORMATION
- All venues are ADA compliant.
- Arrival guidance and schedules will be shared in advance.
- Early arrival is recommended.
- Event updates will be communicated directly to ticket holders.
DONATIONS + IMPACT
Native Son is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black queer men through culture, community, and programming.
Donations help support Native Son programming and community initiatives. Additional tax and donation details will be included during purchase and confirmation communications.
