New Hope and Lambertville, two of the nation’s most prominent LGBTQ+-friendly small towns, are preparing to kick off the 2026 pride season with a nine-day festival.
New Hope Celebrates announced the return of PrideFest, which is scheduled to run from May 9 to 17.
The event is expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees to the riverfront communities of New Hope Borough and the City of Lambertville.
This year’s festivities are centered around the theme “Pride IN FULL COLOR.”
Organizers said the theme’s visual identity and are inspired by street art and graffiti.
Credit: J. Fusco
“I am grateful for the history, the people and their stories that make New Hope and Lambertville a community where queer people are not just accepted, but celebrated,” said Melissa Patterson, president of New Hope Celebrates.
Patterson said the towns as one of the premier LGBTQ+ travel destinations in the country.
“Pride IN FULL COLOR honors that legacy and shines a light on every shade of who we were, who we are and who we will continue to be,” Patterson said.
The celebration features a diverse lineup of marquee events, including a Progress Pride flag unveiling, drag queen storytime and Pride Bingo, The Love is Love Gala and Pride with Purpose, a month-long pride-themed cocktail contest, and a Closing Tea Dance and Pool Party
The festival’s musical highlight, PrideFest Live!, will feature headlining performances by dance music legend Crystal Waters and Philadelphia-born queer artist Vincint.
The week culminates with the Pride Parade on Saturday, May 16, starting at 11 a.m. in Lambertville and marching onto Main Street in New Hope.
The famous two-state Pride Parade will be led by the newly crowned Miss New Hope Celebrates 2026, Athena Chanteuse.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com
The popular parade is notable for being the only pride parade in the country to cross a state line. The procession is led by a 100-foot rainbow pride flag carried across the New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge.
New Hope Celebrates has been organizing events to recognize the LGBTQ+ history and culture of the scenic river towns since 2003.
Registration for parade participants is open through April 30, and applications are currently being accepted for vendors, volunteers, and partners, organizers said.
Full event schedules and ticket information are available at newhopecelebrates.com.
The full Pridefest 2026 schedule:
** NHC Best Cocktail Contest
May 1–24
Ages 21+ at 16+ Participating Bars and Restaurants
Sip your way through Pride during the Best Cocktail Contest. Creativity, community and a little friendly competition come together in one unforgettable experience. Sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and Corralejo Tequila, local bars and restaurants will craft two pride inspired cocktails and one pride inspired mocktail. Taste, rate and help select the ultimate fan favorite while exploring participating bars and restaurants. From refreshing and fruity to strong and sophisticated, every sip tells a story of pride, passion and artistry. Whether you’re on a mission to find your new favorite drink or just along for the fun, this is your chance to support local businesses, celebrate Pride, and be part of the excitement. Come thirsty, vote boldly and experience Pride in New Hope – one cocktail at a time.
** Drag Queen Story Hour
A celebration of diversity, inclusion and imagination
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am
Fre e Library of New Hope and Solebury, 93 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA
Join us Fre e Library of New Hope & Solebury as fabulous drag queens share their favorite children’s stories. Hosted by Diva Divine Monroe & Asia Leigh Monroe, former Miss New Hope Celebrates 2024 & 2025.
** Odd Bird Happy Hour
Thursday, May 7, 5:00pm
Community, craft brews and connection
Odd Bird Brewing, 10 Risler St, Stockton, NJ
Come and have a delicious craft beer and spend time with friends, neighbors and allies living out and proud at Odd Bird Brewery in Stockton, NJ.
** Flag Unfurling Ceremony
Saturday, May 9, 11:30am
Kick off Pride and watch the Progress Pride Flag drop over the Starbucks Building in New Hope, PA on Bridge & Main Streets. Followed by a reception with cocktails and hor d’oeuvres at Martine’s RiverHouse at 14 E Ferry St, New Hope, PA
** Pride Opening Tea Dance
Saturday, May 9, 4:00pm to 8:00pm
The Cub Room, 400 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA
Celebrate the kickoff of Pride 2026 Pride IN FULL COLOR with a classic New Hope Tea Dance at The Cub Room! Relax with a cocktail and socialize as we toast to the start of a powerful week of unity, love and celebration. Admission is $10 at the door, all donations support New Hope Celebrates – a volunteer-powered nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community through vibrant events and year-round initiatives. Come for the cause, stay for the fun!
** Pride with Purpose
Tuesday, May 12, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Logan Inn, 10 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA
An evening of education and discussion as we invite members of our international LGBTQ+ community to talk about their lives as they have transitioned into the U.S.
** Pride Bingo
Wednesday, May 13, 6:00pm
HollyHedge Estate, 6987 Upper York Rd, New Hope, PA
Miss Pumpkin and friends will host an evening of bingo featuring amazing prizes alongside some amazing drag performances. Pride Bingo will come to life as an “IN FULL COLOR” tie-dye party, inviting guests to embrace bold, expressive style through vibrant attire and creatively styled tables that reflect the spirit of Pride. HollyHedge will be providing passed hors d’oeuvres from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, and there will be a full cash only bar. Must be 21+ to attend.
** Love Is Love Gala
Thursday, May 14, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
River House, Odette’s at 274 River Rd, New Hope, PA
Join NHC and Riverhouse at Odette’s for the fifth annual “Love is Love” Gala featuring an auction with art from local queer artists along with a new experiences auction offering hard-to-get prizes – from concert tickets to major artists to luxury dining and travel experiences. Celebrate the evening with a live fashion show, catered food buffet, illustrators and a DJ to dance the night away. An elegant night of art, music and celebration!
** Friday Night Pride Kickoff
Friday, May 15, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Bill Harris & Jay Manas Playhouse Barn, 52 S Main St, New Hope, PA
Kick off Pridefest Weekend on Friday night at the Playhouse Barn, located in front of Bucks County Playhouse. NHC will host live music and light bites and a cash bar will be available.
** Pride Parade
Saturday, May 16, 11:00am
The region’s most iconic Pride parade marches from Lambertville, NJ into New Hope, PA
The famous two-state Pride Parade will begin at 11:00am, beginning in Lambertville, NJ and heading over the bridge into New Hope, PA. Celebrate Pride IN FULL COLOR by cheering on dozens of businesses and organizations supporting Pride!
Leading this year’s parade is the newly crowned Miss New Hope Celebrates 2026, Athena Chanteuse, who will march at the front of the procession before taking the PrideFest Live! stage. A Jewish Latina trans performer with powerhouse vocals and Broadway-caliber presence, Athena claimed the title at NHC’s 6th Annual Pride Pageant, Reigning Color, and brings a commanding authenticity to this year’s message of bold expression. In just four years in drag, she has earned accolades including Miss Bob and Barbara’s 2025 and is a rising force in the Miss Gay Pennsylvania America system.
** Pride Fair & PrideFest Live!
Saturday, May 16, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Pride Park, 20 New St, New Hope, PA
Full line-up of entertainers will be coming to the webpage soon!
Beginning immediately after the parade, our Pride Fair continues the celebration in a stunning outdoor setting, featuring a vibrant mix of local vendors, food and beverage offerings and LIVE music all day featuring Crystal Waters & Vincint. Guests can enjoy dancing, community, connection and an energetic atmosphere from start to finish.
** Pride Saturday Night Dance Party
Saturday, May 16, 8:00pm to Midnight
New Hope Inn & Suites, 6426 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA
Keep the party going after PrideFest with the 2026 Pride Saturday Night Dance Party. Join NHC at New Hope Inn & Suites with DJ Trish playing high energy favorite hits to dance the night away. Admission is $20 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Or take advantage of the New Hope Inn & Sweet Deal – $35 ticket gets you admission to the Saturday Night Dance Party and the Sunday Closing Tea on 5/17. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.
** Pride Sunday Closing Tea & Pool Party
Sunday, May 17, 3:00pm to 7:00pm
New Hope Inn & Suites, 6426 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA
Come one come all, for a Sunday Tea Dance & Pool Party to close out New Hope’s 2026 PrideFest! Enjoy music spun by DJ Trish and other entertainment while sipping cocktails poolside. Hosted by Miss NHC 2026, Athena Chanteuse. Admission is $25 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Or take advantage of the New Hope Inn & Sweet Deal – $35 ticket gets you admission to the Saturday Night Dance Party on 5/16 and the Sunday Closing Tea on 5/17. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.
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