Two of the country’s most celebrated LGBTQ-friendly small towns are coming together for a giant nine day celebration. New Hope Celebrates‘ (NHC) event schedule, theme, and headliners for PrideFest 2026 has been released. The week starts on May 9 and concludes on May 17 in New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey.
Over 15,000 attendees are expected to gather in the two riverfront towns for a celebration of identity, community, and visibility. The nine-day event culminates with America’s only Pride parade to cross a state line, led by a stunning 100-foot rainbow Pride flag crossing the iconic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge.
“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 New Hope Celebrates President Melissa Patterson. “I am proud of the strength of our community, rich with so many LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors — and thrilled that we live and work in one of the great LGBTQ+ travel destinations in America. 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.”
PrideFest will include dance music legend Crystal Waters and Philadelphia-born queer artist Vincint. Other events during the celebration include Drag Queen Story Hour, Progress Pride Flag unveiling, Pride Bingo, “Love Is Love” gala, “Pride with Purpose”, and of course the Pride parade and festival. There will be a closing Tea Dance and a Pool Party and a month-long pride-themed cocktail contest.
PRIDEFEST 2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
NHC Best Cocktail Contest runs from May 1–24 at participating bars and restaurants. You may sip your way through Pride. Creativity, community, and a little friendly competition come together in this bar experience. Sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and Corralejo Tequila, local bars and restaurants will craft two pride inspired cocktails and one pride inspired mocktail. You will help taste, rate, and select the ultimate fan favorite while exploring participating bars and restaurants. 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 is on Saturday, May 2, at 10:00 a.m. at the Free Library of New Hope and Solebury, 93 W. Ferry St. It is hosted by Diva Divine Monroe and Asia Leigh Monroe, former Miss New Hope Celebrates 2024 & 2025.
Odd Bird Happy Hour is on Thursday, May 7, at 5:00 p.m. with community, craft brews, and connection at Odd Bird Brewing, 10 Risler St., Stockton, New Jersey. Join the friends, neighbors, and allies living out and proud.
Flag Unfurling Ceremony is on Saturday, May 9, at 11:30 a.m. at the Starbucks in New Hope on Bridge and Main Streets. Followed by a reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Martine’s RiverHouse at 14 E. Ferry St.
Pride Opening Tea Dance is on Saturday, May 9, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the The Cub Room, 400 W. Bridge St. in New Hope. This is a classic New Hope Tea Dance. Admission is $10 at the door. All donations support NHC, a volunteer-powered nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQ community through year-round events.
“Pride with Purpose” is on Tuesday, May 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Logan Inn, 10 W. Ferry St. in New Hope. Tnis is an evening of education and discussion as members of the international LGBTQ community discuss their lives as they have transitioned into the U.S.
Pride Bingo is on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:00 p.m. at HollyHedge Estate, 6987 Upper York Rd, New Hope. Miss Pumpkin and friends will host an evening of bingo with 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 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., and there will be a full cash-only bar. Must be 21+ to attend.
“Love Is Love” Gala is on Thursday, May 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the River House at Odette’s, 274 River Rd. in New Hope. The fifth annual “Love Is Love” Gala features an auction with art from local queer artists and offering hard-to-get prizes such as concert tickets and 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 is on Friday, May 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bill Harris and Jay Manas Playhouse Barn, 52 S. Main St. in New Hope. The Barn is located in front of Bucks County Playhouse. NHC will host live music and light bites and a cash bar will be available.
Pride Parade is Saturday, May 16, at 11:00 a.m. The region’s most iconic Pride parade marches from Lambertville, New Jersey and across the bridge into New Hope, Pennsylvania. The two-state Pride Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and is cheered on by thousands. It features all the businesses and organizations supporting NHC.
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! is from noon to 5:00 p.m. at 20 New St. in New Hope. The festival begins after the parade and continues the celebration. It features a mix of local vendors, food and beverage offerings, and music all day featuring Crystal Waters and Vincint.
Pride Saturday Night Dance Party is also on Saturday, May 16, from 8:00 to midnight at the New Hope Inn & Suites, 6426 Lower York Rd. in New Hope. DJ Trish will be 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: a $35 ticket gets you admission to the Saturday Night Dance Party and the Sunday Closing Tea on May 17. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.
Pride Sunday Closing Tea & Pool Party is on Sunday, May 17, 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the New Hope Inn & Suites, 6426 Lower York Rd. in New Hope. Enjoy the music 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: a $35 ticket gets you admission to the Saturday Night Dance Party and the Closing Tea. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.
For the full event schedule and more detailed information, visit newhopecelebrates.com. Follow for updates and previews on social media at @newhopecelebrates.
