New Hope, PA: New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is proud to announce the PrideFest headliner, Grand Marshals, and events for PrideFest happening May 16 through 18. This year’s theme, “Together, We Rise! – Defying Fear, Embracing Hope,” is a rallying cry for resilience, inclusion, and joy, brought to life by unforgettable performances and additional celebrations throughout the month.

2025 PrideFest Headliner

PrideFest Live!—an open-air concert experience within the Pride Fair—will be held at Pride Park, located at New Street and South Main Street in the American Legion Parking Lot. The stage is generously sponsored by the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program. Headlining this year’s event is Deborah Cox, Grammy-nominated singer, Broadway actress, and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee. Known for her record-breaking R&B hits like “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” Deborah brings her legendary vocals to the PrideFest stage. Cox is an LGBTQ+ icon who has a passion for advocacy and continues to shape music and culture.

NHC will also introduce this year’s Pride Pageant winners: Miss New Hope Celebrates 2025, Asia Leigh Monroe, and Mr. New Hope Celebrates 2025, Ricky Suave. Asia, a Philadelphia-based drag queen and trans trailblazer, is celebrated for her dynamic stage presence and dedication to community-building. Ricky, a Latin drag king from Puerto Rico, brings fierce charisma and a fearless spirit that breaks the mold and embodies Pride’s boldness. 

Visit www.newhopecelebrates.com/pridefest/pridefest-live for additional performers.

2025 Pride Parade Grand Marshals

NHC is honored to have two storytellers from CBS News Philadelphia serve as this year’s Pride Parade Grand Marshals. Josh Sanders is a journalist who brings a passion for storytelling and LGBTQ+ advocacy to everything he does, on and off screen. Alongside him is Jim Donovan, a 15-time Emmy Award-winning anchor known for his impactful consumer reporting and unwavering support for the community. During their time in New Hope, they’ll be filming for an upcoming CBS Pride special, “The Heart of Pride”—a tribute to love, resilience, and the 10th anniversary of Marriage Equality in the U.S.

LGBTQ+ Events

• Best Cocktail Contest, May 2–18 – Sip and vote for the best cocktail in town, crafted with Tito’s Vodka and Corralejo Tequila, at participating 21+ establishments.
• Drag Queen Story Hour, May 3 at 11:00 AM – Morgan Kennedy and Summer Clearance bring storytime to life in this joyful, family-friendly Pride tradition. Taking place at ACME Screening Room, presented by Lambertville Library.
• Pride Arcade: All Ages, All Fun!, May 3 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Enjoy games, music, and all-ages fun at Del-Vue Arcade Club in Lambertville.
• Odd Bird Happy Hour, May 8 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM – Cheers to craft brews, chill vibes, and outdoor hangs at Odd Bird Brewing in Stockton. Pets are welcome, last call is at 8:30 PM.
• Naked In New Hope: Opening Reception, May 9 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM – Celebrate the return of this bold, juried exhibit exploring the human form. The exhibit runs through June 15 at New Hope Arts Center. Limited capacity, ticketed event.
• Flag Unfurling, May 10 at 11:30 AM – The Progress Flag will rise above 4A E. Bridge St. (Starbucks Building), followed by a reception at Martine’s Riverhouse and the Opening Weekend Pride Tea at The Cub Room at 4:00 PM.
• Pride With Purpose, May 13 at 6:30 PM – A vital, community-led conversation on substance use disorder in the local LGBTQ+ community will take place at Logan Inn, followed by a social gathering in the Whiskey Room.
• Pride Bingo: “Together, We Rise!”, May 14 at 6:00 PM – Head to HollyHedge Estate for a high-energy night of BINGO, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and surprises! Must be 21+. Limited tickets on Eventbrite.
• Love Is Love Gala, May 15 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM – Dress to impress at this elegant gala with art, music, dancing, and a live mural experience at River House at Odette’s. Must be 21+. Limited tickets from River House at Odette’s.
• Visit www.newhopecelebrates.com/events-calendar for the full schedule.

PrideFest Events

• Friday Night Kickoff, May 16 from  6:30 PM to 9:30 PM – Hear an intimate performance by Olivia Eden, a singer-songwriter from The Voice Season 24 along with  community vibes, and the first fireworks of the season at The Barn at Bucks County Playhouse. Limited tickets on Eventbrite.
• Pride Parade, May 17 at 11:00 AM – The iconic parade will march from Lambertville, NJ to New Hope, PA, featuring 1,500+ participants, dazzling floats, marching bands, community groups, and NHC’s 100-foot Rainbow Equality Flag made possible by the Logan Inn and Landmark Hospitality.
• Pride Fair & PrideFest Live!, May 17 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM –  The celebration continues at Pride Park with LGBTQ+ vendors, artists, food trucks, nonprofits, and electrifying performances on the PrideFest Live! stage.
• Saturday Night Pride Dance Party, May 17 from 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM – At New Hope Inn & Suites, dance the night away with DJ Trish and your Pride crew. Must be 21+. Limited tickets on Eventbrite.
• A Salute to the Cartwheel, May 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM – At New Hope Inn & Suites, celebrate the legacy of the iconic LGBTQ+ venue with live piano, stories, and memories. Free admission, donations support NHC History.
• Sunday Pride Closing Tea Dance & Pool Party, May 18 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM – At New Hope Inn & Suites, wrap up PrideFest with DJ Shaw, performances by Mr. & Miss New Hope Celebrates, and drinks in great company. Must be 21+. Limited tickets on Eventbrite.

A heartfelt thank you to our Platinum Partners: Ghost Light Inn & Stella of New Hope, Logan Inn, River House at Odette’s, and Tito’s Vodka, as well as our Gold Partners: Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Capital Health, Corralejo Tequila – we couldn’t do it without your support! Learn more about partnership opportunities at www.newhopecelebrates.com/nhcpartners/become-a-partner