An Unfiltered Celebration of LGBTQ+ Community, Expression, and Visibility

New Hope, PA: New Hope Celebrates (NHC) proudly announces PrideFest 2026, taking place May 9 through May 17 across New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ. This year’s theme, “Pride in Full Color,” invites the community to embrace identity in its most expressive forms: speak openly, live vibrantly, and love without restraint.

Melissa Patterson, President of NHC, shared, “This year’s theme, Pride in Full Color, is especially meaningful as I enter my final year on the Board of NHC. I am grateful for the history, the people, and their stories that make New Hope and the surrounding area a community where queer people are not just accepted, but celebrated. 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.”

Inspired by the raw energy of street art, this year’s visual campaign features a striking brick wall layered with graffiti, paint splatters, and a dripping heart capturing, symbolizing that Pride is bold, expressive, and impossible to erase. PrideFest 2026 reflects a community that continues to create, celebrate, and show up fully in every shade of who they are.

PrideFest Events

PrideFest 2026 features a dynamic lineup of events celebrating LGBTQ+ community and culture:

• Best Cocktail Contest (May 1–24): Sip and vote for your favorite Pride-inspired cocktails across participating locations.
  • Sip your way through Pride during our Best Cocktail Contest, where 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 different fabulous Pride-inspired cocktails, one featuring each of the sponsors and this year we have added a 3rd option – the mocktail!  As you explore participating locations, you’ll taste, rate, and help crown the ultimate fan favorite. 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 (May 2, 10:00 AM): A joyful, family-friendly celebration with New Hope Free Library at 93 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA 18938.
  • Join us at [New Hope/Lambertville Public Library] as our fabulous drag queens share their favorite children’s stories.
• Odd Bird Happy Hour (May 7, 5:00 PM): Community, craft brews, and connection at Odd Bird Brewing at 10 Risler St, Stockton, NJ 08559.
  • Come and have a delicious craft beer and spend time with friends at Oddbird Brewery in Stockton, NJ.
• Flag Unfurling Ceremony (May 9, 11:30 AM): Watch the Progress Pride Flag drop over the Starbucks Building on Bridge & Main followed by a reception with Martine’s RiverHouse at 14 E Ferry St, New Hope, PA 18938.
  • It’s time to kick off Pride as we unveil our 25×15 ft Progress Pride flag at the Starbucks building in New Hope, PA followed by cocktails and hor d’oeuvres at Martine’s Riverhouse.
• Pride Opening Tea Dance (May 9, 4:00–8:00 PM): Kick off a week of PrideFest 2026 festivities with The Cub Room at 400 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938. 
  • Celebrate the kickoff of Pride 2026 – 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.  Skip the line with a $10 advance donation on Eventbrite, or pay at the door via cash or Venmo. 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 (May 12, 6:30–8:00 PM): A meaningful community conversation with the Logan Inn at 10 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA 18938.
  • 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 (May 13, 6:00 PM): A high-energy evening with HollyHedge Estate at 6987 Upper York Rd, New Hope, PA 18938.
  • Miss Pumpkin and friends will host an evening of bingo featuring some amazing prizes alongside some amazing drag performances.  Holly Hedge will be providing passed hors d’oeuvres from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, and there will be a full cash only bar. Must be 21+ to attend.
• Love Is Love Gala (May 14, 7:00–10:00 PM): An elegant night of art, music, and celebration with River House at Odette’s at 274 River Rd, New Hope, PA 18938.
  • 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 to win some cool items.  Celebrate the evening with a live fashion show, illustrators, and a DJ to dance the night away.
• Friday Night Pride Kickoff (May 15, 6:30–9:30 PM): Live entertainment and a community gathering with the Bill Harris & Jay Manas Playhouse Barn at 52 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938.
  • Let’s kick off Pridefest Weekend on Friday night at the Playhouse Barn, located in front of Bucks County Playhouse.  NHC will host live music from [TBD] and light bites will be available.
• Pride Parade (May 16, 11:00 AM): The region’s most iconic Pride parade marches from Lambertville, NJ into New Hope, PA.
  • Our two-state Pride Parade will begin at 11:00 a.m., beginning in Lambertville, NJ and heading over the bridge into New Hope, PA.  Come celebrate Pride in FULL COLOR as we cheer on dozens of businesses and organizations coming out to support Pride!
• Pride Fair & PrideFest Live! (May 16, 12:00–5:00 PM): Vendors, food, and live performances in Pride Park at 20 New St, New Hope, PA 18938. Entertainers will be coming to the webpage soon!
  • Beginning immediately after the parade, our fair will include various vendors, food, and beverage options and LIVE music all day featuring Crystal Waters & Vincint.  
• Pride Saturday Night Dance Party (May 16, 8:00 PM–12:00 AM): Celebrate into the night at New Hope Inn & Suites.
  • Keep the party going after PrideFest with the 2026 Pride Saturday Night Dance Party. Join NHC and NH Inn & Suites with DJ Trish 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 (May 17, 3:00–7:00 PM): A vibrant finale to PrideFest weekend with The Cub Room at 400 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938. 
  • Come one come all, for a Sunday Tea Dance & Pool Party to close our New Hope’s 2026 Pride! 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.

For the full event schedule and more detailed information, visit: www.newhopecelebrates.com

The newly crowned Miss New Hope Celebrates 2026, Athena Chanteuse, from the 6th Annual Pride Pageant, “Reigning Color,” will lead the parade followed by an onstage performance at PrideFest Live!, bringing this year’s message of bold expression and authenticity to the Delaware River towns. A Jewish Latina trans Broadway diva with powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence, Athena has quickly made her mark across Philadelphia and beyond. With just four years in drag and accolades including Miss Bob and Barbara’s 2025, she is a rising force in the Miss Gay Pennsylvania America system.

PrideFest Participation

PrideFest continues to draw more than 15,000 attendees each year with the Pride Parade, Pride Fair, and PrideFest Live!, making it one of the region’s most anticipated LGBTQ+ celebrations. NHC invites community members, businesses, and allies to get involved:

• Pride Parade Participants – Open to all businesses, organizations, and individuals. The registration deadline is April 30, 2026.
• Pride Fair Vendors – Showcase crafts, clothing, food, or services while connecting with thousands of attendees. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.
• Pride Volunteers – Help plan, execute, and support events throughout PrideFest.
• Partner Opportunities – Gain visibility while supporting LGBTQ+ programming and events.
• Individual Contributors – Join Champion of Pride and support NHC through charitable giving.

Whether participating, volunteering, or attending, every role helps bring PrideFest to life and strengthens the sense of community that defines New Hope.