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New Hope Celebrates Newsletter February 2026

New Hope Celebrates Newsletter

February 2026

February invites us to lead with love: for our partners, friends, history, and community. As we celebrate the many forms of love that shape us, we are reminded that visibility is powerful, care is intentional, and belonging is something we build together.

At New Hope Celebrates (NHC), this month is about honoring LGBTQ+ history, celebrating drag excellence, and creating meaningful spaces across New Hope and Lambertville where our community can come together.

There is so much ahead, and we can’t wait to share it with you!


Stay Connected

Upcoming LGBTQ+ Events

NHC is proud to bring our community together through meaningful, joyful, and inclusive events year-round. There’s always something happening, here’s what’s coming up:

LGBTQ+ Book Club: Brokeback Mountain

NHC’s next Book Club will be “Brokeback Mountain” by Annie Proulx, available at Lahaska Bookshop. Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two ranch hands, come together when they’re working as sheepherders and camp tender one summer on a range above the tree line. At first, sharing an isolated tent, the attraction is casual, inevitable, but something deeper catches them that summer. We’ll discuss this book on Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 PM at Lambertville House. RSVP for free on Facebook.

Harmony & History Featuring the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus

The NHC History Committee will have an evening of music and storytelling featuring the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, one of the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ choruses on Saturday, March 7 from 4:00 – 6:30 PM at New Hope Inn and Suites. PGMC uses music to promote inclusion, equity, and pride. Enjoy a powerful performance in the Nest Event Center, followed by a cocktail reception in the upstairs bar area. All proceeds support NHC and PGMC. Get your tickets for an inspiring night of history, harmony, and community.

LGBTQ+ Night OUT: Starstruck

Join NHC for LGBTQ+ Night OUT starting at Oldestone Steakhouse from 5:30–7:00 PM, where you’ll enjoy cocktails and light bites, mingle with friends, and pick up your tickets. Then head to Bucks County Playhouse for the 7:30 PM show of Starstruck, a world premiere musical with an original score by Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls and book by Beth Malone and Mary Ann Stratton, which explores what happens when you stop fighting the dark, and start embracing it. Tickets are being sold on Eventbrite, don’t miss it!

New Hope Celebrates Pride Pageant: “Reigning Color”

The 6th Annual NHC Pride Pageant returns Saturday, April 4 at 6:30 PM at Bucks County Playhouse. Contestants will compete for the title of Miss New Hope Celebrates through presentation, talent, formal wear, and onstage Q&A, all inspired by this year’s bold theme, “Reigning Color.” Hosted by Marti Cummings, the evening includes a 4:00 PM pre-show social with General Admission and VIP options available. Proceeds support PrideFest 2026 and BCP. Secure your seats today and witness the crowning moment.
In addition to NHC Events, you can also view local & national events of interest. Want to post your LGBTQ+ Event to reach over 35,000 site visitors a year? Go to our Events Calendar, scroll to the bottom of the page, and submit an Event Form to add your event to our Events Calendar.
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6th Annual NHC Pride Pageant

Drag Queens Compete in “Reigning Color”

“Reigning Color” is a declaration that the LGBTQ+ community will not be dimmed. In moments that feel uncertain or heavy, it answers with brightness. This theme honors the LGBTQ+ community as proud, visible, and alive in every shade of identity and experience. Color becomes more than aesthetic, it becomes symbolistic of one’s truth being worn without apology. The name carries layered meaning. To reign is to lead with confidence and authenticity. To rain color is to let it pour freely, covering the world in bold expression. Together, “Reigning Color” reflects both the pageantry of a crowned titleholder and the unstoppable presence of a community that refuses to fade.

On Saturday, April 4 at 6:30 PM at the Bucks County Playhouse, drag queens will compete in the NHC Pride Pageant for the prestigious title of Miss New Hope Celebrates through presentation, talent, formal wear, and onstage Q&A. Returning as Mistress of Ceremonies is world-renowned NYC drag artist Marti G. Cummings, whose career spans sold-out performances, television appearances, and groundbreaking political advocacy as the first openly nonbinary candidate to run for New York City Council. Their presence brings star power, activism, and national visibility to the stage.

This year’s pageant continues in honor of Ricky Crosby, whose vision helped establish LGBTQ+ pageantry in New Hope and whose legacy of joy lives on in every crown. The evening begins with a 4:00 PM pre-show social on the Playhouse Deck. General Admission tickets are $60 and VIP tickets are $80 including premium seating, hors d’oeuvres, and two complimentary drinks. All proceeds support PrideFest 2026 and the Playhouse, reserve your seats to watch the colors rise and be part of the crowning moment!.

i am new hope

Every Color Tells A Story Color of the Month

February’s chapter begins with Pink — the color of love, care, and visibility. Sharon F.’s deeply personal reflection honors the legacy of Gordon Pulaski and the early days of i am new hope, when conversations were fueled by courage and belonging. Gordon didn’t just help shape campaigns, he helped shape identity, teaching the meaning behind every Pride color so our community didn’t just see itself, but understood itself.

This limited-edition February Pink “i am new hope” tee, inspired by the Progress Pride Flag, is more than a shirt, it’s a tribute to the people who shaped us and the love that holds our community together. Available this month only, Pink will be retired when February ends.

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Ways to Support Our Community

There are several opportunities to stand with our community this month:

Every action, big or small, helps!


With Gratitude & Pride:
The New Hope Celebrates Board

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For The Most Recent News, visit the NHC Newsletter

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