Montclair Pride Festival Will Return For 2026: 'Visibility, Inclusion And Celebration'

MONTCLAIR, NJ — One of the state’s largest Pride Month celebrations will return to Montclair for its fifth anniversary this year.

The 2026 Montclair Pride Festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at Lackawanna Station, according to an announcement from Out Montclair. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.

This year’s festival will continue to promote “visibility, inclusion and celebration” for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, the nonprofit said.

Some of the highlights will include:

• Main Stage (South Lot) featuring inspirational speakers and live performances
• Spotlight Stage (North Lot) showcasing local talent
• Family Zone with interactive programming, arts and crafts activities
• 150+ local food and market vendors, community organizations and resources
• Beer and beverage gardens, food trucks and specialty snack vendors

Actress, model and trans advocate Dominique Jackson will serve as featured pride emcee at this year’s festival. Known for her iconic role on “Pose” and her global advocacy for trans empowerment, Jackson will bring both commanding presence and cultural significance to Montclair Pride’s main stage.

“Pride has always been rooted in resistance, and that truth feels especially urgent right now,” Jackson said.

“At a time when LGBTQ+ lives, and especially trans lives, are being challenged, showing up matters more than ever,” Jackson continued. “When we come together in visibility, joy, and truth, we are powerful. That unity is our strength, and that strength is our resistance.”

“I am honored to return to Montclair Pride and stand with a community that refuses to be erased,” Jackson said.

Reubena Spence, president and co-founder of Out Montclair, said the festival is a powerful moment of visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“It is also a reflection of our ongoing work – through programming, partnerships and the welcoming spaces we create year-round,” Spence added.

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