Yonkers Pride Festival Returns With Downtown Events, Scholarship And Flag Raising

YONKERS, NY — This year's pride festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Yonkers Pride and the Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront BID have announced a full slate of 2026 Pride Month events, led by the 9th Annual Yonkers Pride Festival on Saturday, June 13, from 1 to 7 p.m. along Main Street in Downtown Yonkers. The group said this year's programming also includes a Kick-Off Mixer on May 21, a flag raising on June 12, and the Yonkers LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship.

Organizers said the 2026 theme is "Stronger Together." Yonkers Pride's mission is to create an inclusive space that honors freedom of expression, uplifts activists and celebrates the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, families and allies, organizers said.

"This year's theme reflects the strength we find in showing up for one another," said Jessika Pineda, President and Festival Chair of Yonkers Pride. "Pride is both a celebration and a call to action, and we're proud to create space for connection, reflection, and joy here in Yonkers."

The first event on the calendar is a Kickoff Mixer Fundraiser on Thursday, May 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Zuppa, 59 Main St. Yonkers Pride said the event will include performances by Anastasia B. Major.

Pride weekend begins with a Flag Raising Ceremony at The Unity Fountain at City Hall, 40 S. Broadway, on Friday, June 12, from 4:30 to 5 p.m. The ceremony is being hosted in partnership with the City of Yonkers and the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and serves as a visible affirmation of city support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The June 13 festival is described as the largest LGBTQ+ event in Westchester County. Organizers said the event will feature live entertainment, including drag queens, drag kings and other artists. Headlining this year's festival is Luxx Noir London from Season 15 of "RuPaul’s Drag Race." DJ Dada Cozmic and host Catrina LoveLace are also set to return, with additional performers to be announced.

Festivalgoers can expect vendors offering food, crafts, artwork and community resources. Vendor applications remain open through May 22.

Yonkers Pride also said it will again award its Yonkers LGBTQ+ Pride Scholarship, a $1,000 award for a Yonkers Public High School senior who demonstrates leadership, service, academic achievement and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community. Applications are open through May 15, and recipients will be recognized during the festival.

Volunteers are being encouraged to sign up to help support the events. More information is available on the Yonkers Pride website.