New Hope-Lambertville To Celebrate "Pride In Full Color"

NEW HOPE, PA — Two of America's most celebrated LGBTQ+-friendly small towns are coming together for one of the season's first major Pride celebrations.

New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is proud to unveil the event schedule, lineup, theme and headliners for PrideFest 2026, running May 9 to 17, across New Hope and Lambertville, NJ.

More than 15,000 attendees are expected to gather in the famous riverfront community for an unfiltered celebration of identity, community and visibility under this year's theme, "Pride In Full Color."

The nine-day event culminates with America's only pride parade to cross a state line, led by a stunning 100-foot rainbow pride flag crossing the iconic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge.

(New Hope Celebrates)

(New Hope Celebrates)

gend Crystal Waters and Philadelphia-born queer artist Vincint.

PrideFest Live! will then turn up the volume with headliners, dance music legend Crystal Waters and Philadelphia-born queer artist Vincint.

Other marquee events include drag queen storytime, Progress Pride flag unveiling, Pride Bingo, Love is Love Gala, Pride with Purpose, Pride Parade, Pride Fair, Closing Tea Dance & Pool Party and a month-long pride-themed Cocktail Contest. New Hope PrideFest is a celebration open to all. For the full 2026 line-up, event tickets and other details, visit newhopecelebrates.com and follow on social at @newhopecelebrates.

"Pride In Full Color" is an invitation to show up without apology - to speak openly, live vibrantly and love without restraint, said event organizers. The theme's visual identity draws from the raw energy of street art: a brick wall layered with graffiti, paint splatters and a dripping heart, symbolizing a community that is bold, expressive and impossible to erase.

"I am grateful for the history, the people and their stories that make New Hope and Lambertville a community where queer people are not just accepted, but celebrated,” said New Hope Celebrates President Melissa Patterson. “I am proud of the strength of our community, rich with so many LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors - and thrilled that we live and work in one of the great LGBTQ+ travel destinations in America. 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.”

PrideFest Schedule

PrideFest 2026 spans nine days of programming across both banks of the Delaware River, with events ranging from family-friendly gatherings to evening galas and dance parties.

NHC Best Cocktail Contest (May 1–24)

Participants are invited to sip their way through Pride during the Best Cocktail Contest. Creativity, community and a little friendly competition come together in one unforgettable experience. Sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and Corralejo Tequila, more than 16 local bars and restaurants will craft two pride inspired cocktails and one pride inspired mocktail. Participants will be asked to taste, rate and help select the ultimate fan favorite while exploring participating bars and restaurants.

Drag Queen Story Hour (Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m.)

The Free Library of New Hope and Solebury, 93 West Ferry Street, will host a celebration of diversity, inclusion and imagination with a Drag Queen Story Hour. Hosted by Diva Divine Monroe and Asia Leigh Monroe, the drag queens will share their favorite children's stories.

(New Hope Celebrates)

Odd Bird Happy Hour (Thursday, May 7 a 5 p.m.)

Community, craft brews and connection are on the menu at Odd Bird Brewing, 10 Risler Street in Stockton, N.J. Come and have a delicious craft beer and spend time with friends, neighbors and allies living out and proud at Odd Bird Brewery.

Flag Unfurling Ceremony (Saturday, May 9, 11:30 a.m.)

Kick off Pride and watch the Progress Pride Flag drop over the Starbucks Building in New Hope at Bridge & Main Streets followed by a reception with cocktails and hor d'oeuvres at Martine’s RiverHouse at 14 E Ferry Street, New Hope.

Pride Opening Tea Dance (Saturday, May 9 at 4 and 8 p.m.)

Celebrate the kickoff of Pride 2026 Pride In Full Color with a classic New Hope Tea Dance at The Cub Room, 400 West Bridge Street, New Hope. Admission is $10 at the door with all donations supporting New Hope Celebrates.

Pride with Purpose (Tuesday, May 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.)

At Pride With Purpose at the Logan Inn, 10 West Ferry Street, members of the international LGBTQ+ community will talk about their lives as they have transitioned into the U.S.

Pride Bingo (Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m.)

Miss Pumpkin and friends will host an evening of bingo at HollyHedge Estate, 6987 Upper York Road, New Hope, featuring prizes along with some drag performances. Pride Bingo will come to life as an “In Full Color” tie-dye party, inviting guests to embrace bold, expressive style through vibrant attire and creatively styled tables that reflect the spirit of pride. HollyHedge will be providing hors d’oeuvres from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and there will be a full cash only bar. Must be 21+ to attend.

Love Is Love Gala (Thursday, May 14, from 7 to 10 p.m.)

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 offering hard-to-get prizes - from concert tickets to major artists to luxury dining and travel experiences. Celebrate the evening with a live fashion show, catered food buffet, illustrators and a DJ to dance the night away. An elegant night of art, music and celebration!

Friday Pride Kickoff (Friday, May 15, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.)

Kick off Pridefest Weekend on Friday night at the Playhouse Barn, located in front of Bucks County Playhouse. NHC will host live music with Bill Harris and Jay Manas with light bites and a cash bar available.

Pride Parade (Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m.)

The famous two-state Pride Parade will step off at 11 a.m in Lambertville, N.J., before heading over the bridge into New Hope. Celebrate Pride In Full Color by cheering on dozens of businesses and organizations supporting Pride. Leading this year's parade will be the newly crowned Miss New Hope Celebrates 2026, Athena Chanteuse, who will march at the front of the procession before taking the PrideFest Live! stage. A Jewish Latina trans performer with powerhouse vocals and Broadway-caliber presence, Athena claimed the title at NHC's 6th Annual Pride Pageant, Reigning Color, and brings a commanding authenticity to this year's message of bold expression. In just four years in drag, she has earned accolades including Miss Bob and Barbara's 2025 and is a rising force in the Miss Gay Pennsylvania America system.

(New Hope Celebrates)

Pride Fair & PrideFest Live (Saturday, May 16, 12 to 5 p.m.)

Beginning immediately after the parade, the Pride Fair continues the celebration at Pride Park, 20 New Street, in a stunning outdoor setting, featuring a vibrant mix of local vendors, food and beverage offerings and LIVE music all day featuring Crystal Waters and Vincint. Guests can enjoy dancing, community, connection and an energetic atmosphere from start to finish.

Pride Saturday Night Dance Party (Saturday, May 16, 8 p.m. to Midnight)

Keep the party going after PrideFest with the 2026 Pride Saturday Night Dance Party at the New Hope Inn & Suites, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. Join NHC at New Hope Inn & Suites with DJ Trish playing high energy favorite hits 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 May 17. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.

Pride Sunday Closing Tea & Pool Party (Sunday, May 17 from 3 to 7 p.m.)

A Sunday Tea Dance & Pool Party at New Hope Inn & Suites will close out New Hope's 2026 PrideFest. 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 May 16 and the Sunday Closing Tea on May 17. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.

Applications Open

New Hope Celebrates 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.
* Pride Fair Vendors – Showcase crafts, clothing, food, or services while connecting with thousands of attendees.
* 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 the Delaware Rivertowns of New Hope and Lambertville.

For the full event schedule and more detailed information, visit: visitnewhopecelebrates.com . Follow for updates and previews on social media at @newhopecelebrates.