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, PA 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.
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. 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 2026 EVENT 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
Ages 21+ at 16+ Participating Bars and Restaurants
Sip your 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, local bars and restaurants will craft two pride inspired cocktails and one pride inspired mocktail. Taste, rate and help select the ultimate fan favorite while exploring participating bars and restaurants. 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
A celebration of diversity, inclusion and imagination
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am
Fre e Library of New Hope and Solebury, 93 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA
Join us Fre e Library of New Hope & Solebury as fabulous drag queens share their favorite children’s stories. Hosted by Diva Divine Monroe & Asia Leigh Monroe, former Miss New Hope Celebrates 2024 & 2025.
** Odd Bird Happy Hour
Thursday, May 7, 5:00pm
Community, craft brews and connection
Odd Bird Brewing, 10 Risler St, Stockton, NJ
Come and have a delicious craft beer and spend time with friends, neighbors and allies living out and proud at Odd Bird Brewery in Stockton, NJ.
** Flag Unfurling Ceremony
Saturday, May 9, 11:30am
Kick off Pride and watch the Progress Pride Flag drop over the Starbucks Building in New Hope, PA on Bridge & Main Streets. Followed by a reception with cocktails and hor d’oeuvres at Martine’s RiverHouse at 14 E Ferry St, New Hope, PA
** Pride Opening Tea Dance
Saturday, May 9, 4:00pm to 8:00pm
The Cub Room, 400 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA
Celebrate the kickoff of Pride 2026 Pride 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. Admission is $10 at the door, 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
Tuesday, May 12, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Logan Inn, 10 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA
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
Wednesday, May 13, 6:00pm
HollyHedge Estate, 6987 Upper York Rd, New Hope, PA
Miss Pumpkin and friends will host an evening of bingo featuring amazing prizes alongside some amazing 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 passed hors d’oeuvres from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, and there will be a full cash only bar. Must be 21+ to attend.
** Love Is Love Gala
Thursday, May 14, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
River House, Odette’s at 274 River Rd, New Hope, PA
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 Night Pride Kickoff
Friday, May 15, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Bill Harris & Jay Manas Playhouse Barn, 52 S Main St, New Hope, PA
Kick off Pridefest Weekend on Friday night at the Playhouse Barn, located in front of Bucks County Playhouse. NHC will host live music and light bites and a cash bar will be available.
** Pride Parade
Saturday, May 16, 11:00am
The region’s most iconic Pride parade marches from Lambertville, NJ into New Hope, PA
The famous two-state Pride Parade will begin at 11:00am, beginning in Lambertville, NJ and heading over the bridge into New Hope, PA. Celebrate Pride IN FULL COLOR by cheering on dozens of businesses and organizations supporting Pride!
Leading this year’s parade is 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.
** Pride Fair & PrideFest Live!
Saturday, May 16, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Pride Park, 20 New St, New Hope, PA
Full line-up of entertainers will be coming to the webpage soon!
Beginning immediately after the parade, our Pride Fair continues the celebration in a stunning outdoor setting, featuring a vibrant mix of local vendors, food and beverage offerings and LIVE music all day featuring Crystal Waters & Vincint. Guests can enjoy dancing, community, connection and an energetic atmosphere from start to finish.
** Pride Saturday Night Dance Party
Saturday, May 16, 8:00pm to Midnight
New Hope Inn & Suites, 6426 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA
Keep the party going after PrideFest with the 2026 Pride Saturday Night Dance Party. 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 5/17. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.
** Pride Sunday Closing Tea & Pool Party
Sunday, May 17, 3:00pm to 7:00pm
New Hope Inn & Suites, 6426 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA
Come one come all, for a Sunday Tea Dance & Pool Party to 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 5/16 and the Sunday Closing Tea on 5/17. Must be 21+ to enter. IDs will be checked at the door.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW 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, 2026.
* 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: visit newhopecelebrates.com. Follow for updates and previews on social media at @newhopecelebrates.
ABOUT HEADLINER CRYSTAL WATERS
Crystal Waters’ incredible career is marked by an impressive track record, including 12 #1 Billboard Dance Singles and 11 Top 10 Billboard Dance Hits, a testament to her enduring influence and consistent presence in the global dance music scene. Her debut hit “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” became a global phenomenon, followed by the decade-defining “100% Pure Love,” which spent 48 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and the club classic “Destination Calabria” with Alex Gaudino, which dominated European airwaves and festival stages alike, reaching #1 on the Billboard Global Dance Chart.
Her career has earned her six ASCAP Songwriter Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and three American Music Award nominations – solidifying her standing as one of music’s true icons. Waters’ influence extends far beyond the airwaves. Averaging nearly 100 million Spotify streams a year and reaching 3.8 million monthly listeners, her sound continues to resonate with global audiences.
As the curator and host of the I AM HOUSE Radio Show, Crystal reaches over 10.2 million listeners across 69 stations in 30 countries, plus an estimated 2 million more via SiriusXM’s Utopia. Every week, she brings together the best in house music—from underground heat to rising stars—further solidifying her role as a tastemaker and genre ambassador.
In 2025, she received two prestigious awards during Miami Music Week: the EDM Awards’ first-ever Female Icon Award and the Voice of House Award from FEMME, recognizing her impact on inclusivity and global dance culture. These milestones followed her 2024 induction into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy not only as a performer but as a pioneer and creator.
Her releases regularly chart across the UK and Europe, powered by remixes and collaborations with house legends like Todd Terry, David Morales, Michael Gray, OFFAIAH and Sandy Rivera (Kings of Tomorrow) – a testament to her deep roots and respect in the scene.
ABOUT HEADLINER VINCINT
Philadelphia-born Vincint is an American singer and songwriter who is best known as a finalist on the first season of the singing competition The Four. They released their debut EP, The Feeling on February 14, 2020. They later released their debut studio album, There Will Be Tears on June 11, 2021. They performed the song “Mission” on the Love, Victor season three soundtrack, released on June 15, 2022. In April 2025, Vincint released a cover of RuPaul’s “Supermodel (You Better Work)” with Trixie Mattel and performed it at Coachella. Vincint’s song, “Be Me”, was selected as the anthem for the fifth season of Queer Eye.
ABOUT NEW HOPE CELEBRATES
Hope Celebrates (NHC) is a 501C3 charitable organization focused on highlighting the history and cultural nuances of New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ while stimulating the retail, hospitality and professional community. NHC is composed of a Board of Directors that drives activities and events that serve the diverse LGBTQ+ populace through the creation and promotion of marketing opportunities, educational activities and cultural events. One such event is the annual, week-long Pride celebration held in May. Since 2003, NHC has organized events that recognize the strong LGBTQ+ presence in the New Hope area and celebrated the history and culture of our scenic river towns. Funding generated through New Hope Celebrates events is channeled back into the local community to support neighbors in collaborative business and cultural initiatives that make New Hope a great place for residents and visitors alike.