Pride is coming into full view in New Hope and Lambertville.
The two LGBTQ+-friendly small towns will join forces May 9 to 17 for one of the season’s first major celebrations, themed “PRIDE in Full Color.” The weeklong event will feature a parade, dance parties, galas and more, turning both communities into a vibrant hub of celebration.
"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,” says 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 spans nine days of programming across both banks of the Delaware River, and it all kicks off with a Flag Unfurling Ceremony on May 9, at 11:30 a.m. While there, locals can watch as the Progress Pride Flag drops over the Starbucks building in New Hope on Bridge and Main streets and then stick around for a reception with cocktails and hor d'oeuvres at Martine’s RiverHouse.
Opening weekend will also feature a Pride Opening Tea Dance (May 9, 4 to 8 p.m.), where all donations will go to support New Hope Celebrates — a volunteer-powered nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community through events and year-round initiatives.
During the week, the celebrations will continue with an educational evening and discussion dubbed Pride with Purpose (May 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), then Pride Bingo with Miss Pumpkin and Friends (May 13, 6 p.m.) and the Love is Love Gala (May 14, 7 to 10 p.m.)
The final weekend will be packed with events as well: There’s the Friday Night Pride Kickoff on May 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and the Pride Parade on Saturday, May 16. With the parade, the festivities will start at 11 a.m., in Lambertville, New Jersey, and then head over the bridge into New Hope.
As a release notes, 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, Chanteuse has claimed titles at NHC's 6th Annual Pride Pageant, Reigning Color and Miss Bob and Barbara's 2025.
New Hope’s 2026 PrideFest celebration will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at Pride Park, immediately following the parade. The Fair offers an outdoor atmosphere with local vendors, food and drinks, and live music throughout the day, including performances by Crystal Waters and Vincint.
The festivities will continue that evening from 8 p.m. to midnight with the Pride Saturday Night Dance Party at the New Hope Inn & Suites, featuring DJ Trish. Then on Sunday, May 17, the celebration will wrap up with a Closing Tea Dance and Pool Party from 3 to 7 p.m. at the same venue, with music, entertainment, and poolside cocktails. Admission is $20 for Saturday and $25 for Sunday, or $35 for a combined ticket covering both events. Both evening events are 21+ with ID required at entry.
You can also get involved yourself: Individuals and groups can join the Pride Parade (registration due by April 30) or participate as Pride Fair vendors, showcasing crafts, clothing, food, or services to thousands of attendees.
Volunteers are also welcome to help plan and support events throughout the festival. Additional opportunities include partnering with New Hope Celebrates to gain visibility while supporting LGBTQ+ programming, as well as contributing individually through the Champion of Pride initiative, which helps fund and sustain these community events through charitable giving.
For a full event schedule and more detailed information, visit: newhopecelebrates.com
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