Each May, the river towns of New Hope and Lambertville transform into an gathering place of color, music, and celebration as New Hope Celebrates (NHC) PrideFest returns. Taking place this year from Saturday, May 9 to Saturday, May 16, this annual event once again ushers in Pride season with a week-long series of festivities culminating in one of the region’s most memorable and uplifting parades.
Since its founding in 2003, New Hope Celebrates has intentionally held its Pride earlier than most. “Originally, it was done for two reasons,” said Melissa Patterson, president of NHC. “So that we would not conflict with other Prides in the area like Philadelphia and Asbury, and also because our founder, Dan Brooks, wanted to place it near Mother’s Day to honor local legend Mother Cavallucci.” “Mother”, a man in his early 30’s, openly and shamelessly wore bombshell day dresses, glamorous gowns and trendy jumpsuits in the late 1950’s, during a time when being homosexual or “different” was often dangerous, and in many states jail-worthy.
Today, with more than 1,000 Pride celebrations held worldwide, New Hope’s event continues to stand out, not just for its timing, but for “our community,” Patterson said simply. “I’ve had the privilege to be in the parade, and when I tell you there is nothing like it, I truly mean it; starting in Lambertville where families and neighbors line the streets, to coming over the bridge to a sea of people cheering. It really is emotional and fills your soul with hope.”
She describes the area as “the bubble,” a place where authenticity is not just accepted but embraced. “It’s a place where queer people can exhale, where you’re not just accepted, but embraced exactly as you are. It’s more than a place; it’s a feeling.”
PrideFest 2026 spans eight days, offering a mix of entertainment, social events, and community programming.
Among this year’s highlights are:
The centerpiece of PrideFest takes place on Saturday, May 16, at 11 am. The Pride Parade begins at Lambertville City Hall, the site of New Jersey’s first same-sex marriages in 2013, and crosses the Delaware River into New Hope via the New Hope & Lambertville Bridge.
It remains the only Pride parade in the country that crosses state lines.
“What makes our Pride even more unique is that we literally bridge communities,” Patterson said. “It represents unity across boundaries, showing that support doesn’t stop regardless of geographic or political lines.”
The parade features more than 1,800 participants, including marching bands, floats, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. A signature moment is the unfurling of NHC’s 100-foot Rainbow Equality Flag in eight colors.
Spectators can gather along the route or at three main viewing areas: Lambertville House on Bridge Street, Ferry and Main Streets in New Hope, and 97 South Main Street.
Among this year’s must-see moments? “Miss Pumpkin, who always ends our parade, will have a rainbow of Jeeps and drag queens escorting her,” Patterson said. “There are some really creative floats this year that will definitely entertain.”
Following the parade, the celebration continues at Pride Park at the southern end of Main Street in New Hope. From noon to 5 pm, the Pride Fair offers vendors, food, games, and community resources, along with live entertainment.
Headlining this year’s PrideFest Live concert are Crystal Waters and Vincint. Additional performers include Apocalypse Noir from NYC and local singer Jake Ortiz, as well as various drag performers.
NCH board member Quinten Darling (also a former Miss New Hope Celebrates 2024) said, "I am incredibly excited for this year’s PrideFest Live Main Stage. The lineup truly has something for everyone, from old school favorites to fresh new voices, from dazzling drag to incredible local talent, and from rising stars to global icons. This stage is a celebration of queer artistry, queer joy, and the power of our community coming together. It is bold, vibrant, and unforgettable, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience it.”
Beyond the festivities, PrideFest has a significant cultural and economic impact on the region.
“Culturally, PrideFest reinforces New Hope’s identity as one of the most welcoming and affirming communities,” Patterson said. “New Hope doesn’t just accept the LGBTQ+ community; it truly celebrates it.”
The influx of more than 15,000 visitors each year also provides a boost to local businesses, from restaurants and shops to hotels and galleries. “It encourages longer stays, increased spending, and repeat visits,” she added.
As PrideFest 2026 approaches, Patterson hopes attendees leave with more than just memories.
“I hope people walk away feeling a deep sense of connection, pride, and belonging,” she said. “Pride is not just a celebration; it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, the resilience of our community, and the work that still lies ahead.
“Most of all. I hope they leave with happiness in their hearts and a renewed commitment to showing up for one another long after the celebration ends.”
Ryan Segura, VP of Events, added, "We are living in an uncertain climate where the LGBTQ+ community feels uncertain and anxious about how and where they belong. I would hope they would leave our Pride festivities confident in their identity and sense of belonging knowing there is a strong resilient community here to support them."
