Celebrate Love and Acceptance at New Hope PrideFest
New Hope, Pennsylvania, is ranked by Vacationer Magazine, Time Out and numerous other publications as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly towns in America. Every year, New Hope celebrates its inclusive spirit by joining with Lambertville, our New Jersey neighbor, for PrideFest. Now in its 20th year, this two-day event in May draws thousands of visitors from all over the region, as well as locals, who come to celebrate love, diversity and acceptance. If you're coming to town for the PrideFest parade, fair and other activities, we invite you to stay at the Inn at Bowman's Hill, our luxurious bed-and-breakfast where everyone is welcome.
The 2023 PrideFest kicks off on Friday, May 19, with a luau at Under the Moon in Lambertville. There will be a DJ, stilt walker, tarot card readers and drag queens. Grab your coconuts and Mai Tais and get ready for an exhilarating night of dancing and entertainment. Also on Friday, Havana in New Hope is hosting Yellow Brick Road, a tribute to Elton John. Sing along to all of your favorites like "Crocodile Rock," "Bennie and the Jets," and "Rocket Man."
The signature event of PrideFest — the Pride Parade — starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20. Spanning two states, the parade route begins at Lambertville City Hall and continues down Bridge Street, crossing the Delaware River into New Hope. The parade is open to everyone who wants to join in the fun, with more than 1,000 participants expected. In over-the-top parade style, there will be marching bands, colorful floats, drag performers and more. LGBTQ+ community groups and their allies will be well-represented in the parade, wearing bright and bold outfits and waving rainbow flags to show their pride and support.
Following the parade is the Pride Fair at the end of South Main Street in New Hope. From noon to 5 p.m., booths will be set up with vendors selling crafts, jewelry, apparel and plenty of rainbow-themed merchandise. The live entertainment at the Pride Fair is always impressive, with a range of musicians and performers taking to the outdoor stage throughout the day, plus a DJ spinning tunes. The fair is also a great opportunity to discover local businesses and organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community and learn about topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health resources and political advocacy.
One of the great things about the New Hope PrideFest is the sense of community it creates. It brings together people from all walks of life who share a common goal of promoting equality and acceptance. The festival is open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and is a safe and welcoming space for people to express themselves. With more than 1,000 annual Pride celebrations held worldwide, come see what makes the New Hope PrideFest so special and spectacular. We have a few suites at the Inn at Bowman's Hill still available for 2023's PrideFest weekend, so call and book your stay today!
