New Hope Will "Rise With Pride" For An Unforgettable Weekend

NEW HOPE, PA — New Hope Borough and its riverfront neighbor, Lambertville, New Jersey, will be
beaming with pride on Saturday as this year's PrideFest Parade makes its way from New Jersey into Pennsylvania.

The parade is presented by New Hope Celebrates as part of this year's LGBTQ+ Pride Festival taking place now through May 18. This year’s theme, “Together, We Rise! – Defying Fear, Embracing Hope,” is a rallying cry for resilience, inclusion, and joy, brought to life by unforgettable performances and additional celebrations throughout the month.

To kick off PrideFest weekend, a drone show will light up the sky on Friday night, May 16 over the Delaware River between New Hope and Lambertville. The display is a joint effort between New Hope Celebrates and Visit New Hope. The show is scheduled to begin at 9:10 p.m. Parking is available at New Hope-Solebury High School and Union Square on Bridge Street. There is a fee to park.

Saturday brings the NHC’s Pride Parade to the streets of Lambertville and New Hope stepping off at 11 a.m. in New Jersey and proceeding across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania with more than 1,500 participants from local businesses, nonprofits, national marching bands, floats, and NHC’s 100 foot Rainbow Equality Flag, donated by the Logan Inn and Landmark Hospitality.

Two storytellers from CBS News Philadelphia will serve as this year’s Pride Parade Grand Marshals. Josh Sanders is a journalist who brings a passion for storytelling and LGBTQ+ advocacy to everything he does, on and off screen. Alongside him is Jim Donovan, a 15-time Emmy Award-winning anchor known for his impactful consumer reporting and unwavering support for the community. During their time in New Hope, they’ll be filming for an upcoming CBS Pride special, “The Heart of Pride” — a tribute to love, resilience, and the 10th anniversary of Marriage Equality in the U.S.

Josh Sanders and Jim Donovan CBS News Philadelphia.

The parade will be followed by the Pride Fair taking place at Pride Park at the corner of New Street and South Main Street highlighting local LGBTQ+ artists, food vendors, nonprofits, professional services, and retailers.

PrideFest Live, an outdoor concert with live entertainment, will run from 12 to 5 p.m. as part of Pride Fair. It will be held at Pride Park, located at New Street and South Main Street in the American Legion Parking Lot. The stage is generously sponsored by the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program.

Headlining this year’s event is Deborah Cox, Grammy-nominated singer, Broadway actress, and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee. Known for her record-breaking R&B hits like “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” Deborah brings her legendary vocals to the PrideFest stage. Cox is an LGBTQ+ icon who has a passion for advocacy and continues to shape music and culture.

Deborah Cox will perform at PrideFest Live on Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. (New Hope Celebrates)

NHC will also introduce this year’s Pride Pageant winners: Miss New Hope Celebrates 2025, Asia Leigh Monroe, and Mr. New Hope Celebrates 2025, Ricky Suave. Asia, a Philadelphia-based drag queen and trans trailblazer, is celebrated for her dynamic stage presence and dedication to community-building. Ricky, a Latin drag king from Puerto Rico, brings fierce charisma and a fearless spirit that breaks the mold and embodies Pride’s boldness.

Here is the weekend lineup of PrideFest Events

• Friday Night Kickoff, May 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. - Hear an intimate performance by Olivia Eden, a singer-songwriter from The Voice Season 24 along with community vibes, and the first drone show of the season at The Barn at Bucks County Playhouse. Limited tickets on Eventbrite.
• Pride Parade, May 17 at 11 a.m. - The iconic parade will march from Lambertville, N.J., to New Hope, featuring 1,500+ participants, dazzling floats, marching bands, community groups, and NHC’s 100-foot Rainbow Equality Flag made possible by the Logan Inn and Landmark Hospitality.
• Pride Fair & PrideFest Live!, May 17 from 12 to 5 p.m. - The celebration continues at Pride Park with LGBTQ+ vendors, artists, food trucks, nonprofits, and electrifying performances on the PrideFest Live! stage.
• Saturday Night Pride Dance Party, May 17 from 8 p.m. to midnight - At New Hope Inn & Suites, dance the night away with DJ Trish and your Pride crew. Must be 21+. Limited tickets on Eventbrite.
• A Salute to the Cartwheel, May 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. - At New Hope Inn & Suites, celebrate the legacy of the iconic LGBTQ+ venue with live piano, stories, and memories. Free admission, donations support NHC History.
• Sunday Pride Closing Tea Dance & Pool Party, May 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. - At New Hope Inn & Suites, wrap up PrideFest with DJ Shaw, performances by Mr. & Miss New Hope Celebrates, and drinks in great company. Must be 21+. Limited tickets on Eventbrite.

The event is presented by Platinum Partners: Ghost Light Inn & Stella of New Hope, Logan Inn, River House at Odette's, and Tito's Vodka, and Gold Partners: Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Capital Health, and Corralejo Tequila.

Members of the Big Apple Corps perform during the 2024 Pride Parade. (Jeff Werner/Patch)