“United We Rise”: Ithaca Pride Festival Expands for 2026 Celebration, June 12–14
The FMs, a queer Ithaca-based band, performs at the 2025 Ithaca Pride Festival “Pride in the Park”
ITHACA, NY — May 27, 2026 — The Ithaca Pride Alliance will host its expanded third annual Ithaca Pride Festival from June 12–14, 2026. Under the theme “United We Rise,” the festival will bring three days of live music, drag performances, local artists, family programming, community resources, and LGBTQ+ celebration to downtown Ithaca.
Last year’s festival drew nearly 5,000 attendees from across Tompkins County and surrounding communities, and organizers expect even larger crowds over the three days in 2026. Powered entirely by community support, the Ithaca Pride Festival has quickly grown into one of the region’s largest volunteer-run LGBTQ+ celebrations, drawing attendees from across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region.
Festival organizers say this year’s “United We Rise” theme reflects both celebration and solidarity amid growing national attention on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. At a time when communities across the country are facing mounting attacks and division, Pride is about showing up for one another.
"Over the past year, we have seen attempts to silence our community and fragment our movement," said Andrew Scheldorf, Chair of the Ithaca Pride Alliance. "Only by standing together in the fight for the liberation of all do we have a chance to be truly free."
This year’s Grand Marshal is Luca Maurer, Executive Director for Student Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging at Ithaca College, and a pioneering local activist who co-founded New York State’s first transgender rights organization in the 1990s.
A Weekend of Exciting Programming The festival features a wide array of musical acts, drag artists, family zones, and community resources across three action-packed days:
Friday, June 12 — RainbowFest Queer Rock Concert at The Nocturnal Café
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM; performances run from 7:00 PM–1:00 AM.
Details: Features musicians, drag performers, and visual artists.
Tickets: $10 advance / $15 at the door.
Saturday, June 13 — Opening Celebration & All-Ages Dance Party at the Bernie Milton Pavilion and Ithaca Commons
Time: 3:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Details: Features community resource tabling, performances, and a DJ light show. The Opening Ceremony begins at 6:00 PM with remarks from Luca Maurer and local officials, followed by an all-ages dance party.
Tickets: FREE.
Sunday, June 14 — Pride in the Park at Dewitt Park, North Cayuga Street, and the Ithaca Commons
Time: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Details: Features more than 100 local artists, vendors, and community organizations. Includes numerous all-ages activities, two stages of entertainment, Drag Story Hour, Yoga in the Park, live bands, and a multi-part drag show.
Tickets: FREE.
Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusivity To ensure the festival is welcoming to all members of the community, the Ithaca Pride Alliance has instituted dedicated Access Hours on Saturday (3:00 PM–4:00 PM) and Sunday (10:00 AM–Noon). During these times, there will be no amplified sound or stage lights, and masking is strongly encouraged. Wheelchair-accessible facilities and dedicated accessibility coordinators will be present throughout the weekend.
How to Get Involved As a 100% volunteer-run organization, the Ithaca Pride Alliance relies on community support to make the festival possible. To view the full festival schedule, volunteer, donate, or learn more, visit ithacapridealliance.org or follow @ithacapridealliance on Instagram and Facebook.
About Ithaca Pride Alliance Formed in 2023, the Ithaca Pride Alliance advances well-being, connection, and a sense of belonging for the LGBTQ+ community in Ithaca, NY, and Tompkins County. The Alliance serves as a central hub for inclusive community-building initiatives that activate a visible, joyful queer community. Ithaca Pride Alliance is a sponsored project of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) organization). Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Media Opportunities Visual highlights throughout the weekend include drag performances, live music, family programming, community gatherings, and festival activities across the Ithaca Commons and Dewitt Park.
Interviews are available with festival organizers, Ithaca Pride Alliance board members, and Grand Marshal Luca Maurer.
Media Contact: Ken Norcross, Treasurer, Ithaca Pride Alliance 607-327-2266
ithacapridealliance@gmail.com https://www.ithacapridealliance.org/
Ithaca Pride Alliance presents All Y’all 2025
ITHACA, N.Y.
Saturday, March 8, 2025 marks the 2nd Annual All Y’all Clothing Swap, presented by Ithaca Pride Alliance. The spring event will be held at the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) on the 3rd floor from 10 am to 2:30 pm with an access hour from 10am to 11am. This event is for all ages. During set up and the event, all volunteers with IPA will remain masked. The first hour of the event, designated an "Access Hour," will have no amplified sound and all attendees will be required to masks. Earplugs, N95 masks, and a quiet room will be available throughout the event. All indoor IPA events are fragrance free. IPA is also still seeking sponsors for the event. Community organizations interested are encouraged to contact fundraising@ithacapridealliance.org for further information. Those interested in tabling at the event can email member@ithacapridealliance.org.
“This is a great opportunity for folks to play with their personal style and that is really important for the queer and trans community,” Andrew Scheldorf, IPA Chair, said. “It’s also a kind of community building that is important for us to support.”
The Ithaca Pride Alliance is still looking for event volunteers. Those interested should fill out the All Y’all Volunteer Form to be contacted with further information. Those interested in year-around volunteer opportunities can fill out the volunteer form at the bottom of this page.
Information on clothing donations and drop off locations is forthcoming.
For interviews and general inquiries please reach out to contact@ithacapridealliance.org. Please allow 24 hours for responses.
IPA’s launch event in the news
The Ithaca Pride Alliance hosted our first event at the Community School of Music and Arts Feb. 3, 2024. The clothing swap was a success and we are excited to continue connecting with the Tompkins community.
From Tompkins Weekly: “After years of conversations among local organizations and leaders, the Ithaca Pride Alliance (IPA) has formed to serve as the first official group of organizers for LGBTQ+ focused events.”
From The Ithaca Journal: “The Ithaca Pride Alliance (IPA) announced it’s official formation in a statement Tuesday. The non-profit alliance aims to organize LGBTQ+ focused events and harbor more access, inclusivity, and safety for the LGBTQ+ community in Tompkins County.”
The Ithacan: “Reusable bags were filled with donated clothing at the Community School of Music and Arts Feb. 3 as about 140 people showed up to support the “All Y’all Clothing Swap,” the opening event for the newly formed Ithaca Pride Alliance.”