“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/
