Current Volunteer Opportunities
Lead Volunteer Roles for Pride 2026
In order to make this year’s Pride a success, we need dedicated volunteers willing to meet with the leadership team in the Spring and be available during Pride weekend to support a safe, accessible, and connected Pride Festival for all.
Positions we need help with (click to jump to description):
General Volunteer Shifts for Ithaca Pride Festival 2026
Whether you’re an extrovert who can’t wait to help welcome people to the Festival, someone who excels behind the scenes getting materials from point A to point B, have a creative flair for decorating, or love working with kids & families, we have something for everyone!
All volunteers receive a free t-shirt, and those working on Sunday during Pride in the Park will receive food & drink vouchers from our sponsors.
Most shifts are 2.5hrs long, and you can swap or change shifts up until the week of Pride.
Get Involved: Pride Applications
Applications due April 18th, 2026
Vending & Performing
-
Many people attend Pride to learn more about LGBTQ+ resources in our community - get connected to thousands of Tompkins County households at our events. Organizations, businesses, and community groups that are interested in tabling will have two opportunities:
Saturday June 13th, 2026 from 3:00 - 10:00 pm on the Commons for Opening Ceremony & All-Ages Dance Party
Sunday June 14th, 2026 from from 10:00 - 6:00 pm at Dewitt Park and Cayuga Street for Ithaca Pride in the Park
Community tabling participants are not permitted to sell. These organizations offer information, activities, or provide resources to the community.
We appreciate it if you can provide your own tent and table - a limited number are available to reserve.
-
Exhibit your work, provide food & beverages, & sell your wares! Organizations, artists, businesses, and community groups that are interested in selling goods or services on site are welcome to join us for two opportunities:
Saturday June 13th, 2026 from 3:00 - 10:00 pm on the Commons for Opening Ceremony & All-Ages Dance Party
Sunday June 14th, 2026 from from 10:00 - 6:00 pm at Dewitt Park and Cayuga Street for Ithaca Pride in the Park
Food vending will be for Pride in the Park on Sunday only.
We appreciate if you can provide your own tent and table - a limited number are available to reserve.
-
Drag, musical acts, DJing and more! We can’t wait to see your artistic talents at work during Pride.
There are three opportunities to perform:
Friday June 12th at Noctural Cafe for Ithaca RainbowFest Queer Rock Concert (links & details to be provided by Ithaca Underground - keep an eye on IU social media and newsletters),
Saturday June 13th, 2026 from 3:00 - 10:00 pm on the Commons for Opening Ceremony & All-Ages Dance Party
Sunday June 14th, 2026 from from 10:00 - 6:00 pm at Dewitt Park and Cayuga Street for Ithaca Pride in the Park
Did you know the Ithaca Pride Festival is 100% funded by local businesses and donations, and powered exclusively by volunteers?
Volunteering
Sign up to volunteer anytime between now and June!
-
Do you have the time and passion to help take on a leadership role in organizing Pride? Supported by the Ithaca Pride Alliance Board & Pride Organizing Committee, lead volunteers help plan & execute key areas of pride:
Safety & Accessibility
Volunteer Coordination
Family & Kid Activities
Performing Acts
Vendor Coordination
& more! (what are you passionate about?)
-
In 2025, over 150+ members of the community donated an hour or more to make Pride a success!
We begin recruiting general volunteers in mid-Spring, so be sure to keep an eye out on social media and our email mailing list for sign-ups.
Shifts are typically in 2-hour blocks. Take a look at last year’s Pride volunteer registration page for an idea of the opportunities!
Sponsorship Opportunities
-
Ithaca Pride Festival is sponsored by local businesses making a difference in our community. To discuss sponsorship tiers and benefits, contact our Treasurer to see what we can do together.
-
In addition to business sponsorships, Pride is funded by hundreds of small individual donations from members of our community just like you.
Can you spare a one-time or recurring donation to make Pride a success?
Help Needed!
Can you step up as a Lead Volunteer?
In order to make this year’s Pride a success, we need dedicated volunteers willing to meet with the leadership team in the Spring and be available during Pride weekend to support the following roles. Applications are easy and we need your support - can you step up and volunteer? Interest due by April 18th.
Calling All Artists
$500 Prize to Design the 2026 Pride Festival Logo
Now accepting submissions of concept art (a well-developed sketch) that incorporates this year's theme, United We Rise. Artwork must work for a variety of sizes - small buttons, large banners, and t-shirts. The winning artist will be notified by April - the Ithaca Pride Alliance will work with the artist to develop the final design.
Submissions close Sunday March 29th, 2026.