FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2026
Henderson KY Pride Announces Pride ’26 Festival, Featuring Headliner Jaida Essence Hall
HENDERSON, KY — Henderson KY Pride has officially announced Pride ’26, the organization's third annual festival, set to take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Central Park in Henderson, featuring nationally recognized performer Jaida Essence Hall as the event’s headliner.
The annual celebration will run from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a full day of programming centered on community, visibility, and engagement. The event will open with an Opening Ceremony at 2:00 PM, followed by performances, speakers, and activities throughout the day.
The evening will end with the main drag show beginning at 8:00 PM on the Winston Main Stage, presented through the support of New Hope Animal Rescue Charitable Gaming, where Jaida Essence Hall—winner of Season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race—will headline an evening of performances.
Pride ’26 is expected to be the largest event the organization has hosted to date, featuring over 70 vendors, including local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. The festival will also include a beer garden experience, “The Pour at Pride,” sponsored by Beverage Barn and Henderson Brewing Co., offering attendees a dedicated space to gather while enjoying views of the Winston Main Stage.
Following the festival, the official Pride ’26 afterparty will take place, providing an additional opportunity for attendees to continue the celebration. This event will be 18+, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.
“This is a significant, and huge, step forward for our organization and for our community,” said Cooper Beck, Founder & Executive Director of Henderson KY Pride. “We’re continuing to grow Pride in a way that reflects Henderson. Bringing people together, creating opportunities for connection, creating spaces of inclusion, and building something that the entire community can take pride in year after year.”
Since its founding, Henderson KY Pride has focused on providing accessible, inclusive programming while strengthening connections across the community. The festival remains free and family-friendly, with expanded programming and entertainment planned throughout the day.
With continued growth, increased regional attention, and the securement of one of the most highly recognized figure in the drag community, the organization anticipates attendance from across the surrounding tri-state area, Western Kentucky, and out of state visitors.
For more information, media inquiries, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Henderson KY Pride
📧 info@hendersonkypride.org
Pride ’26 —
Henderson, Kentucky
Pride ’26 returns to Downtown Henderson, Kentucky, bringing our community together for a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, visibility, and belonging.
-
Enjoy a full day of live entertainment featuring local and regional performers, community talent, and special guests. From music to drag to spoken word and more, the Pride ’26 stage will showcase voices that reflect the diversity and creativity of our community.
(Who do you think the headliner will be? Stay tuned.)
-
Explore a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors, including:
Local small businesses and makers
LGBTQIA+ artists and creators
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
Community resources and services
Vendor applications will open soon.
-
Pride ’26 will feature food trucks and local food vendors offering a range of options throughout the day, including family-friendly selections and festival favorites.
-
A dedicated 21+ beer garden will be available for guests to enjoy responsibly while supporting Pride ’26. Valid ID required for entry.
-
Pride ’26 is designed to be welcoming for all ages. Families can enjoy interactive activities, community engagement opportunities, and a safe, affirming environment in the heart of Downtown Henderson.
-
At its core, Pride ’26 is about connection, visibility, and belonging. This event creates space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to come together, celebrate openly, and show that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued in our community.
Get Involved
🤝 Volunteer
Volunteers are essential to making Pride ’26 possible.
Day-Of Volunteers – Support event operations on Pride Day, including setup, hospitality, and breakdown.
Sign-ups will be available June 1st.
🎤 Perform
We are accepting performance applications for Pride ’26, including music, drag, dance, spoken word, and other live acts.
🛍️ Be a Vendor
Pride ’26 will feature a wide range of vendors, including local businesses, artists, food vendors, and community organizations.
💼 Sponsor Pride ’26
Sponsoring Pride ’26 is an opportunity to visibly support LGBTQIA+ inclusion while connecting with thousands of community members in Downtown Henderson.