NWPA Pride Alliance Announces 2026 "Make Waves" Season and Summer Event Lineup

ERIE, PA - April 13, 2026 - The NWPA Pride Alliance is officially announcing "Make Waves" as the theme for the 2026 Pride season. This summer, we are calling on the local LGBTQIA+ community to be visible and loud. Just taking up space creates a wave of change across Northwest Pennsylvania. And we want everyone to join us.

Our main events kick off with the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 14, taking over State Street in Downtown Erie.
Next up is Pride on the Bay at Liberty Park on Saturday, June 27.
Then we bring the celebration south for Pride on the Diamond in Meadville on Saturday, July 25.
The summer wraps up with the 33rd Annual Pride Picnic at Presque Isle State Park on Saturday, August 15. All events feature free admission and are open to the public.

Local queer artists, makers, and small businesses can register now to secure a booth at Pride on the Bay. Organizations are also welcome to share their services and support networks. But we can't do this alone. Area businesses can show their support for inclusion by becoming an official sponsor.

To register as a vendor, become a sponsor, or find more details on our full summer schedule, visit nwpapride.org.

NWPA Pride Alliance has been uniting and celebrating the queer community in Erie and Crawford Counties since 1992. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our goal is to improve visibility, promote acceptance, and create an inclusive space for all in Northwest Pennsylvania. We rely on the support of community partners to host over 20 annual events, offering them free of charge to attendees whenever possible.

About the Author

Patrick Hiller

Patrick Hiller is an award-winning entrepreneur, graphic designer, and web developer based in Erie, PA, where he operates Whee! Studios. Over his career, he has provided design, web development, and merchandising services for numerous local and national organizations, including creating the annual t-shirt designs for the NWPA Pride Alliance for several years. Through his Whee! Design brand, Patrick creates fun, inclusive LGBTQ+ merchandise focused on celebration and identity. A dedicated community collaborator, he lends his creative and technical expertise to various regional LGBTQ+ initiatives and organizations.