Make Waves: NWPA Pride Alliance Announces Annual Picnic and Waldameer Pride Day

From NW PA Pride Alliance

Get ready to make some waves! NWPA Pride Alliance has lined up a massive weekend of community celebration, family-friendly fun, and sun-soaked excitement for mid-August.

The festivities kick off on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with a beloved local tradition: the 33rd Annual Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion on Presque Isle State Park. Running from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, this free-admission, family-friendly event features a community potluck, so remember to bring a dish to share. The afternoon will also include the annual family portrait. We are actively seeking donations for our raffle baskets. If you or your business would like to contribute a basket, please reach out.

The celebration keeps rolling right into Sunday, August 16, 2026, for Pride Day at Waldameer and Water World. Water World opens at 11:00 AM, followed by the main park opening at noon. The queer community will be gathering throughout the day at Coaster Pavilion I. Discounted one-day combo passes are available for $35 plus service fees and can be picked up at the pavilion.

For complete event schedules, park guidelines, raffle donation drop-off details, and to purchase your Waldemeer combo passes in advance, visit nwpapride.org.

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.