Making Waves: A Massive Thank You for Pride on the Bay

NWPA Pride Alliance extends a huge thank you to everyone who made Pride on the Bay on June 27, 2026, an absolute triumph. At least 3,000 attendees, vendors, performers, and staff came together for an incredible day on the water.

An event of this scale is a massive undertaking, and it would not be possible without incredible community backing. Deepest gratitude goes out to presenting sponsor Erie Insurance, alongside vital donors Wegmans, PNC Bank, Macy's, Central Outreach, Community Health Net, Whee Studios, and Erie Gay News. A special thank you also goes to PACA for their exceptional support, as well as to all of the vendors, community tables, and food trucks that kept the energy high all afternoon.

The entertainment kept the crowd moving from start to finish. DJ Jaden and Nequia5 provided the perfect vibe to keep the dance floor packed. The stellar local drag lineup was masterfully hosted by Misty Michaels Kall and Debbie Does Drag, and featured show-stopping performances from Alysin Wonderland, Katrina Twerk Island, Shea D'Heaux, Snarebear, Ann Ziety, Leona Fantasy, and reigning Miss Erie Alejandra J-love. To top it all off, Erie native and global drag superstar Alaska 5000 delivered a spectacular headlining performance, making her homecoming an unforgettable highlight for the region.

NWPA Pride is an entirely volunteer-run organization that works year-round to bring these vital events to Northwest Pennsylvania. While it takes an immense amount of hard work behind the scenes, every single minute was worth it to see such a beautiful day and an enthusiastic crowd.

The waves don't stop here, though. The celebration continues later this month, and the team hopes to see everyone down in Meadville on Saturday, July 25th for Pride on the Diamond. For photos and future event details, 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.