NASHUA, NH — The Downtown Nashua Association (DNA) is hosting the 2026 Nashua PRIDE Festival for the first time on June 20 at Holman Stadium. DNA has been working side by side with the Pride Empowerment Network (PEN) to create a larger-than-life celebration that remains free to attend, spans Downtown Nashua, and offers something for everyone.
This year’s event committee selected New Hampshire Outright as the beneficiary organization for event proceeds. NH Outright’s Nashua chapter recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in April and continues to provide important support and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth across the region.
The festival at Holman Stadium will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. and will be colorful, energetic, and packed with entertainment and activities. Attendees can expect performances throughout the day, LGBTQIA+ resources, activities for kids, food trucks, concessions, a beer tent provided by Holman Stadium, and a growing lineup of vendors and attractions.
Big Gay Events will bring 10 queens to Nashua for two major drag performances during the festival. The queens will also take part in a “Find the Queen” game happening throughout downtown during the day before heading to the official PRIDE afterparty upstairs at Martha’s Exchange Restaurant & Brewery, with doors opening at 8:30 p.m.
But the celebration does not stop when the festival ends. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., attendees can head to the new Pavilion Stage on the Riverwalk for a concert featuring VICES Inc. before continuing the night downtown. Downtown businesses will keep the party going all day and into the evening with celebrations happening throughout the district.
Just a taste of the new attractions this year includes a 20-foot rainbow swingset, a Disco Dome party bounce house, and more exciting additions still to be announced.
Beyond the stadium festivities, Downtown Comes Out will invite attendees to explore Downtown Nashua through a PRIDE passport activity. Passports can be picked up at participating downtown businesses during theweek leading up to the event, and attendees who complete their passports will receive special PRIDE giveaways.
This year’s festivities will kick off with a parade by the City at 1:30 p.m. beginning at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial on Nashville Street and ending at Holman for the start of the Festival. Organizers are excited to expand Nashua PRIDE into a full-day experience with more entertainment, more activities, and more opportunities for the community to gather, celebrate, and support one another.
While attendance is free, you do need to register.
For more information, tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or vendor applications, visit https://downtownnashua.org/nashua-pride/.