Henderson KY Pride announced Friday that Pride ’26 will feature a nationally recognized performer at its third annual festival on June 27 in Central Park.
The festival will be 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
According to a release from the organization, the main drag show will begin at 8 p.m. on the Winston Main Stage where Jaida Essence Hall, the winner of Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. This event is presented through the support of New Hope Animal Rescue Charitable Gaming, according to the release.
The event will include performances, speakers and activities throughout the day, said the release.
Pride ’26 is expected to be the largest event the organization has hosted to date, featuring more than 70 vendors, including local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations, said the release.
The festival will also include a beer garden experience, “The Pour at Pride,” sponsored by Beverage Barn and Henderson Brewing Co.
Following the festival, the official Pride ’26 afterparty will take place. This event will be 18-plus, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks, said the release.
“This is a significant, and huge, step forward for our organization and for our community,” said Cooper Beck, the founder and executive director of Henderson KY Pride, in a prepared statement. “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, said the release.
With continued growth, increased regional attention, and the securement of one of the most highly recognized figure in the drag community, the organization anticipates visitors from across the surrounding tri-state area, western Kentucky and out-of-state visitors.
For more information, contact Henderson KY Pride at info@hendersonkypride.org.
