HENDERSON, KY — A “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star will be headlining the third annual Pride ’26 festival in Henderson this summer.
Henderson KY Pride has announced that the third annual Pride ’26 will be held Saturday, June 27 in Central Park in Henderson. The festival will feature nationally recognized performer Jaida Essence Hall as the event’s headliner, according to a news release.
The annual celebration will run from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering a full day of programming centered on community, visibility, and engagement. The event will open with an Opening Ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by performances, speakers, and activities throughout the day.
The evening will end with the main drag show beginning at 8 p.m. on the Winston Main Stage, presented through the support of New Hope Animal Rescue Charitable Gaming. Hall— the winner of Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race—will headline an evening of performances.
Pride ’26 is expected to be the largest event the organization has hosted to date, featuring over 70 vendors, including local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. The festival will also include a beer garden experience, “The Pour at Pride,” sponsored by Beverage Barn and Henderson Brewing Co., offering attendees a dedicated space to gather while enjoying views of the Winston Main Stage.
“This is a significant, and huge, step forward for our organization and for our community,” said Cooper Beck, Founder & Executive Director of Henderson KY Pride. “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.”
Following the festival, the official Pride ’26 afterparty will take place, providing an additional opportunity for attendees to continue the celebration. This event will be 18+, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Since its founding, Henderson KY Pride said it 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.
Event Details:
Event: Pride ’26
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Location: Central Park, Henderson, KY
Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Opening Ceremony: 2:00 PM
Main Drag Show: 8:00 PM (Winston Main Stage)
Headliner: Jaida Essence Hall
Vendors: 70+
Features: Live performances, community organizations, food vendors, beer garden
Afterparty: 18+ (details coming soon)
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