Parisa Burton 
The Montclair Pride Festival, one of the city’s most anticipated events, initially announced a date for June 13th, 2026. The organizer, nonprofit group Out Montclair, later announced that it would be moved to August 1st. However, October 11th is now being considered as the new date, according to Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville, who also stated that the August date had not been approved by the township. Since its launch in 2022, Montclair Pride has brought vendors, entertainment, and community activities together in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Read on to learn more about Montclair Pride 2026 and what to expect.
About the Event
Out Montclair announced on June 2nd that the celebration will be moved to August 1st after facing significant funding challenges, including rising event costs and a decline in corporate sponsorship support. This was also announced on its official website. Now in its fifth year, the event is expected to host live music, drag performances, food trucks, vendors, bar areas, a family zone, and an evening street-dance party.
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The website also states that this year’s festival will relocate to Lackawanna Station in Montclair, with appearances by community organizations and LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
Mayor Baskerville told NJ.com that Montclair Pride’s August date hadn’t been approved by the township, as is presents logistical problems for Montclair, being that it coincides with other summer events and the vacation season for police, firefighters, and other essential workers who need to be on duty.
“I was dumbfounded, as was everybody else,” Mayor Baskerville said.
Despite her concerns, she is still confident it’s going to happen. Per an interview with Eyewitness News, she stated, “I’ve known this group and the people that are part of the Out Montclair for quite a while. I have every confidence that they will move forward and that we will have an amazing event.” October 11th is in the air as the new date, which will fall on the same day as National Coming Out Day.
About Out Montclair
Out Montclair was founded in 2021 as a non-profit organization to support and provide solidarity for LGBTQIA+ individuals in and around Montclair. The organization hosts events to bring the community together and provide safe spaces to find friendship, camaraderie, and resources for people of all ages. Reflecting the community of creative, compassionate, and fun-loving LGBTQIA+ individuals who live in and around Montclair, this volunteer-run organization places a special focus on programs specifically designed for teens, 21+, families, and 50+.
The first-ever Montclair Pride Festival was held on Saturday, June 11th, 2022, in Downtown Montclair. It had an impressive turnout, with nearly 100 vendors and sponsors from Montclair and the surrounding areas and drew an estimated crowd of about 15,000 attendees. Local restaurants + businesses showcased delicious food and locally made products in booths for attendees to enjoy.
Out Montclair put out a public call for financial help after losing key sponsorships this year, including its presenting sponsor, Audi, its presenting sponsor. There is also a GoFundMe for donations to the event, with a goal of raising $55,000.
Read more: LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair + Essex County
Stay updated with Out Montclair and the Montclair Pride Festival here, as well as on Instagram. If you are interested in volunteering at the festival, email [email protected], and if you want to become an Out Montclair donor, email [email protected].
To stay up to date on the latest Montclair + Northern New Jersey happenings, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here, and check out our events calendar.
