Pride Picnic 2026
Photo credit: Deborah Lannon Photography
Pride Month
Pride Month is an entire month (June) dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, and support for LGBTQ+ rights. It is part political activism, and part celebration of all the LGBTQ+ community has achieved over the years.
Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. At that time, police raids on bars catering to LGBTQ+ patrons were common, but that night, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back. While historical accounts of the night vary, the violent response ignited a national firestorm of activism that brought new visibility to the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality. As a result, many Pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact of LGBTQ+ people locally and around the world.
About the HW Pride Picnic: june 14, 2026 - Noon to 4pm
The HW Pride Picnic is a family-friendly event for all ages created by the Hamilton-Wenham Human Rights Coalition (HWHRC) to celebrate Pride month and create a safe space to uplift the LGBTQ+ community. The first HW Pride Picnic was held in June 2021 and has received over 400 attendees annually.
This year's event will have live music, arts & crafts activities, kite-making, lawn games, a book walk hosted by the HW Library, spaces to talk with other LGBTQ+ folks and allies, Drag 101 makeup tutorials, and opportunities for further learning. We will have limited food vendors, or you can bring your own picnic lunch. There will also be a vendor market with booths for businesses and nonprofit organizations that are LGBTQ+ owned, operated, or allied.
The 2026 Pride Picnic will be held at Patton Homestead (650 Asbury St, South Hamilton, MA) on Sunday, June 14 from 12-4pm.
returning this year: Dr. Viola Voilà
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Viola Voilà to this year's Pride Picnic! Dr. Voilà holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Viola Performance and will perform a live musical set as well as offer instructional sessions in Drag Makeup 101. Based right here on the North Shore, Dr. Voilà (aka Dr. Kasey Calebaugh) also teaches at the Suzuki School of Newton and performs regularly throughout New England and worldwide.
new this year: stage 284
“Being Alive Cabaret,” presented by Stage 284 and directed by Kate Rubel, is a musical theatre cabaret sure to put a smile on your face! The songs in this medley remind us that pride is not only an acceptance of self, but a celebration of identity. This group of vocalists worked on a wide variety of songs to remind us that pride is vulnerability, strength, and bravery. It is a reminder that being ourselves is what allows us to be alive. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
food trucks
The event is a picnic, so attendees are more than welcome to BYO lunch and find a comfy spot on the lawn. However, if you don't feel like packing a basket (or just want a treat), there will also be food available for purchase from the vendors below.
live music
Evie Packineau & Bea Martin-Epstein
Evie Packineau and Bea Martin-Epstein are two juniors in high school. They have been making music together for five years and take inspiration from artists like Brandi Carlile, The Indigo Girls, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and more. Get ready for a hype and upbeat set with music from your favorite queer artists!
The In-Betweeners are back for their third year playing at the Pride Picnic! This high-energy local band plays a wide range of songs that you are going to want to sing and dance to. From '80s anthems to today's hits, the band is bringing the party with a whole bunch of songs you love and some that you forgot you loved! Joining them onstage is local Hamilton-Wenham resident Rachel Clayton, with her amazing vocals and acoustic guitar playing, giving the band a new depth and even wider range of songs!
2026 vendors: spaces still available - FrEE to register
2026 vendor list:
2026 Sponsors: we need your support
Flagship Sponsors:
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banner Sponsors:
Rainbow Sponsors:
community partners & Supporters:
get involved
Volunteer
We had around 400 attendees last year and are expecting even more this year, so we need your help to make sure the event runs smoothly! We have shifts available for setup, cleanup, and during the event. Refreshments are provided for volunteers, and break and shift times are flexible. High school student volunteers will receive graduation credit for their time!
HELP WITH SUPPLIES
To pull off a successful event, we need a little help with some day-of essentials like tents, chairs, drinks/snacks for volunteers, yard games, and more! If you're able to help contribute some supplies, please check out our SignUp Genius below.
donate
Donations enable us to make this event happen by funding things like supplies for fun activities and less glamorous things like rental fees or porta potties. We hope that 2025's Pride Picnic will be even bigger and better than last year, and we need your financial support to make that happen. Any money you donate will help us continue hosting events, creating educational opportunities, and working to build a more equitable society. You can specify money to go into general funds or Pride-specific activities. Any amount helps, so please consider making a donation!
Please note the Hamilton-Wenham Human Rights Coalition is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization (EIN 86-1966109). In accordance with state and federal law, your donation is not tax-deductible.
PRIDE MATTERS
LGBTQ+ people are under a coordinated attack at the federal level and in state legislatures across the country, with a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills on track to be considered in 2026.
Many of these discriminatory bills target transgender kids, including dozens upon dozens of bills that try to ban trans kids from playing sports or receiving life-saving health care. These bills are dangerous and discriminatory. The Trevor Project estimates that at least one LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 13–24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S.
LGBTQ+ and non-binary people are our neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends. As LGBTQ+ people and allies, we have a responsibility to fight for EVERYONE in our movement. We all deserve to be seen, to be respected, and to have our unique and diverse identities recognized and celebrated.
see you on june 14!
Questions or suggestions? Email info@hwhumanrights.org