Gettysburg Pride

This Organization is a voluntary, incorporated, not-for-profit organization. It is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and awareness purposes for the advancement of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, 2-Spirit, Asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) and Allies community through diversity, visibility, and outreach.

This Organization has been created to inspire diversity, equality, and acceptance in our community by providing opportunities for education and awareness of LGBTQ+ and Allies.

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Our Mission

To inspire diversity, equality, and inclusion in our community
by providing opportunities for education and awareness of LGBTQ+ and Allies.

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Our Story

2017 — The Beginning From a simple idea to a community celebration.

Gettysburg Pride began in the summer of 2017 when a small group of friends realized their town did not yet have a Pride celebration. With less than two weeks of planning, they organized a simple bar crawl, expecting only a handful of attendees. Instead, more than 80 people gathered at One Lincoln at the Gettysburg Hotel and filled Lincoln Square with Pride flags, glow necklaces, and community spirit. Local bars warmly welcomed participants, and allies joined alongside LGBTQ+ residents to create what would become Gettysburg’s annual Pride tradition.

2018 — Growing Together Expanding into a full weekend of visibility, education, and connection.

Building on the excitement of the first year, Gettysburg Pride expanded into a full weekend celebration in 2018. Events included a bar crawl, educational outreach, free rapid HIV testing and counseling, shopping promotions, and a New York–style piano bar cabaret. Downtown businesses embraced the celebration, displaying Pride flags throughout the community. The growing participation demonstrated that Pride had quickly become an important and affirming event for Gettysburg residents and visitors alike.

2019 — Taking Pride Public The first Pride March and national attention arrive in Gettysburg.

In 2019, Gettysburg Pride reached a major milestone with the addition of the first-ever Pride March around Lincoln Square. Attendance surged, with organizers stopping their count at more than 400 participants — remarkable for a town of fewer than 8,000 residents. That same year, HBO filmed scenes locally for the docu-series We’re Here, featuring Shangela, Eureka, and Bob the Drag Queen, bringing national attention to Gettysburg’s LGBTQ+ community. The visit culminated in a memorable drag performance that celebrated visibility, joy, and small-town Pride on a larger stage.

2020 — Pride Persists Community, resilience, and historic progress during an unprecedented year.

Like communities everywhere, Gettysburg Pride faced unexpected challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Many planned events shifted to virtual programming, including educational sessions focused on LGBTQ+ awareness, wellness, and community connection alongside online drag performances. Despite physical distance, Pride continued through creativity and resilience. That year also marked a historic achievement when the Gettysburg Borough Council unanimously passed a bipartisan Non-Discrimination Ordinance protecting residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression — a landmark moment for equality in the town.

2021 — Reuniting in Joy Returning to Lincoln Square with renewed energy and celebration.

Gettysburg Pride returned in 2021 with a renewed focus on outdoor gathering and community celebration. Lincoln Square transformed into a larger open-air festival featuring vendors, live bands, drag performances, and expanded programming. After a year of isolation, the event provided a powerful opportunity for reconnection and collective healing. The festival signaled Pride’s resilience and its growing role as a cornerstone community event.

2022 — Community in Full Color Downtown support and collaboration create the largest Pride yet.

With strong backing from downtown businesses, Gettysburg Pride 2022 became the largest celebration yet. The weekend featured a lively block party atmosphere with food trucks, live entertainment, educational Pride Chats, and both health and faith-based support resources. The event highlighted collaboration across community sectors and reinforced Pride as a welcoming space for education, celebration, and belonging. Participation continued to grow as more organizations joined in visible support.

2023 — Momentum Builds Record attendance and expanding opportunities for connection.

Thanks to increased donor support and community enthusiasm, 2023 marked Gettysburg Pride’s biggest attendance to date. Pride Weekend included entertainment, educational opportunities, vendors, brunch gatherings, the Pride March, dance parties, and numerous social events throughout town. The celebration reflected years of steady growth and deepening community investment. Joy, visibility, and connection remained at the heart of the weekend.

2024 — A Regional Tradition Strong partnerships and growing participation shape Pride’s future.

Held May 31–June 2, 2024, the 8th Annual Gettysburg Pride Fest welcomed beautiful weather and strong participation. The festival featured approximately 50 vendors and support from 50 local business sponsors, demonstrating widespread community backing. Attendance remained strong as Pride continued to evolve into a regional destination event. Organizers celebrated another successful year while looking ahead to continued growth.

2025 — A Celebration Rooted in Community Nine years of Pride, visibility, and belonging in Gettysburg.

The 9th Annual Gettysburg Pride Fest returned to Lincoln Square on May 31, 2025, bringing together community members, visitors, and allies for a vibrant day of celebration. The event included vendors, food trucks, outreach organizations, entertainment, and the annual Pride March through downtown. Local businesses once again showed visible support across Gettysburg, reinforcing Pride’s role as both celebration and community gathering. By its ninth year, Gettysburg Pride had firmly established itself as a beloved annual tradition centered on inclusion, education, and joy.

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Save the Dates!

May 29th–31st
10th Annual Gettysburg Pride Fest 2025!

While Gettysburg Pride is ALWAYS the weekend after Memorial Day Monday, we want everyone to know that June is also National Pride Month every year so feel free to fly those rainbows any time.

We couldn't make Pride happen without YOU, and we are beyond excited to continue to develop Gettysburg Pride to welcome EVERYONE that is respectful and loving of one another!

Volunteer today

Donate

Gettysburg Pride 2019:

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Tag us! ​@GettysburgPride #GettysburgPride2026