MAYSVILLE, KY (August 12, 2026) — The Ohio River Valley Pride Festival is making its historic debut this September, establishing a two-day regional celebration that bridges the communities of Maysville and Augusta, Kentucky on September 11 and 12. The festival was intentionally named Ohio River Valley Pride to foster a regional identity that warmly includes and welcomes neighboring communities directly across the river.
While this marks Maysville’s first year celebrating Pride, the city is proudly teaming up with Augusta, which is celebrating its third annual “Pride in the Park” event. This historic collaboration brings together the Buffalo Trace and Ohio River Valley regions for a weekend dedicated to visibility, community strength, and unity.
The festivities kick off on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM with “Pride at the Center of the Universe” hosted at the Wild Bull Saloon in Maysville. Marking Maysville’s first-ever official Pride celebration, the opening night features a welcoming address, 9/11 Tribute, followed by a high-energy dance party. The entertainment lineup features a premier head-to-head dueling battle between DJ Lashawn and DJ Skuba Steve both from Maysville, alongside a spectacular drag performance. The show features legendary Columbus favorites Vee Love and Maria Garrison, and local powerhouse performers Rita Dela Nova and Nichelle Karterir.
The celebration continues Saturday, September 12, 2026, with Augusta’s third annual “Pride in the Park” at the scenic Augusta River Park. This daytime, family-focused event shifts the spotlight to education, community advocacy, and live musical entertainment. The lineup for Saturday’s festivities is still in the planning stages.
“We decided to call the event Ohio River Valley Pride because we wanted to include our neighbors across the river,” explained Maria Gomez, Chairman of the Maysville Commission on Human Rights and Ohio River Valley Pride committee member. “This is not just an event for residents in Mason and Bracken Counties. This event is for any gay or gay-supporting individual.”
“This festival is a way of uniting not only Maysville and Augusta, but the entire Buffalo Trace Region and our neighbors across the river in Southern Ohio,” added David Green, Ohio River Valley Pride committee member. “I like to say we are truly celebrating unity in the Ohio Valley.”
In addition to the cultural celebrations, Saturday’s events will focus on Unity, Family, Advocacy, Progress, Harmonious Community, and Regional Collaboration. Regional health representatives will lead discussions on PrEP education and sexual health empowerment to break down healthcare barriers and end the stigma surrounding HIV prevention. Advocacy speakers will also provide vital updates on navigating the current political landscape, blocking discriminatory legislation, and securing statewide anti-discrimination protections.
“We want the public to know that although we are having a pride event on September 11, we refuse to let the significance of September 11 pass unnoticed,” said David Green. “We will pause to honor the lives lost, the families forever changed on that tragic day. We will bring specific light to the profound courage of the LGBTQ+ community, as we proudly highlight and remember the lives of four LGBTQ+ heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Event At-A-Glance:
• Day 1: Pride in the Center of the Universe (21 and up)
o Date/Time: Friday, September 11, 2026 | 6:00 PM
o Location: Wild Bull Saloon, 740 Fleming Road, Maysville, KY
o Cost: Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the event. Tickets may be purchased online at bit.ly/ORVPride2026
o Highlights: Welcoming ceremony, dueling DJs contest, and live drag performances.
• Day 2: Pride in the Park
o Date/Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Daytime
o Location: Augusta River Park, Augusta, KY
o Highlights: Family activities, live music, community speakers, and health equity resources.
All residents, families, and allies across Ohio Valley are invited to join this landmark weekend of community pride.
–END–
