HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Hagerstown’s annual pride festival packed Hub City Brewery on Church Street on May 30th, consuming the capacity of the brewery’s back lot. This event, hosted by Hagerstown Hopes, attracted attendees well into the hundreds. Hagerstown Hopes is a local charity organization with the mission of promoting love and acceptance for all.
This event, themed “Love Louder,” precedes what is known as Pride Month, which occurs during the month of June. Pride Month was established during the 1970s after the Stonewall protests in New York City and has been an annual observance since.
Nearly 100 vendors, businesses, local organizations and even politicians filled Hub City Brewery’s back parking lot to the max with booths handing out goodies and offering information. And several food trucks including Fireside Pizza and Cousins Maine Lobster could be found at the farthest end of the lot.
At the beginning of the festival, sponsors and organizers addressed the crowd before welcoming a long lineup of performers. The Maryland Commission for LGBTQI+ Affairs and Free State Justice were among the primary sponsors helping to make this event possible.
Former Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller, who now works under Gov. Wes Moore, as Special Secretary of Overdose, told the crowd “We just wanted you to know that in Maryland, you’re safe here and you’re seen here, and Maryland will continue to support you.”. Keller then presented a Governor’s Citation to Hagerstown Hopes for “outstanding services to the citizens of the states”.
The Maryland Commission for LGBTQIA+ affairs also awarded Hagerstown Hopes with a certificate recognizing its “leadership in organizing and hosting Hagerstown Pride 2026 Love Louder”.
Pride festival featured live entertainment ranging from, dancing, singing, drag performances and djs. Performances included longtime Hagerstown drag performer Stephanie Michaels, Sal Chichone, DJ Sidekick, Maranda Rights, Alondra Sanchez, along with several others.
Nearly all surrounding areas have established Pride events, some in June, some throughout the year. Gettysburg held its pride festival for three days this week from May 29 through 31st. While Franklin County has set its annual celebration for Oct. 11.
Readers can find more events from Hagerstown Hopes at, https://www.facebook.com/HagerstownHopes/. For more Hagerstown events, https://www.visithagerstown.com/events.
