Schuylkill PrideFest

Schuylkill PrideFest is a family-friendly and pet-friendly festival with drag shows, live and DJ music, food and art vendors, and resource tables. It is organized by Youth Empowerment and Support, which launched the event in June 2020.

Schuylkill PrideFest was first held on June 27, 2020, organized by founder Mikaela despite COVID-19 restrictions and political opposition, and it was the county's first Pride celebration. After that first festival, Youth Empowerment and Support was formed to keep the work going, with a mission of supporting Pennsylvanians in self-expression and acceptance and building a safer, more inclusive future for young people.

The 2026 festival returned to the City of Pottsville, running from noon to 6 p.m. at Barefield Recreation Park, which Barefield Corp. offered for the event. Admission is always free. Divinity Cruzz, Miss Gay U.S.A. New York, and Morgan, Morgan, Morgan served as co-hosts and emcees, and the grounds featured the Stonewall National Museum, Archives and Library's exhibition on the 1969 Stonewall uprising along with its companion timeline of gay American history from 1903 to 1969.

Pottsville CollegeTowne and Alvernia University provided parking for attendees, local chocolatier Sweet Barista supplied swag bags, and the city and Mayor Tom Smith helped with the move downtown.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

Schuylkill PrideFest has included festival, drag and music.

Schuylkill PrideFest was first held in 2020.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 20, 2026. It usually falls third Saturday in June.