The streets of Asbury Park came alive on Sunday as the 33rd annual Jersey Pride Festival brought together thousands of people from across the state and beyond in a colorful celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, resilience, and solidarity.
The festival, hosted by Jersey Pride, Inc.—New Jersey’s oldest LGBTQ+ pride organization—has been a staple of the state’s LGBTQ+ calendar since 1991. This year’s event held particular weight, according to organizers, as members of the community voiced concern over national legislative efforts perceived to be rolling back LGBTQ+ rights.
“This year feels more important than ever,” said Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn. “The 33rd year of this pride is probably one of our most important in light of the national administration starting to strip away rights from all of the LGBTQ, particularly our trans brothers and sisters.”
A Day Full of Celebration and Activism
The celebration kicked off with a high-energy parade at noon, beginning at Asbury Park City Hall. The route took marchers down Main Street, turning onto Cookman Avenue and Grand Avenue before ending at Sunset Avenue—guiding participants directly to the festival grounds nestled between Sunset Lake and the historic Convention Hall.
The festival continued until 6 PM and featured a variety of attractions, including multiple performance stages, food vendors, and over 100 booths run by LGBTQ+ organizations, local artisans, and community support groups. Attendees enjoyed live music, drag shows, and speeches from LGBTQ+ advocates who underscored the importance of visibility and collective action.
The entertainment lineup highlighted local and national LGBTQ+ talent, creating a space where expression, joy, and inclusion took center stage. Families also had a dedicated area featuring face painting, craft activities, and games for children, further reinforcing the festival’s commitment to being a welcoming event for all ages.
Record-Breaking Turnout Expected
In 2024, the Jersey Pride Festival attracted more than 27,000 attendees, and organizers expected a similar or even larger turnout this year. The sunny weather and the growing urgency to show solidarity contributed to a powerful atmosphere throughout the day.
Many attendees held signs, waved Pride flags, and wore themed attire, from rainbow capes to custom T-shirts, to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The parade was also attended by several New Jersey lawmakers and local officials who reaffirmed their support for equality and non-discrimination protections.
A History of Pride in Asbury Park
Jersey Pride’s long-standing tradition began in 1991, making it one of the oldest and most consistently held LGBTQ+ festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region. Over the decades, it has grown from a small gathering to a major event drawing allies, activists, and families from across the tri-state area.
Asbury Park, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and artistic spirit, has long been considered a safe and affirming space. The city continues to be a vital cultural hub where Pride is not just celebrated once a year, but felt year-round through its inclusive businesses, events, and government policies.
Community Speaks Out Amid National Challenges
While the festival remained festive, there was also a clear undercurrent of activism. With LGBTQ+ rights and especially transgender rights facing new challenges in several U.S. states, many speakers used the platform to encourage political engagement, voter participation, and policy advocacy.
“We’re not just here to party,” said one marcher holding a sign that read Protect Trans Youth. “We’re here to protect each other, raise our voices, and make sure our stories are heard.”
The event served as both a celebration and a call to action—an opportunity for the community to gather in joy while confronting the realities of discrimination and inequality.
City and State Support
The City of Asbury Park provided logistical and municipal support for the event, including parade coordination and public safety assistance. Officials expressed pride in hosting such a significant celebration that reflects the city’s values of diversity and inclusion.
