The volunteer planning committee for Lebanon PA Pride has announced a schedule of LGBTQ+ events for this summer, although the annual Lebanon Pride celebration – which was first held in 2021 and last year boasted its highest attendance yet – is not in the lineup this year.
“There was not sufficient volunteer base to plan and execute the big ‘street fair’ Pride celebration,” Steve Doster, who chairs the Lebanon PA Pride Committee, told LebTown in an email. “As such, the Committee decided to plan this series of smaller events, designed to build community among our LGBTQ+ residents in Lebanon County and allies.
“We have consistently received feedback from the LGBTQ+ community of the need for more frequent opportunities to build supportive networks and we hope the 2026 Summer OUT series will help facilitate this. We also hope that over the course of these events, we can build our volunteer base so that we can hold the big Lebanon PA Pride ‘street fair’ celebration in June 2027.”
Organizers said in the release that the “Summer OUT” Lebanon PA Pride series “will provide not one, but many opportunities for LGBTQ+ community members and allies to build connections, find support, and celebrate the rich history of lived experiences in Lebanon County and central Pennsylvania.”
“Lebanon County has a rich tapestry of identities, interests, and lived experiences, some of which struggle to be seen and appreciated,” Doster said in the release. “The goal of the ‘Summer OUT’ Lebanon PA Pride series is to celebrate that full tapestry by creating more affirming spaces and events where LGBTQ+ community members and allies feel recognized, valued, and connected.”
Below is a list of events scheduled for this summer. More information can be found online at LebanonPaPride.com.
- Wednesday, June 10 – Creative Hearts All-Ages Craft Group at Compeer of Lebanon County, 519 Chestnut St., Lebanon. Held on the second Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. No fee.
- Saturday, June 20 – Dolly Parton Bingo Bash and Drag Show at 116 N. 8th St., Lebanon. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo begins at 7 p.m. For patrons 21 and older. Hosted by Ryan Lahr. Tickets are $30 and include 13 bingo games, with door prizes and raffles. Proceeds benefit Lebanon PA Pride efforts and associated LGBTQ+ community programming. Visit the event page for tickets and additional information.
- Tuesday, June 23 – Aging with Pride: Breakfast OUT at Ancestor Coffeehouse & Crêperie, North Cornwall Commons, 119 Springwood Drive, Suite 500, Lebanon. Begins at 10 a.m. Breakfast OUT offers food, fellowship, and connection for LGBTQ+ community members 50 and older. No fee, although patrons are responsible for their own tab.
- Sunday, June 28 – “You Are Loved” A Pride Service and Community Luncheon at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 S. 6th St., Lebanon. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate “the beautiful diversity of God’s children,” the release says. The luncheon will feature resource tables hosted by organizations that offer affirming programming and events.
- Wednesday, July 8 – Creative Hearts All-Ages Craft Group at Compeer of Lebanon County, 519 Chestnut St., Lebanon. Held on the second Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. No fee.
- Saturday, July 18 – OUT in the PARK: Community Barbecue and Outdoor Activities at South Hills Park, South Pavillion, 1100 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon. 2-6 p.m. No fee. Community members are welcome to bring a dish to share.
- Tuesday, July 28 – Aging with Pride: Dinner OUT at Rising Sun Bar & Kitchen, 2850 Horseshoe Pike, Palmyra. Begins at 6 p.m. for LGBTQ+ community members 50 and older. No fee, although patrons are responsible for their own tab. RSVP to abarnes@centralpaLGBTcenter.org by July 23 to secure a seat.
- Wednesday, Aug. 12 – Creative Hearts All-Ages Craft Group at Compeer of Lebanon County, 519 Chestnut St., Lebanon. Held on the second Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. No fee.
- Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Aging with Pride: Free Breakfast & Coffee OUT at Annville Free Library, 216 E. Main St., Annville. Begins at 10 a.m. for LGBTQ+ community members 50 and older. No fee.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9 – OUT for Better Health at Alliance Building, 615 Cumberland St., Lebanon. In partnership with Lebanon Family Health Services and SARCC, OUT for Better Health invites LGBTQ+ community members to connect with local health and wellness resources from noon to 5 p.m. Free services and information will include STI testing, blood pressure screening, nutrition information, and trauma assessment screenings.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Creative Hearts All-Ages Craft Group at Compeer of Lebanon County, 519 Chestnut St., Lebanon. Held on the second Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. No fee.
Also in August, date and time to be announced – LGBTQ+ History Exhibit: Stonewall and Voices of the Movement at Unity Church of Palmyra, 37 E. Main St., Palmyra. In addition to the exhibit, LGBT History Project speaker Barry Loveland will give a presentation highlighting key points in local LGBTQ+ history. Refreshments will be provided by the Lebanon PA Pride Committee. All ages are welcome. No fee.
“Summer OUT is an exciting opportunity to build new partnerships, deepen community connections, and ensure LGBTQ+ people across the central Pennsylvania region feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” said Amber Barnes, executive director of the LGBT Center of Central PA. “The LGBT Center offers services, resources, counseling, and housing programs for LGBTQ+-identified community members, and we believe many of these supports have a meaningful future in Lebanon County. We are grateful to partner with Lebanon PA Pride to help create welcoming spaces that connect people to one another and to the resources they need to thrive.”
The Lebanon PA Pride Committee welcomes new partnerships and volunteers to help expand options for local programming and plan future events, including the return of the Lebanon PA Pride Celebration on South 8th Street, Lebanon, in June 2027. Anyone who would like to get involved should email Committee@LebanonPaPride.com.
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