Shoppers and neighbours are heading to Forest Hills this June as a growing, volunteer-run Pride returns , a free, family-friendly event with live music, drag, food trucks and community booths that brings queer visibility into the eastern suburbs where it matters.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Sunday 28 June 2026, 4–8pm at Westinghouse Lodge, 799 Barclay Ave., Forest Hills.
  • Free and volunteer-run: Admission is free and the festival is organised entirely by local volunteers, so it feels grassroots and neighbourly.
  • Entertainment highlights: Drag performance by Chi Chi de Vivre and disco set from Dancing Queen promise a lively, upbeat atmosphere.
  • Family-friendly vibe: There are children’s activities and community booths, making it suitable for families and allies as well as LGBTQ2SIA+ folks.
  • Ways to help: Local vendors, volunteer slots and a GoFundMe campaign are listed for those who want to chip in.

A small-town Pride that feels big , and welcoming

Forest Hills Pride has grown into a bright, colourful fixture in the borough’s summer calendar, and you can already sense the buzz when you picture Westinghouse Lodge filling with music and laughter. The event is intentionally visible and upbeat, with organisers saying that creating safe, seen spaces in the suburbs is central to their mission. It’s the kind of local gathering where your neighbours are likely helping run the stage, serve food or mind the craft table.

How it started and why it matters locally

What began as a volunteer-led idea has quickly become an annual go-to for eastern Pittsburgh suburbs. According to the organisers’ website, Forest Hills Pride aims to honour history, raise awareness and stitch stronger connections across the neighbourhood. That grassroots origin shapes the event’s tone: not corporate, but community-minded, and focused on accessibility and inclusion rather than spectacle.

Entertainment you can actually dance to

This year’s lineup leans into feel-good party energy. Chi Chi de Vivre returns with a drag performance, and Dancing Queen , a disco-themed dance party local to Pittsburgh , will be spinning classic hits. Expect a mix of high-energy tunes and playful performances, the sort that make people of all ages clap along. If you’re picking which Prides to attend this season, this one’s a solid choice for an easy, joyful evening.

Food, vendors and family activities , practical things to know

Besides the stage, the event features local vendors, community organisation booths and food trucks, so bring cash or cards and an appetite. The schedule of events on the organisers’ site lists children’s activities, reinforcing the family-friendly focus, and there are plenty of ways to get involved , from volunteering to table-hosting. If you want a quieter visit, get there early or later in the window to avoid peak crowds.

How to support or get involved

Forest Hills Pride stays free because of volunteer effort and community contributions. There’s a fundraiser page accepting donations, and the official site lists volunteer sign-ups and vendor applications. Pitching in feels meaningful here: you’re helping a local tradition stick around and grow, and your time or small donation goes straight to making the event welcoming and safe.

It's a small change that can make every neighbour feel seen and celebrated.

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