MAYSVILLE, Ky. (Mason County Post) — City of Maysville has announced its first Pride Event with an Inaugural Festival named Ohio River Valley Pride according to a press release issued on Wednesday, July 29.
The Free event hosted by the Maysville Commission on Human Rights begins Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. with “Pride in the Center of the Universe” at The Pavilion in Downtown Maysville. The opening night will feature a welcoming address by city officials and event organizers, followed by a remembrance ceremony for lives that were lost during the September. 11, 2001 attacks.
In the public statement organizers said entertainment for the event will feature a dueling DJ set between DJ Lashawn and DJ Awwready Awwready, along with a drag performance by Columbus Ohio natives Vee Love, Maria Garrison, and local performers Rita Dela Nova and Nichelle Karterir.
Full Public Statement
“The Ohio River Valley Pride Festival is making its historic debut this September, establishing a two-day regional celebration that bridges the communities of Maysville and Augusta, Kentucky. The festival was intentionally named Ohio River Valley Pride to foster a regional identity that warmly includes and welcomes neighboring communities directly across the river.
While this marks Maysville’s very first year celebrating Pride, the city is proudly teaming up with Augusta, which is celebrating its third annual “Pride in the Park” event. This historic collaboration brings together the Buffalo Trace and Ohio River Valley regions for a weekend dedicated to visibility, community strength, and unity.
The festivities kick off on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM with “Pride in the Center of the Universe” hosted at the Wild Bull Saloon (Correction: Pride in the Center of the Universe will be at Maysville Pavilion from 6 PM to 9 PM) in Maysville. Marking Maysville’s first-ever official Pride celebration, the opening night features a welcoming address from local leadership followed by a high-energy dance party. The entertainment lineup features a premier head-to-head dueling battle between DJ Lashawn and DJ Awwready Awwready, alongside a spectacular drag performance. The show features legendary Columbus favorites Vee Love and Maria Garrison, and local powerhouse performers Rita Dela Nova and Nichelle Karterir.
The celebration continues Saturday, September 12, 2026, with Augusta’s third annual “Pride in the Park” at the scenic Augusta River Park. This daytime, family-focused event shifts the spotlight to education, community advocacy, and live musical entertainment. Augusta Councilman Jay Yingling will deliver a keynote address centered on building common ground and collective regional strength. Dana Bach will speak on advocacy, progress and regional collaboration.
“We decided to call the event Ohio River Valley Pride because we wanted to include our neighbors across the river,” explained Maria Gomez, Chair of the Maysville Commission on Human Rights and Ohio River Valley Pride committee member. “This is not just an event for residents in Mason and Bracken Counties. This event is for any gay or gay-supporting individual.”
“This festival is a way of uniting not only Maysville and Augusta, but the entire Buffalo Trace Region and our neighbors across the river in Southern Ohio,” added David Green, Ohio River Valley Pride committee member. “I like to say we are truly celebrating unity in the Ohio Valley.”
In addition to the cultural celebrations, Saturday’s events will focus on Unity, Family, Advocacy, Progress, Harmonious Community, and Regional Collaboration. Regional health representatives will lead discussions on PrEP education and sexual health empowerment to break down healthcare barriers and end the stigma surrounding HIV prevention. Advocacy speakers will also provide vital updates on navigating the current political landscape, blocking discriminatory legislation, and securing statewide anti-discrimination protections.
All residents, families, and allies across the Ohio Valley are invited to join this landmark weekend of community pride.“
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the focus will shift to Augusta’s “Pride in the Park” at Augusta River Park Organized by Delaney Bradford. The daytime, family-oriented event will emphasize education, community advocacy and live music. Augusta Councilman Jay Yingling is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on building common ground and regional strength. Dana Bach will speak on advocacy, progress and collaboration.
The two-day celebration is expected to attract a good number of participants, as indicated by the Public Facebook Event listing, which shows 109 individuals expressing interest in the free event.
Vendors who are looking to set up for the event are encouraged to fill out the vendor application form: here