PrideFest 2025

By Jennifer Ersalesi

For the fourth year, the Rutherford Pride Alliance and Rutherford Arts Council have worked together to organize PrideFest. The festival will begin in Lincoln Park after the Pride flag raising outside Borough Hall at 11 am on Saturday, June 7th. June is Pride Month, during which the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community are celebrated. It also commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. This is Rutherford interviewed members of the Rutherford Pride Alliance Board (Kat Ruhno-McCallum, Cynthia Lugtu, David Grassetti, and Chris Hillmann) to learn more about this year's PrideFest.

TIR: What about this year’s PrideFest will be the same as years past? Will there be any changes?

Rutherford Pride Alliance Board: This year’s PrideFest will carry the same energy, love, and community spirit that people have come to expect. You’ll still find our vibrant vendor village, award-winning food trucks, amazing performers, and most importantly, that strong sense of togetherness that makes Rutherford PrideFest so special. 

What’s new this year? 

We’ve brought in a full audio and video production company to document the entire festival from the beginning to the end. We’ve locked in a world-renowned guest speaker: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum. Lastly, we are officially releasing our Rutherford PrideFest theme song “Live Out Loud” gifted by Alex Helton & Susan Simonson and remixed/performed by Cyre. We’re growing, and with growth comes some exciting upgrades!

TIR: Tell us more about the collaboration involved in putting this year’s PrideFest together.

RPA Board: PrideFest is truly a labor of love. It’s built on the efforts of passionate volunteers, community leaders, and local organizations who believe in creating safe and affirming spaces. Every detail is touched by folks who care deeply about what Pride means. This year, we also saw more collaboration from allies and businesses who wanted to be intentional about their support and this kind of partnership helps amplify our message, and it is so meaningful.

This year's PrideFest Committee members are: Kat Ruhno-McCallum, Katie Pippin, Cyn Lugtu, David Grassetti, Sarah Orlowicz, Veronica Ruhno-McCallum, Dawn Avagliano-Schumacher, and Chris Hillman.

TIR: PrideFest is a fun event filled with activities for all ages. What type of activities can people expect this year?

RPA Board: There’s something for everyone! We’ll have a kids’ zone with storytelling, crafts, games, a bouncy house and a 45-foot obstacle course. For adults, there are art installations such as rainbow road, an adult inflatable obstacle course, community resources, and a beer garden. The festival will be filled with dancing, singing, and a whole lot of joy throughout the day. PrideFest is about celebration and connection, no matter your age.

TIR: What can you tell us about the performers who will be on the bandshell stage this year?

RPA Board: Our stage lineup is 🔥 this year! We’ve got a diverse mix of local talent, queer artists, and performers who bring high energy, powerful messages, and amazing artistry to the stage. Whether it’s music or dance, every act was chosen to reflect the spirit of Pride: bold, beautiful, and unapologetic. We’re especially excited about a few surprise guests we can’t wait for everyone to experience live.

TIR: Why do you believe PrideFest is an important event in our community?

RPA Board: PrideFest is more than just a festival, it’s a declaration that we’re here, we matter, and we belong. In times when LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged, events like this become even more vital. It’s a chance for people to feel seen, safe, and celebrated. It’s also an opportunity to educate, connect, and inspire change. PrideFest creates space for healing, for joy, and for being our authentic selves.

TIR: Anything else you wish to add?

RPA Board: Just a huge thank you to everyone who has supported this event, from volunteers to sponsors to attendees and everyone in between. It takes a village to create something like this, and we don’t take any of it for granted. We’re so excited to share this day with all of you. Come as you are, bring your full self, and let’s celebrate our Pride together. LIVE OUT LOUD!🌈💞🎉