NEW HOPE, PA — The 22nd Annual High Heels Drag Race will hit the ground running on Sunday on West Mechanic Street as New Hope Celebrates "OUT In October."
The public is invited to watch as a gang of glamorous ghouls speed to the finish line in this sinister stiletto showdown. This year's theme is "Over the Rainbow - There's No Place Like New Hope."
Hosted by none other than New Hope's Miss Pumpkin, race participants must dress in Halloween-inspired drag costumes and wear three-inch or taller high heels. Runners will race up the hill on W. Mechanic Street, decorate a pumpkin, and race back down the hill.
Arrive early, by 2 p.m., before the streets close, to grab a prime viewing spot and get in on the Halloween fun.
Originally organized by the local chamber of commerce, the High Heel Drag Race was entrusted to New Hope Celebrates in 2015. NHC has since expanded the tradition into the signature finale of OUT in October, drawing large crowds to West Mechanic Street to cheer on queens, kings and other daring contestants racing in heels.
This year's theme, "Over the Rainbow - There's No Place Like New Hope," takes on added meaning as contestants race along West Mechanic Street, now home to a permanent Progress Pride street art installation. After five years of planning, the mural was unveiled in July. It was designed by local resident Paul Kokesh and made possible through the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program. Reflecting the colors of the Progress Pride Flag, it honors the diversity, resilience and history of the LGBTQ+ community while reinforcing New Hope's enduring commitment to visibility, inclusion and belonging.
Miss Pumpkin will again host this year's event. (New Hope Celebrates)
"OUT in October celebrates LGBTQ+ history while creating joyful opportunities for people to gather, connect and experience the welcoming spirit of the river towns," said Rich Lucarini, president of New Hope Celebrates. "The new rainbow crosswalk adds another meaningful symbol of visibility and belonging to this year's High Heel Drag Race."
Keep the celebration going at the Official High Heel Drag Race After Party beginning at 4 p.m. at Havana.
Hosted by Miss NHC 2026 Athena Chanteuse, the party will feature fabulous drag performances, music, drinks, and plenty of post-race fun. After the heels have raced and the confetti has fallen, gather with friends and fellow spectators to cap off one of the town's most iconic traditions. A $10 suggested donation at the door supports New Hope Celebrates and Pride 2027.
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