OVERVIEW

Poughkeepsie Pride is an iconic community pride festival which draws thousands of marchers and attendees each year. We welcome all businesses large and small who want to participate and have the chance to sell merchandise, food, or simply raise awareness.

Participation in Poughkeepsie Pride provides you with direct exposure to thousands of individuals, many of whom seek to support queer-owned and queer-friendly businesses.

All applications, permits and payments must be received no later than June 5, 2026. There will be no exceptions. Your space is not completely reserved until we receive all three of the following:

Payment in full
Signed Poughkeepsie Pride Vendor Agreement
Confirmation from the City of Poughkeepsie that you have submitted the appropriate permit applications

DCPC Pride Vendor Application

CITY OF POUGHKEEPSIE PERMITS

It is the responsibility of each business to obtain the necessary vending and/or non-vending permits directly from the City of Poughkeepsie, and to pay to the City of Poughkeepsie any fees necessary for obtaining said permits.

Non-Vending Permit Application

Individual Vending Application (Including Food Vendors)

Permit Applications need to be submitted no later than June 5, 2026, and must be submitted directly:

City of Poughkeepsie Chamberlain's Office

62 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Please contact Jamar Cummings, City Chamberlain, or the Chamberlain’s Office directly with any questions about the vending applications:

Chamberlain’s Office Phone: 845-451-4225

Chamberlain’s Office Email: jcummings@cityofpoughkeepsie.gov

VENDOR SET-UP

The entrance to Victor C. Waryas Park at John M. Flowers Circle will be closed to all thru traffic starting at 8:00am on the morning of Poughkeepsie Pride. Only vendors and staff will be permitted to enter after this time.

The Circle will be closed to all vehicle traffic at 10:30, and will remain closed until the conclusion of the Festival.

Vendors may start arriving at 8:30am, with last entry at 10:30am

Poughkeepsie Pride Marshals and DCPC Staff will be present at Flowers Circle to assist with unloading and locating your assigned spot.

We recommend vendors park at the lower Waryas Park lot, located north of the Festival at the bottom of the hill. Parking is first-come, first-served; no parking will be reserved.

FEES & COSTS

The cost to participate in Poughkeepsie Pride is nominal, with a portion of proceeds going directly to supporting the important community work that Dutchess County Pride Center does.

Dutchess County Pride Center and the City of Poughkeepsie each charge separate fees, all of which must be paid in full prior to vending at the Festival.

Dutchess County Pride Center Fees:

All Vendors, Including Food Vendors: $50
Electricity: $25 (This fee is only applicable if you need to access wired electricity available in a limited capacity in Waryas Park. Those bringing their own generators, or who do not need electricity do not have to pay this fee)

City of Poughkeepsie Fees:

DISCLOSURES & SAFETY

Please be advised that Dutchess County Pride Center, as organizers and hosts of Poughkeepsie Pride, reserve the right to turn down any application that we feel does not promote our message of love and acceptance for all.

By submitting a Festival Vendor Application, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

You are responsible for obtaining an Individual Vendor Permit from the City of Poughkeepsie. If you do not obtain the proper permit, you will not be allowed to vend at the Festival and no vendor fee refunds will be issued.
You are responsible for supplying anything you need to set up your area (ie tables, chairs, tents, etc...). These will not be provided by Dutchess County Pride Center.
Help us #PoughKEEPitClean! You are responsible for cleaning up your designated area after the Festival. Any business or organization that does not clean up their area will be subject to fines as assessed by the City of Poughkeepsie.
You will not consume or sell alcoholic beverages, marijuana of any kind, or other THC-based items at Poughkeepsie Pride Festival.
Dutchess County Pride Center, as organizers and hosts of Poughkeepsie Pride, and its representatives reserve the right to ask you to remove any items, including merchandise, from your display at their discretion. If you do not comply with these requests you may be asked to leave the Festival. No refunds will be issued if this occurs.

FAQs

Please click below for a list of Frequently Asked Questions for Festival Vendors.

Vendor FAQs

Dutchess County Pride Center (DCPC) reserves the right to change or alter any of the above information without advance notice. If changes are necessary, DCPC will make every available effort to communicate those as soon as possible. Please contact us directly if you have any further questions.

Crowd Notice/Release: Please be aware that by entering this area (2026 Poughkeepsie Pride March & Festival), you consent to your voice, name, and/or likeness being used, without compensation, in films and tapes for use in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, for eternity, and you release Dutchess County Pride Center and its successors, assigns and licensees from any liability whatsoever of any nature. Do not enter this area (2026 Poughkeepsie Pride March & Festival) if you do not wish to be subject to the foregoing.