RETURN TO ALL EVENTS Woof Fest: Paws for Pride 2026 | Community
Celebrate Pride with your pup pal! Everyone is invited to Manhattan West – including your dog – for a day of joyful and festive performances and activities.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 12pm - 3pm
Manhattan West Plaza, 385 9th Avenue, Midtown
Jun 6 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The beloved, family-friendly Pride event is back for its 6th year! Bring your dog to Manhattan West to celebrate Pride with a fabulous afternoon of performances, activities, and community. And don’t miss the signature event – the “Walk of Pride” Catwalk Contest, in which you and your pup can strut down the catwalk and show off your unique style and pride in front of the judges, for a chance to win fun prizes! Festive attire is encouraged.
Everyone is welcome to Woof Fest — big tails, small tails, wagging tails, and rainbow tails! Come celebrate love, togetherness, and our best furry friends. We’ll see you there!
The event is free and open to the public, as space is available. All attendees must read and SIGN THE WAIVER (1 per person) to enter. Please complete the waiver in advance to save time at check-in!
Event Partners:
The Ali Forney Center was founded in 2002 in memory of Ali Forney, a homeless gender-nonconforming youth who was forced to live on the streets, where they were tragically murdered. Committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ and at-risk young people, our mission is to protect them from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently.
The Good Dog Foundation brings joy and healing for those in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, corporate offices, etc. with their loving therapy dogs.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
ON THE CATWALK (12:30 – 3PM):
Kick off your Pride celebration in style with host Jaye McBride and DJ Softee. A regular at the Comedy Cellar, Jaye will guide you through the festivities of the day, while Softee provides a fun and exciting soundtrack.
Pride comes to life onstage with engaging performances featuring Drag by Queen Essa Noche and King Mr Pleasure, plus performances by Broadway singer/actor, Emily Schultheis and our very own DJ Softee.
+ “Walk of Pride” Catwalk Contest (1:30PM):
The runway rules as pups and people dress to impress and strut down the catwalk, for a chance to win prizes. Flamboyant accessories and colorful costumes are your ticket to the podium at this contest. No advanced registration necessary – sign up onsite.
Judges:
+ Drag Queen, Essa Noche
+ Drag King, Mr. Pleasure
+ Singer/Actor, Emily Schultheis
Prizes (first place and runner-up) will be awarded in two categories:
ACTIVITIES ON THE PLAZA (12-3PM):
+ Paw Print Parlor: Bring home a piece of pride, featuring your pup’s unique paw print! We’ll provide safe, non-toxic stamp pads, paper, and even a colorful magnetic frame for your finished craft! This print promises to be on your fridge for years to come.
+ Tattoos Paw-lor: Need to amp up your costume? We’ve got the temporary tattoos you never knew you needed to complete the look. Adorn yourself onsite or take some tats home to keep the party going.
+ Wags & Wisdom: Our top trainer Eric Vissichelli is passing out his best advice one-on-one for you and your pup (3 min sessions). Visit his tent to get tips on training – from dog park etiquette to getting your bestie out of your bed – he knows the secret!
+ Community Service for The Ali Forney Center: Being proud includes giving back to your community. We’re packing hygiene kits for the youth of The Ali Forney Center. We’ll provide facewash, sunscreen, toothbrushes and other essentials – your job is to pack it with personal style using stickers, markers, and encouraging messages for their teens!
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:
Jaye McBride is funny, smart, and proudly transgender. She is a regular at New York City’s “Comedy Cellar”. In 2021 she was one of the “New Faces” at the Just For Laugh’s Comedy Festival and this past year was featured in NY’s Funniest Stand Ups at the New York Comedy Festival.
Essa Noche is a drag performer known for polished, high-impact presentations that combine glamour, precision, and strong audience connection.
Mr Pleasure is a drag king performer known for sharp, charismatic stage work that blends humor, style, and contemporary takes on masculinity.
Emily Schultheis is a vocalist recognized for her expressive range and engaging live performances across contemporary and classic repertoire.
