Thursday, October 1, 2026
Local advocacy group Freeport Pride will host its first Harbor Social and Summer Kick-Off on Freeport’s waterfront May 30, promising to be an evening of connection, celebration and community visibility.
The Halfway Down restaurant, at 153 Woodcleft Ave., will serve as the center for the event, which will start at 5 p.m. and then spread out across adjacent locations.
Freeport Pride was established this year to create an additional space for gathering and engagement within the wide variety of Pride celebrations across Long Island. Organizers explained that the Harbor Social is meant to complement and support the many longstanding Pride efforts that already serve Freeport and other Long Island communities.
The nautical-inspired event will feature a social hour, live performances and a vibrant summer atmosphere reflective of Freeport’s coastal character. The evening is designed to be welcoming, festive and accessible. Prior to the evening’s performances, attendees will be able to visit a Community Resource Hub, created by Freeport Pride that offers information about a diverse selection of support services and community programs.
The event also is intended to serve as a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to select Pride-related organizations across Long Island and youth empowerment groups that promote anti-bullying initiatives. Further details on possible fees and funds will be announced closer to the event’s date.
Joseph Smith and Jose Cuevas, who co-founded Freeport Pride, stated that their organization “is about celebrating community in a way that feels authentic to Freeport and open to all.”
“We’re honored to contribute to Long Island’s vibrant Pride traditions while creating a space along the harbor where people from across the region can gather, connect, advocate and celebrate together in a spirit of unity and pride,” Cuevas added.
Freeport Pride involves a wider network of organizers and partners that hope to bring about impactful community change and acceptance to the area.
“I’m truly grateful to be part of bringing this celebration of the LGBTQ+ community to life,” Sarah Duffy, a Freeport resident and community engagement coordinator for Freeport Pride, stated. “We all need moments of joy, especially now, and it’s so important that we stand together in support of those who are most vulnerable and too often targeted.”
Freeport Pride’s Harbor Social marks a continuation of years of acknowledging and celebrating LGBTQ+ communities in Freeport. Freeport Pride, according to Cuevas, was born out of Pride on the Mile events that had been hosted in Freeport for three years. The Village of Freeport and other community leaders said they are hoping to organize another Pride-related event in June.
In addition to garnering local support and participation for Freeport Pride, community leaders and legislators also have spoken out about their support for the organization.
"Freeport Pride uplifts the LGBTQ+ community in Freeport by fostering belonging, amplifying voices, and turning courage into lasting change," said Mayor Robert Kennedy of the Village of Freeport. "The Village fully supports its vital work and stands with every member of the community."
“Supporting youth mental health is not optional, it is essential,” Assemblyman Noah Burroughs’ office said in a statement to the Herald. “By prioritizing awareness, access to resources and early intervention, we can help ensure that every young person has the support they need to navigate challenges and thrive. Organizations like Freeport Pride play a vital role in creating safe, supportive spaces and uplifting our community through this important work.”
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin shared her support, stating, “I applaud the fundraising efforts of Freeport Pride, as they bring impactful and invaluable LGBTQ-related initiatives to schools and organizations throughout Long Island.”
For more information about Freeport Pride and its Harbor Social, email Pride.Freeport@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook and Instagram social media accounts.
