CNY PAGAN PRIDE DAY |
CNY PAGAN PRIDE DAY |
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Long Branch Park, Syracuse, NY
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | free admission
Thanks to Our 2026 Sponsors!
Kindling Sponsors: Crescent Dragon Creations
Your 2026 Presentations, Workshops and Performances
RIVERVIEW
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Presented by: ReikiDan
Join ReikiDan for a Sound Bath. Come and soak in some good vibes, from his Rose Quartz Singing Bowls. Kick back, relax and enjoy the ride!
About ReikiDan
ReikiDan is here, offering individual sessions, to promote clients health and wellbeing. He’s also available by appointment, or by participating in his Sound Baths & Reiki Shares.
Learn more at ReikiDan.com or Facebook
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Presented by: Adi Shakti World Fusion Bellydance
In addition to our eclectic goddess-driven fare, we will include some pieces from a theatrical bellydance performance we're crafting, Tales of Mystery & Imagination. The theme of this performance is inspired by the short stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe. If time allows, we'll invite the audience to dance with us for a quick bellydance lesson.
Adi Shakti is a group of women from Central and Northern New York who come together as sisters in dance. We use the term, World Fusion Bellydance, to reflect the diverse nature of our style, with ritual dances of pre-Christian tribeswomen as an early inspiration. We are truly an eclectic bunch: ethnically-inspired, drawing on a multitude of cultures, customs, and spiritual practices. You never know what may pop up in one of our performances - The common thread uniting all tribal dancers is empowerment of the feminine spirit!
The name, Adi Shakti, derives from the Sanskrit to describe the concept of the all-encompassing, omnipresent divine feminine—that energy which is creative, evolutionary—the life energy. We strive to honor and convey this energy through performing our interpretation of this ancient dance.
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Presented by: Lake Ontario Broom Riders
We dress up like witches and dance to fun choreographed music to raise money for charity such as Erin’s Angels of CNY, Kristina’s House of Hope, Veterans Programs and local Food Pantries.
We love to have the audience participate in our last dance performance of the day. It is a fun way to share what we do. And maybe inspire others to join in our crusade against kids going hungry and domestic violence.
KNOLL
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Presented by: Kurt Hohmann
Ancestral songs and tales contain plentiful hints and generalities—but precious few specifics—about the use of runes as magickal and energetic tools. What relevance does an ancient writing system hold for the modern practitioner? Traditional lore travels hand-in-hand with modern experimentation in this experiential workshop.
About Kurt
Kurt has been exploring pagan paths—and runic mysteries—since the late 1900's, and remains quite happy being a perpetual student. He's a founding member of Úthellingu Kindred, an officer in Church of the Greenwood, and a part-time minister with the First Universalist Society of Central Square.
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Presented by: Dan Bullard of Úthellingu Kindred
What does it mean to sacrifice to the gods? Is there a "right" way to make an offering? What is the benefit of reciprocity and the gifting cycle? We will explore these questions and more, taking both modern and ancient opinions into account.
About Úthellingu Kindred
Úthellingu Kindred is an inclusive Germanic Heathen kindred based in Central New York.
We are a community dedicated to the creation and maintenance of inclusive, welcoming spaces where Heathens can find supportive and compassionate kinship, share insights about faith and practice, participate in intelligent and thoughtful dialogues, and seek refuge in a safe and protective circle of frith.
Our group works hard to provide educational opportunities to our kinspeople and the public; where our members have taken time to research topics important to our community and to the greater heathen community.
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Presented by: Mathius Blackthorn
A gaze into the world of wines, grapes and their bountiful use in rituals. Together we will follow steps of our ancient civilization in their application of wines and how they can be a significant part of your own practice.
Glimpse at the effects wine can have in ritual and learn wine correspondences by variety, which wines to make or buy off the shelf, and create a wine infusion bottle to bring home. (No alcohol will be served or consumed within workshop per event regulations.)
Mathius Blackthorn is a multi award winning winemaker in the Fingerlakes. With a degree in viticulture & enology also WSET3 certified. With years in various pagan, active member of Crystal City Circle and other occult organizations.
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Presented by: Amy D'Angelo of Amethyst Reiki
Pendulums are a great tool for a variety of energy based activities. Pendulums 101 will cover a variety of topics to get you using a Pendulum. These topics include: Types of Pendulums, Selection of a Pendulum, Making vs. Buying a Pendulum, Communicating with Your Pendulum, Working with a Pendulum Board/Map, Not All Pendulums are Created Equal, Communicating with Your Guides and Pendulums vs. Dowsing Rods.
About Amethyst Reiki
Amy D’Angelo founded Amethyst Reiki in 2017 to provide high quality metaphysical and energy based classes and services to the Upstate New York Region and beyond.
Amethyst Reiki currently offers over 30 classes from the Metaphysical Store located at 732 West Broadway, Fulton, NY 13069. Classes include Usui Reiki, Seichim, Celtic Reiki and Kundalini Reiki to pendulums, tarot and numerology and everything in-between.
A variety of services are provided including therapeutic Reiki healing, distance property clearings, personal clearings, spiritual coaching, gift and guide identification, tarot and past life readings and more.
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Presented by: Rev. Debbie Philp
Humans are an ever-increasing presence in places where wildlife had been free to roam. Encounters with animals injured or orphaned due to human activity are also increasing, as is the demand for wildlife rehabilitators to care for them.
In this workshop, learn about wildlife rescue from an experienced NYS-licensed wildlife rehabilitator who specializes in the care of turtles injured while crossing roads. You’ll hear what wildlife rehabilitation is, what it means to be a wildlife rehabilitator and how to become one, other ways you can support wildlife rehabilitators in your area, and how getting involved can be an earth-based spiritual practice for Pagans.
About Debbie
Reverend Debbie Philp is an ecospiritual minister, a practitioner and teacher of Reiki and shamanic techniques for ecological caregiving, and a NYS-licensed wildlife rehabilitator and educator in service to all beings, especially turtles.
Her ministry weaves a revolutionary new story of interrelatedness and wonder and invites spirit-led action to preserve the magic of biodiversity on Earth.
GLEN
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Presented by: Chelle & Laylla of Back on the Broomstick
In this workshop you will learn how to draw and construct a traditional labyrinth pattern and explore how it can be used for grounding, reflection, and magical work.
Participants will then help create a physical labyrinth using simple natural materials such as corn meal. Along the way we will explore the symbolism of the spiral path and how entering, reaching the center, and returning mirrors the cycles of spellwork and personal change.About Back on the Broomstick
Laylla and Chelle, co-hosts of Back on the Broomstick, bring over 60 years combined magical experience to inspire and empower modern witches.
Laylla, an eclectic weed witch, blends Earth spirituality, Celtic and Shamanic traditions, Tarot, and hypnosis into transformative spellcraft and rituals. Chelle, a seasoned spell crafter and Tarot reader, specializes in herb and scent magic, combining practical and spiritual approaches to guide others on their magical paths.
Both spiritual leaders, they’ve spent decades teaching, hosting rituals, and building community. Together, they create a vibrant podcast that combines witchy humor, wisdom, and heartfelt insights, helping listeners deepen their spiritual connections and embrace their magical journeys.
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Presented by: Juliette Sinclair of Enchanted Cottage Apothecary
The divine feminine shines through many facets, each reflecting a different expression of feminine presence. Like a diamond, her brilliance is revealed through the way these facets come together to create a magnificent whole.
Through goddess stories and symbolism, this presentation illuminates the depth, beauty, and complexity of the divine feminine.
About Enchanted Cottage Apothecary
Enchanted Cottage Apothecary is an eclectic shop with a strong focus on the divine feminine and goddesses from a variety of pantheons. Each goddess collection is individually curated to reflect her distinct stories, symbolism, and qualities rather than following a single, standardized design. The collections feature artwork, jewelry, devotional perfumes, handcrafted items, and other meaningful pieces.
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Presented by: Robin Akeena-Gray of Serenity Wellness
Step away from the noise and into a moment of peace with Serenity Wellness at Pagan Pride.
Join us for a powerful guided meditation to ground your energy, release what no longer serves you, and reconnect with your inner strength and spirit.
Come claim your moment of calm—take your seat, breathe deeply, and leave feeling centered, renewed, and empowered.
About Serenity Wellness
Robin Akeena-Gray is a Certified Master Energy Healer and Sound/Vibrational Practitioner offering deeply restorative Sound Immersion experiences through Serenity Wellness in Auburn, NY.
Her sessions blend crystal singing bowls, gongs, and healing frequencies to support emotional release, chakra alignment, and energetic balance.
With over a decade of holistic experience, Robin creates sacred spaces for inner peace, transformation, and connection. Each Sound Immersion is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and return to your center.
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Presented by: Chelle & Laylla of Back on the Broomstick
In this workshop, we’ll explore how tarot spreads shape the story within a reading.
Participants will learn how card positions create structure, guide interpretation, and reveal deeper insight. Instead of relying only on traditional layouts, you’ll discover how to design your own spreads for different questions, themes, and intentions.
We’ll discuss the purpose of card positions, how spreads create narrative flow, and how thoughtful placement supports meaningful readings. Through guided practice, you’ll create an original tarot spread of your own.
About Back on the Broomstick
Laylla and Chelle, co-hosts of Back on the Broomstick, bring over 60 years combined magical experience to inspire and empower modern witches.
Laylla, an eclectic weed witch, blends Earth spirituality, Celtic and Shamanic traditions, Tarot, and hypnosis into transformative spellcraft and rituals. Chelle, a seasoned spell crafter and Tarot reader, specializes in herb and scent magic, combining practical and spiritual approaches to guide others on their magical paths.
Both spiritual leaders, they’ve spent decades teaching, hosting rituals, and building community. Together, they create a vibrant podcast that combines witchy humor, wisdom, and heartfelt insights, helping listeners deepen their spiritual connections and embrace their magical journeys.
New York’s Largest Pagan Festival
Running Strong for Over 25 Years
Central New York Pagan Pride Day (CNY PPD) was established in 2000 as part of the larger Pagan Pride Project. Since 2002, Church of the Greenwood has hosted the annual event, building the celebration to become among the largest in the North East region of the United States.
Following the tradition of all Pagan Pride Days, our celebration features a public midday ritual, food drive and monetary donation to benefit the Food Bank of CNY and a press release, as well as a closing drum circle, a variety of speakers, workshops and performances, over 80 vendors and readers, and community tables for local covens and spiritual organizations.
FAQ
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Yes! This event is open to anyone curious about Paganism or Earth-based spirituality. We also welcome those who consider themselves allies and simply want to support our event.
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No! Entry to our festival, which includes all performances, rituals and workshops, is free! However we ask that you contribute to our food drive by bringing a non-perishable good or donating cash.
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Festival gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.
Those who are vending are allowed early arrival and to stay after gates close. If you are a vendor or presenter in our festival, please send us an email with any questions you have regarding parking/setup/teardown.
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Long Branch Park has a large parking lot right in front. There should be plenty of spaces for our attendees, but car-pooling always helps!
To create additional space, vendors will park to the left of the main parking lot in the grass.
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Yes! Hosting a food drive is part of what makes our festival a Pagan Pride Festival.
We will be accepting unexpired, non-perishable goods (like dry pastas and canned goods) on behalf of the Food Bank of Central New York. Additionally, monetary donations can be made through their site directly or cash can be donated at our welcome tent.
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While leashed dogs are allowed in Long Branch Park, we recommend not bringing your furry friends. Our festival welcomes over 1,500 attendees throughout the day and isn’t designed with four-legged friends in mind,
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No, our venue Long Branch Park does not allow smoking on its premises.
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No. Due to rising costs and local vendors closing, we no longer have on-site ATM’s at our festival. We recommend you come with cash.
Luckily admission is free and most of our vendors accept card or alternate payment methods.
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Make sure to check back on our website and social media pages for announcements regarding next year’s festival.
Vendor applications typically go out in February via email only and fill up fast. If you would like to be added to this list, please email us.
Presenter, volunteer and community table applications roll out through out the spring.
Event Location
Long Branch Park
371 Long Branch Road, Syracuse, NY 13209
Let’s Keep In Touch
2025
Festival Recap
By the Numbers
90+ Vendors
23 Presenters
11 Community Tables
1,632+ Attendees
22 Volunteers
Social Impact
750+ pounds of food donated to The Food Bank of CNY
$1,569+ cash donations for The Food Bank of CNY
4,707 meals provided from cash donations alone
10% of t-shirt sales donated to American Indian Law Alliance
in support of the Maple Bay #LakeBack initiative