Mapping out Virginia’s vibrant Pride festivals

With the arrival of June, communities across Virginia are gearing up to celebrate Pride Month — a time dedicated to honoring and affirming the LGBTQIA+ community’s vibrant identity and contributions. Pride festivals, characterized by their jubilant spirit and inclusive atmosphere, offer a platform for LBGTQIA+ individuals and their allies to come together in solidarity and celebration. 

Luckily, Virginia knows how to do Pride Month right, with festivals taking place in all corners of the commonwealth. If you’re looking to show your pride, consider attending one of these eight events. 

Reston Pride Festival

Date: Saturday, June 1

Location: 11422 Washington Plaza in N Reston, VA 20190

The Reston Pride Festival will feature vendors, performances, speakers and festivities from 12-6 p.m. at the Lake Anne Plaza. The festival is aimed at filling those present with a sense of love, inclusion, and pride. 

Portsmouth Pride Fest

Date: Saturday, June 1

Location: 16 Crawford Circle in Portsmouth, VA 23704

This year’s third annual Portsmouth Pride Fest is set to be a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Portsmouth and Hampton Roads. In fact, it’s an “experience of authenticity and joy.” The free event running from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. will include music and entertainment, food and drink, vendors, and free community resources. It’s hosted by Hampton Roads Pride.

Loudoun Pride Festival

Date: Sunday, June 2

Location: 21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Rd in Sterling, VA 20164

The Loudoun Pride Festival attracts thousands to the historic Claude Moore Park every year. This year’s festival will be as lively as past ones, running from 1-7 p.m. Three stages will be set up to feature dozens of performers, including many queer artists like The Reagan Years and Crash the Limo. Foodies will be happy to hear that over 20 food and alcohol vendors will be present, along with over 150 local and regional businesses and nonprofits. 

The event is family-friendly, with a kid’s zone that includes inflatable bounce houses, obstacle course, face painters, balloon artists, crafts, and activities. The kid’s stage will also feature a magician, animal show, yoga, and music. Tickets are required (and they sell out fast!). 

Photo courtesy of Loudoun Pride Festival.

Culpeper Pride Festival

Date: Sunday, June 2

Location: 10753 Mountain Run Lake Rd in Culpeper, VA 22701

This year’s Culpeper Pride Festival centers around the theme of “True Colors,” highlighting the fact that pride festivities offer a place of acceptance. Artists, vendors, and entertainers will all be at the event at Mountain Run Winery. Among other activities, you can expect live music, a runway contest, and a drag show, which costs $10. 

Hampton Roads PrideFest

Date: Saturday, June 22

Location: 113 Waterside Dr in Norfolk, VA 23510

Hampton Roads PrideFest at Town Point Park is a family-friendly event from 12-7 p.m. that will include entertainment, education and celebration. Live performances from local and national acts will take place, while over 100 LGBTQIA+ and ally vendors will be showcasing their businesses. The day will commence with the nation’s only pride boat parade along the Elizabeth River. 

Couples will even be able to tie the knot or renew their vows at the event. The group ceremony will be officiated by Jacinta Gauvin on the Club Stage. There are limited slots, so it’s on a first-come, first-served basis with a $100 registration fee that will go towards the Hampton Roads Pride Scholarship fund. The wedding packages include styling, photographs and flowers. 

Additional PrideFest weekend events will include the 11th Annual Pride Block Party from 7 p.m. on Friday, June 21 through 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at the NorVa and Pride at the Beach from 2-10 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 at Neptune’s Park.

Fredericksburg Pride Fest

Date: Saturday, June 29

Location: 701 Sophia St in Fredericksburg, VA 22401

The centerpiece of the Fredericksburg Pride Fest will be the pride march at Riverfront Park. It will start at 10:30 a.m. The fest, which will run through 5 p.m., will also include musical performances, local vendors, and local organizations. The theme this year is “embrace your pride.” To prepare for the event, check out the pride merchandise here.

Photo courtesy of Fredericksburg Pride Fest.

Arlington Pride Festival

Date: Saturday, June 29

Location: 475 Long Bridge Dr in Arlington, VA 22202

The free Arlington Pride Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Long Bridge Park in National Landing. The day is described as being a celebration of diversity and love. It will showcase local talent and food. 

Suffolk Pride Festival

Date: Sunday, June 30

Location: 3000 Bennetts Creek Park Rd in Suffolk, VA 23435

The Suffolk Pride Festival will return to Bennetts Creek Park to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture, visibility, and diversity. The event will include music, entertainment, and food. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.