It’s time to celebrate PRIDE season in Virginia, and our number of community PRIDE festivals and events is growing across the state in 2019.
No matter which PRIDE festival (or festivals!) you decide to attend, there are plenty of self-designated LGBT-friendly hotels, B&Bs, cabins and campsites available to stay at with family and friends. There are also so many things to do and discover, such as shops, restaurants, distilleries, meaderies, cideries, craft breweries, wineries, outdoor adventures, and much more.
Interested in attending a Virginia PRIDE festival this year? Here is your guide to each event throughout PRIDE season.
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PRIDE Season Festivals and Events: At a Glance
April
- April 13: Hill City Pride—Lynchburg
- April 13-14: Roanoke Pride—Roanoke
June
- June 1: Reston Pride—Reston
- June 6: ALX Pride—Alexandria
- June 15: Farmville Pride—Farmville
- June 15: Shindig Pride—Martinsville
- June 19: Pride on the Peninsula—Hampton
- June 16-22: Hampton Roads Pridefest—Norfolk
- June 22: Danville Pride—Danville
- June 23: Pride at the Beach—Virginia Beach
- June 29: Winchester Pride—Winchester
July
- July 18-21: Black Pride RVA—Richmond
September
- September 13-15: Petersburg│Tri-Cities Pride 2019—Petersburg
- September 13-15: KOA/Chesapeake Bay │Pride Weekend—Cape Charles
- September 14: Cville Pride Festival—Charlottesville
- September 15: LOVE is LOVE│Coming Out Party—Williamsburg
- September 21: Viva RVA! Hispanic Community Reception—Richmond
- September 21: Scott’s Addition Pride Crawl 2019—Richmond
- September 21: Shenandoah Valley Pride—Harrisonburg
- September 27-29: Floyd Pride—Floyd
- September 28: VA Pridefest 2019—Richmond
October
- October 5: Viva RVA! Hispanic Music Festival—Richmond
Reston Pride—Reston
When: June 1, 2019
The Second Annual Reston Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Lake Anne Plaza to celebrate and support Greater Reston’s LGBTQ community. Reston Pride is co-chaired by the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, and United Christian Parish, with sponsorship support from Reston Community Center, Reston faith communities, nonprofits, and other local organizations.
The inaugural Reston Pride festival held in June 2018 attracted nearly 1,200 people and featured speakers, musicians, dancers and other artists. Building on last year’s success, the Second Annual Reston Pride Festival guarantees to be a dynamic event. Participants will be able to take part in a full day of entertainment with Dragshow Performer Delta B. Night, music, food, drink, education, and celebration. The Lake Anne Plaza venue offers not only more space but greater visibility and access – and brings the festival into the heart of Reston, which is fitting as Reston since its founding in the 1960s has been committed to the principles of equality and inclusion.
This child-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Shindig Pride Celebration—Martinsville
When: June 15, 2019
Shindig’s Uptown Bistro is proud to host the first annual Pride Celebration in beautiful uptown Martinsville, VA. The event will feature live entertainment, all day drink and food specials, and prizes. Party event is from 6pm to 1am. Everyone is invited to participate in this celebration and make their voice heard.
Pride Party on the Peninsula—Hampton
When: June 19, 2019
Rain or shine, come on out on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 for the 5th Annual Pride Party on the Peninsula, a free event including delicious hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary drink ticket to the first 300 guests (cash bar is available). Take a free spin back in time on the historic 1920s Hampton Carousel. At 7:30 pm, board the iconic Miss Hampton II River Boat Cruise and Drag Show.
Hampton Roads PrideFest—Norfolk
When: June 16-22, 2019
Hampton Roads Pride 2019 is a week-long series of special events that celebrate the Hampton Roads LGBT and allied communities in support of inclusion, dignity and equality of all people. The week culminates with the Pride Block Party on Friday night at Norfolk’s Scope Arena, PrideFest on Saturday at Norfolk’s Town Point Park, and Pride at the Beach at Virginia Beach’s Neptune’s Park at the oceanfront.
PrideFest 2019 features Crystal Waters & JoJo, as well as two-time Olympic gold medalist Angela Hucles Mangano who will serve as the 2019 Grand Marshal!
PrideFest is the largest annual LGBT festival in Virginia and the City of Norfolk’s largest one-day festival. PrideFest combines entertainment, vendors, and fun activities for all ages.
Pride at the Beach—Virginia Beach
When: June 23, 2019
Pride at the Beach is a luxury, VIP lounge experience with white linens and fabrics, couches, lounge beds, and exciting DJ Music at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront! Entertainment provided by TEZRAH and more. This event is free and open to all, however you must be 21 or older to drink. White beachwear is strongly encouraged!
Winchester Pride 2019—Winchester
When: June 29, 2019
The Second Annual Winchester Pride Celebration will take place in Downtown Winchester. The event will feature special guest speakers, three drag shows, a scavenger hunt, parade, Best Pride Outfit Contest, and more than 20 vendors. The after-party will be at Brewbaker’s for the Crowning of the Queen. Music and hosting by DJ Skyhigh.
Black Pride RVA—Richmond
When: July 18-21, 2019
Black Pride RVA, an inaugural Black and LGBTQ event, is the second official event of its kind in Richmond and in the Commonwealth. You are invited to be a part of history in the making by coming out to one or all of the planned events. Come show your #pridewithapurpose!
Cville Pride Festival—Charlottesville
When: September 14, 2019
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall at this Cville Pride is a one-of-a-kind festival of inclusion, equality, justice, love. This free, family-friendly event offers people throughout Central VA and beyond the chance to celebrate and experience the diversity and vibrancy of the local LGBTQ community.
There’s something for everyone! This event is for the whole family, with a children’s area with a giant moon bounce, games, face-painting, balloons, and more. The beer garden offers domestic and local choices and seven food tables and trucks. Find more than 60 vendors representing businesses and organizations with resources, special offers, and interactive activities.
Pride merchandise will be for sale while you take in the music, dance, and drag entertainment all day long. The high-energy party features a DJ dance party, a hip-hop showcase, singer-songwriters and break dancers, rock bands, and several drag shows.
Petersburg Out & Proud
When: September 13-15, 2019
The third annual Petersburg Out & Proud will take place in downtown Petersburg, VA. Friday, September 13th is the Petersburg Out & Proud Kick Off Party at DJ’s Rajun Cajun, while Saturday, September 14th will feature the Pride Festival, this year presented by Tri-Cities Pride, Inc.! On Sunday, enjoy the Petersburg Out & Proud Drag Brunch at Wabi Sabi featuring Celestia Cox and her cast of girls for a fabulous Drag Brunch!
Eastern Shore Pride Festival Weekend—Cape Charles
When: September 13-15, 2019
Come on out for Shore Pride Weekend Festival! Enjoy live entertainment, a dance party, golf cart pride parade, sidewalk chalk art and more!
Shenandoah Valley Pride—Harrisonburg
When: September 21, 2019
The Shenandoah Valley is full of wonderful people who are proud of who they are, whether it be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Mark your calendars for Shenandoah Valley Pride and join in on the celebration at Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg!
Floyd PRIDE—Floyd
When: September 27-29, 2019
This year’s Floyd PRIDE 2019 will be held Friday, September 27 – Sunday, September 29. Expect Friday night events, the main parade and festival on Saturday afternoon, with a worship event on Sunday.
VA PrideFest 2019—Richmond
When: September 28, 2019
VA PrideFest is a celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) communities in Richmond, VA, the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This free, family-friendly day of festivities feature a variety of shops, local eats, activities, and entertainment for a day of fun in the sun!
Viva RVA!—Richmond
When: October 5, 2019
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with Viva RVA! and Diversity Richmond Saturday, October 5 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Music and food are tangible expressions of the Latino culture. Diversity Richmond will bring the Latino community together during a family friendly event to close Hispanic Heritage month. Viva RVA! Hispanic Family Music Festival
To learn more about LGBT-friendly travel in Virginia, please click here.
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