Out & About
Pride in the fall
LGBTQ community events held in cities and towns across region
Several communities in the region have opted to beat the heat of a June Pride celebration in favor of a cooler affair in the coming months. Here is our list of LGBTQ Pride events scheduled throughout September and October in cities across Virginia and Maryland.
Virginia Pridefest
September 14
12-8 p.m.
Richmond, Va.
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Richmond’s annual Virginia Pridefest will be held at Bon Secours Training Center (2401 W. Leigh Street, Richmond, Va. 23220) this year with vendors, activities and performances from entertainers including Crystal Waters, Robin S, Tank and the Bangas, as well as RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Kennedy Davenport. The event is free.
Following the festival, Godfreys (308 E. Grace Street) is hosting the “After Pride Beach Party” from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. with drag shows scheduled for 9 and 11 p.m. The cover for the afterparty is $5 at the door or $30 for VIP tickets on Eventbrite.
PRISM Pride Festival
September 14
12-4 p.m.
Waynesboro, Va.
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The Virginia town of Waynesboro is holding its very first Pride celebration downtown (19 N. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, Va. 22980) on Saturday. There will be vendors, a performance by Shagwüf, interactive downtown bingo and other activities.
Shenandoah Valley Pride
A performance at Shenandoah Valley Pride in 2023. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
September 21
1-5 p.m.
Harrisonburg, Va.
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The 10th annual Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival will be held at Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg, Va. on Saturday, Sept. 21. Attendees can expect music, drag performances, vendor booths and more.
Winchester Pride
A scene from last year’s Winchester Pride at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
October 5
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Winchester, Va.
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The sixth annual Winchester Pride festival is being held at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (901 Amherst Street, Winchester, Va. 22601) on Saturday, October 5. The event is free.
An afterparty is scheduled for the evening at The Monument VA in downtown Winchester (186 N. Loudoun Street) with doors opening at 8 and a drag show beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased here. The afterparty is 21+.
Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Festival
October 5
2 – 6 p.m.
Havre de Grace, Md.
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The sixth annual Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 in Havre de Grace, Md. at Concord Point Park (701 Concord Street). The event is free and family-friendly with live music, drag performances, food trucks, vendors and artists.
Laurel Pride
October 12
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Laurel, Md.
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The third annual Laurel Pride will be held on Saturday, October 12 at Granville Guide Park (8300 Mulberry Street) in Laurel, Md.
SWVA Pride Fest
October 12
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Salem, Va.
Website
Southwest Virginia Pride (SWVA Pride) will be held at Salem Civic Center (1001 Roanoke Boulevard) in Salem, Va. on Saturday, October 12. There will be live music, entertainment, vendors, a family zone and a petting zoo, among other attractions at the free event.
TriPride
October 12
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Bristol, Va.
Website | Eventbrite
The TriPride Parade and Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 12 at Cumberland Square Park (200 Lee Street) in Bristol, Va. The event is free, but tickets from Eventbrite are required for entry. There will be live performances, vendors, food trucks, health services and more as the “tri-cities” of Bristol (Va.), Kingsport and Johnson City (Tenn.) celebrate the LGBTQ community. The parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
Pride Franklin County
October 13
12 – 5 p.m.
Chambersburg, Pa.
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Pride Franklin County is being held at Wilson College (1015 Philadelphia Avenue) in Chambersburg, Pa. on Sunday, October 13.
Pride Southern Maryland
October 13
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lexington Park, Md.
Website | Facebook
The seventh annual Pride Southern Maryland will be held on Sunday, October 13 at Lexington Manor Passive Park (21675 South Coral Drive) in Lexington Park, Md. The event will feature live performances, drag, a dedicated kids zone, speakers, vendors, food trucks and more, according to organizers.
HoCo Pride
October 13
12 – 4 p.m.
Columbia, Md.
Website | Facebook
The fifth annual HoCo Pride — Howard County Pride — is scheduled for Sunday, October 13 at Marriweather Park at Symphony Woods (10431 Little Patuxent Parkway) in Columbia, Md. You can expect live performances, vendors, food trucks, community information and family-friendly fun at the park on Sunday.
Staunton Pride
October 26
12 – 5 p.m.
Staunton, Va.
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Staunton Pride is scheduled for Saturday, October 26 at the GHP Bandstand Area (600 Chruchville Avenue) in Staunton, Va. Expect live performances, vendors and more.
Out & About
Archuleta to host book signing in Rehoboth Beach
Entertainer to meet with fans at Browseabout Books
David Archuleta will chat with fans and sign his book “Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself” on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.
The book is an inspirational account of his transformation from a closeted Mormon teen singer to a pop star who is comfortable with his queer identity. For additional information on this event, go to browseaboutbooks.com.
Archuleta will also be in Rehoboth Beach to headline the “Night of Entertainment” on Saturday, Sept. 5 for CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL weekend, which includes the Night of Dance Sept. 6.
Visit camprehoboth.org for more information.
Friday, August 28
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar.This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, August 29
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, August 30
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets cost $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 31
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, September 1
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a drop-in session to share resources, provide service navigation, connect with community, and gather feedback. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, September 2
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Thursday, September 3
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Out & About
UPDATE: Impulse Group’s ‘PrEP Pool Party’ cancelled
Organizers announce cancellation of event
Impulse Group DC was to host a “PrEP Pool Party” on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. at Vida Fitness: Navy Yard. However, organizers have announced that the event has been cancelled.
Visit @impulsegroupdc on Instagram for information on future events for Impulse Group DC.
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