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.
Website | Facebook
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.
Website | Facebook
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.
Website | Facebook
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.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. 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 and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
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.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. 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.
Monday, April 20
“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, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
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.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm 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 Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Friday, April 10
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook.
Saturday, April 11
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.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host a screening of “Love Letters” at 1:30 p.m. This movie is a tender, intimate look at love, parenthood, and the quiet fight to claim your place in your own family. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Sunday, April 12
Spark Social will host “Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” at 3 p.m. This event features the hilarious TreHER and Tiara Missou Sidora. This dynamic duo will have guests cackling as they discuss the “Latest Tea” in DC. Have drama in your own life? TrevHER and Tiara are ready to provide advice and rate how hot your tea is. Hottest tea wins a piece of Spark merch. Tickets cost $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Just Kidding Comedy Collective will host “Best of DC at the Woke Mob Comedy Festival” at 5 p.m. at Pikio Taco. The Woke Mob Comedy Festival celebrates everything that makes this region the best and showcases the DMV’s funniest comedians, especially highlighting BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+ and gender-queer performers, plus a few “prodigal” comics who got their start here before heading national. Tickets cost $15.18 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 13
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]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit www.genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, April 14
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].
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, April 15
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 Center for the LGBT Community 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 DC Center’s website.
Thursday, April 16
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm 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, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
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