DC is hosting international WorldPride for the first time this year. The city is full of educational events, community activations, and other happenings spotlighting the history, culture, and ongoing activism of the LGBTQ+ community. It all culminates this weekend, June 7 and 8, with the iconic parade, festival, and concert.
But if you’re looking for ways to celebrate Pride Month without heading into the city, there are ample events happening right in NoVA.
Queer Joy Art Party
June 4, 6–7:30 p.m.
Head to the Arlington Public Library for this free art session. You can create a hat, tote bag, button, folding fan, or sign to bring with you to other Pride celebrations. Supplies and equipment are free from The Shop, APL’s makerspace (just bring your own hat, shirt, or tote bag to decorate). 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington
Fairfax City Pride
June 7, 23, 24
The City of Fairfax will recognize Pride Month with a launch event on June 7 at Old Town Hall with community vendors, kids’ activities, face painting, crafts, and other activities. Next, the Fairfax City Regional Library will hold a Pride-themed story time and craft for kids on June 23, followed by a lesson on the history of zines on June 24. Multiple locations in Fairfax
Flipside Pride Speakeasy
Thursdays in June, 7–9 p.m.
Flipside Speakeasy, located above Del Ray Pizzeria, is having a special Pride speakeasy every Thursday in June. Head to the pop-up to see drag performances every 30 minutes from 7 to 9 p.m. 2218 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Priday Market & Drag Show at Port City Brewing
June 14, 12–6 p.m.
Browse a mini-market with more than 10 LGBTQ-friendly vendors at Port City, followed by a drag show in the brew house at 5 p.m. Plus, during the market, you’ll get a chance to tie-dye your own Port City shirt. A portion of beer sales will benefit The Imperial Court of Washington, DC, which raises funds for organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
Mosaic Pride
June 14, 3–9 p.m.
The Mosaic District in Merrifield will throw its fourth annual Pride parade down District Ave. After the parade, stick around for drag performances and live music, including a set from Metro to Paris. District Ave., Fairfax
Pride Pawty at The Boro
June 14, 1–4 p.m.
Even pets can get in on the Pride Month celebrations at this event in Tysons. There will be plenty of dog-friendly activities and stations, including a rainbow doggy bone bar, caricature artists, glitter tattoos, and a bandana decorating station. Plus, human attendees can enjoy books from the NoVA Prism Center Lending Library, a private library and community center for NoVA’s LGBTQ+ community. Boro Park: 8350 Broad St., Tysons
Alexandria Pride Fair
June 28, 3–6 p.m.
The City of Alexandria will host its eighth annual Pride Fair at City Hall and Market Square. Free and confidential health services will be available. Plus, expect live music and a DJ, a mobile art lab, food trucks, and vendors from more than 75 businesses. There will be a drag story hour at 4 and 5 p.m. 301 King St., Alexandria
Drag Shows and Karaoke at Freddie’s Beach Bar
Arlington’s “LGBTQ+, straight-friendly bar and restaurant” is open year-round, and June sure is a great time to visit. The longtime NoVA institution hosts weekly events including trivia night on Tuesdays, bingo on Wednesdays, and a weekly drag show every Saturday. Karaoke is every night of the week except Saturdays. 555 23rd St. S., Arlington
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
