June is Pride Month in the U.S., created to commemorate the Stonewall riots that happened in June 1969. It’s a time to celebrate authenticity, solidarity, diversity, and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Don your rainbow flag or pink triangle, grab your friends, and head to one of these Pride-themed events or promotions:
Dirty Habit
The DC dining concept at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is hosting “Colors of the Rainbow”, a month-long series during which the restaurant will feature a different color-themed food and beverage offering each week. A percentage of every PRIDE Colors of the Rainbow sale will be donated to the Human Rights Campaign and a Place Called Home. They are also hosting two drag shows on an upcoming Saturday in June, with Grey Goose adult frozen slushies offered as the featured drink and a percentage of the sales going to the same two organizations. Check the website for more details. // 555 8th Street NW, Washington, DC
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Kimpton is proud to be the Trevor Project’s Premiere National Hotel Partner, so when guests make a reservation, the brand will donate $10 per night to The Trevor Project and guests receive 15 percent off of the hotel’s Best Flexible Rate. Best of all, the promotion continues through December 31. // 555 8th Street NW, Washington, DC
Celebrate Alexandria Pride Workshops
Held June 3 to 5 with free admission and registration required, these 12 virtual events all celebrate the resiliency and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community in Alexandria. Presenters and facilitators include members of the Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force and other local and state partners, including Alexandria Library, Safe Space NoVA, Center for Black Equity, Heard Program, Virginia Anti-Violence Project, Drag Queen Story Hour, Equality Virginia, Impacto LGBT, promotional partners Visit Alexandria, and more. In addition, the Progress Pride flags will fly in June around Alexandria City Hall.
The Late Shift: ALX Pride at Torpedo Factory Art Center
On June 11 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., you can celebrate Pride Month with in-person and virtual programs at Torpedo Factory Art Center outside the Art Center on Union Street. Explore the “UHAULED” exhibition, which features five U-Haul trucks, each containing galleries with works from regional queer women and lesbian artists, curated by Northern Virginia artist Cat Baker. // 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
Growing Pride at The Garden
On June 27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., head to this family-friendly event at The Garden on Eisenhower Avenue, held in partnership with Alexandria Makers Market and Safe Space NoVA. It will feature 15 local LGBTQ+ makers and allies set up throughout The Garden with locally crafted goods available for sale. Enjoy local food trucks (including snow cones!), live music, and kids’ crafting available throughout the event. The event will take place inside the event space, the state-of-the-art workshop and outside on the patio. Safe Space NoVA is dedicated to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Admission is free, though a $5 donation is recommended. // 5380 Eisenhower Ave., Ste. C, Alexandria
Kids’ Pride Pajama Story Time
On June 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., kids and parents can enjoy an affirming and inclusive selection of bedtime stories that offer a joyful glimpse into Pride Month and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
Drag Queen Storytime with Citrine
Cosponsored by the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force as part of Celebrate Alexandria Pride 2021, this virtual event asks “What do drag queens and children have in common?” Well, they love dressing up and all things sparkly and fancy! Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Enjoy songs and stories for kids ages 3 to 8. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
From the Heart—A Transgender Virginian’s Story
On June 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., join a member of Equality Virginia’s Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau for a virtual evening of community and learning as they share their story as a transgender person followed by questions. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
PAWrade and Canine Costume Contest
On June 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., head to Bark Social, the unique new experiential beer garden and coffee house, where Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass will help create an elaborate rainbow-filled canine festival of pride and paws. The event promises some of the most colorful outfits and real tail-waggin’ fun. Proceeds benefit a local LGBTQ+ non-profit organization. // 935 Prose St., Bethesda, Maryland
Pride Doughnuts at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken will have Pride flavors on the menu from June 5 to 13. // Multiple locations
Beer Babes Drag at Caboose Commons
On June 19, head to The Lot at the brewery’s Fairfax location for an outdoor drag bash with beer, food, games, and a drag show. There will be two seatings (noon and 3 p.m.) and a portion of the sales supports PFLAG and National LGBTQ Task Force. // 2918 Eskridge Rd., Fairfax
Pride Events at Two Twisted Posts Winery and Forever Farm & Vineyard
Two Twisted Posts Winery has teamed up with Forever Farms Vineyard to celebrate Pride Month. Visit both Loudoun County vineyards on June 5 to celebrate diversity and enjoy live music, food, and special giveaways. Check out their websites for more details. // 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville, twotwistedpostswinery.com; 15779 Woodgrove Rd., Purcellville
Proud and Loud at the Kimpton George Hotel
Celebrate National Pride Month in DC. with a package that includes 15 percent off the best flexible rate and a $10 donation to The Trevor Project. The promotion is bookable for stays May 31 to June 29. // 15 E Street NW, Washington, DC
Hotel Zena Pride events
On June 9, 16, and 23, join DJ Tezrah on Hedy’s rooftop to dance the night away. On June 20, the there will also be a Summer Solstice Drag Brunch with two seatings (11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.), summer cocktails, food, and the chance to lip-sync along with of D.C.’s most fabulous performers. // 1155 14th St., NW, Washington, DC
Viceroy Washington D.C. Pride Events
On June 5 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., join Ali Chrisler, creator and owner of Blue Ribbon Floral, D.C.’s flower truck, for PRIDE Wine & Design with Blue Ribbon Floral. For an hour, sip a glass of wine on their outdoor patio and learn the basics of flower care and floral design during this hands-on offering, during which attendees will create a bouquet they can take home. On June 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., attend Pride Month Paint & Sip with Sarah Paints Rappers, during which you get the supplies and instruction to create a painting to take home. And BPM Coffee & Wine is offering a Pride Latte throughout the month of June. // 1420 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, DC
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