Pride Month is fast approaching, and the NOVA + DC area is bursting with events during May and June. Check out 14 parades, performances, and parties we’re watching.
Arlington
Show Your Pride: Light Projection and Block Party | Friday, May 16 + Saturday, May 17 | Various times | Ellen M. Bozman Government Center Plaza, Arlington | Free | A new collaborative artwork by projection artist Robin Bell and muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer will debut on May 16. The unveiling will be followed by a block party celebration on May 17.
Arlington Pride | Friday, May 30 + Saturday, May 31 | Various times | Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington | $0+ | The festival itself is free, but additional events like Drag Brunch or Pride Speed Dating require tickets.
Alexandria
Alexandria Pride Bar Crawl | Saturday, June 21 | 4-10 p.m. | Alexandria Bier Garden | $13.57+ | Your ticket includes free entry to four or more bars, at least two complimentary drinks, access to an exclusive after-party, and more perks along the way.
8th Annual Alexandria Pride | Saturday, June 28 | 3-6 p.m. | City Hall + Market Square, Alexandria | Free | Check out 60+ exhibitors, drag story hour, food trucks, and live music — if your organization would like to be a vendor, register here by June 1.
Fairfax
Fairfax Pride Launch Event | Saturday, June 7 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Old Town Hall, Fairfax | Free | Join community members as they kick off the Pride celebrations with vendors + children’s activities.
Mosaic Pride Celebration | Saturday, June 14 | 3-9 p.m. | Mosaic District Avenue, Fairfax | Free | This event starts with a parade and is followed by activities, drag performances, and more.
Surrounding NOVA Area
Loudoun Pride Festival | Saturday, May 31 | 12-6 p.m. | Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, Leesburg | $5 | This family-friendly festival features live performances, food and drinks, activities for kids, local vendors, and nonprofit booths.
Reston Pride | May 31-June 1 | Various times | Lake Anne Plaza, Reston | Free | Check out plenty of vendors and performances at this two-day Pride event — shuttles will be available.
Out & About Festival | Saturday, June 24 + Sunday, June 25 | 4 p.m. | Filene Center, Vienna | $75+ | LGBTQ+ artists and allies will perform at this two-day festival across three stages.
Washington, DC
World Pride DC | May 17-June 8 | Various times | Various locations | Various prices | Celebrate the 50th anniversary of World Pride in the nation’s capital with activities like concerts, parades, and rallies.
“Pickets, Protests, and Parades” Exhibit Ribbon Cutting | Saturday, May 24 | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Freedom Plaza, DC | Free | This new exhibit explores how the protests of the 1960s paved the way for this year’s celebrations.
World Pride Music Festival | June 6-7 | 1-11 p.m. | RFK Festival Grounds, DC | $170+ | Artists like Jennifer Lopez, Troy Sivan, and Zedd are playing this star-studded event.
Gay Sip + Paint | Tuesday, June 10 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Green Lantern, DC | Free | Sip a drink, enjoy great music, and let your creativity flow with a painting session.
Pride Pawty + Puppy Parade | Sunday, June 22 | 3-5 p.m. | Bryant St. Market, DC | $15 | Bring your furry friends along for dog-friendly activities, then shop at LGBTQ+-owned businesses and support an animal rescue supply drive.