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Your guide to Pride 2025

In 2024, the city of Alexandria painted Pride flags on the crosswalks at the intersection of Royal and King Streets in Old Town to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. | Via @alexandriagov Instagram

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

Alexandria

Fairfax

11 other Pride celebrations

Asked

🏳️‍🌈 Why was the first DC Pride celebration scheduled for May and not June?

The city of DC said they had to host the event in May, not June
DC’s LGBTQ+ community wanted to attend New York City Pride in June
Pride Month used to be May
This isn’t true — the first DC Pride celebration was in June

Think you know the answer?

Events

Friday, May 16

Live Music Fridays at Water Park | 6 p.m. | Water Park, Arlington | Free | Get ready for live music from talented local bands, food vendors, lawn games, and an array of beverage options to keep the good times flowing.

Saturday, May 17

Wednesday, May 21

There's more to check out

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Traffic

Starting Monday, May 19, drivers in Fairfax County will receive citations for failing to stop at school bus stop signs, ending a 30-day grace period during which only warnings were issued. Preliminary data showed the program averaged 76 warnings per day. (WTOP)

Community

Yesterday, the proposed ordinance amendments for a potential ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in Alexandria were read at a legislative meeting. If approved, there would be a two-year phase-out program in the community. A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for Saturday, May 17. (ALXnow)

Open

A Chinese fusion restaurant called Bar Chinois, originally established in DC, will open its second location tomorrow at 4 p.m. in Crystal City. The new spot is located on the ground floor of the Grace and Leva apartments. (ARLnow)

Try This

Sunday Morning Bakehouse is hosting a pop-up today in Tysons from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in Heming’s lobby at 1800 Chain Bridge Rd. This event is open to the public while supplies last.

Biz

Old Town Alexandria has welcomed a new Latin American wine bar + cafe. LaPluma Coffee + Wine opened yesterday at 1000 Cameron St., previously home to Energesco Solutions LLC. The coffee shop is on the first floor and the wine bar is on the second floor. (ALXnow)

Sports

The Capitals are facing playoff elimination against the Carolina Hurricanes (Hi, RALtoday) and need to win tomorrow night to keep their season alive. Cheer them on at your favorite watering hole or at Capital One Arena beginning at 7 p.m.

Active

The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic is just a couple of weeks away, rolling through Arlington and DC from May 31 to June 1. Online registration closes today at 5 p.m. Not riding? Volunteer, or grab your cowbell and line the courses to cheer on the competitors.

Health

The fourth annual Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Health Fair is Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at the Inova Center for Personalized Health. Free skin checks, take-home colon cancer screening kits, educational programs, and more will be available.

Plan Ahead

Cue Pomp and Circumstance — May + June means graduation season. Find public school graduations around Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax.
The Washington Wizards nabbed the No. 6 NBA draft pick — let the speculation begin. Dallas was the big winner, beating the odds to earn the top pick. We can hear our friends over at DALtoday bragging from here. (ESPN)

Quoted

“We must continue investing in trails, protected bike lanes, walkways, pedestrian bridges, and sidewalks.” Those were words spoken by Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling officials as they advocate for a new bikeway in the county. However, other groups believe the proposed Cinder Bed Road Bikeway would damage local ecosystems. (FFX Now)

Pets

Alexandria’s cutest pup contest is down to 15 finalists. With over 100 entries, it’s time to vote by May 19. The winner will be announced the next day. I will say I’ve got a soft spot for Bailey — I mean, look at her. (Alexandria Living Magazine)

Games

The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.

Let the games begin

The Wrap

🚲 Don’t forget — Bike to Work Day is tomorrow. There will be a ton of pit stops around NOVA to check out, including DJs, coffee, ice cream, and other freebies.