NORFOLK, Va. — Pride Month is here, and that means a time of remembering the history behind the holiday and looking forward to fun activities.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a celebration of visibility, equality and self-affirmation for the queer community. Many cities and organizations celebrate with parades, streets lined with rainbow flags and themed events.
Hampton Roads joins in on the celebrations every year with some being full-blown festivals and other smaller fun events to take part in.
Here are fun Pride events coming to Coastal Virginia this June
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Pride Festival - June 1
For the 2nd year, you can join the Portsmouth Pride Committee for a festival featuring music, dancing, food, beverages, vendors and more. This year's charitable focus is on mental health and wellness in the LGBT community. It's free and open to the public. It's taking place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Festival Park.
Norfolk
NEON Rainbow Market - June 1
The market features 40 vendors, food and live music and is a celebration of the diversity of the creative community. The market is from 12 to 4 p.m. at 776 Granby Street.
Norfolk Official Pride Bar Crawl - June 22
Join the celebration of love, diversity and unity during this pride bar crawl featuring an after-party, a free drink or shot, drink specials and more. It starts at 4 p.m. at Hell's Kitchen on Granby Street. Tickets are $9.99 plus fees.
Ghent Pride - June 17
Come out to Ghent and enjoy food, drinks and entertainment while giving to LGBT-friendly non-profits like the LGBT Life Center, Hampton Roads Pride, EVMS and more. It's taking place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Palace Shops' North Parking Lot. The event has a $13 cover fee.
Virginia Zoo Pride Night - June 15
This event includes full zoo access, drag queen shows, vendors, food and drinks and a chance to meet the zoo's animal ambassadors. It's taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. and is welcome to people of all ages.
Newport News
I am What I am Pride Festival - June 2
Join Tradition Brewing for Newport News' Pride Festival featuring over 35 vendors and live performances. Also, be sure to try the I am What I am Beer brewed in collaboration with breweries across Hampton Roads. It's taking place from 1 to 6 p.m. at 700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard.
Virginia Beach
Shark After Dark - June 6
The Virginia Aquarium is hosting a special Pride-themed evening just for adults 21 and older! Whether you bring a friend or choose to come alone, you are invited to leisurely enjoy all of the animals and exhibits, free from daytime crowds and high-energy kiddos. ID is required at the door and refreshments will be available for purchase. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Family Seavenings - June 13
The Virginia Aquarium offers a special evening for families to enjoy a Pride-themed after-hours event at the Aquarium. Celebrate families of all kinds with us during this extended opening time! There will be rainbow coral reef crafts, resources, and more! It runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Virginia Beach Official Pride Bar Crawl - June 22
Journey through the heart of Virginia Beach by hopping from one iconic venue to the next. There will be specialty pride-themed cocktails and entertainment. It's taking place from 4 to 11 p.m. starting at the Baja Cantina. Tickets are $9.99 plus fees.
Suffolk
Suffolk Pride Festival - June 30
The Festival is returning this year, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, visibility and diversity with a day full of music food, and entertainment. It's taking place at Bennetts Creek Park from 12 to 7 p.m.
Chesapeake
Pride in the Peake - June 9
This free event is family and youth-focused, and will feature live music, food trucks, free activities for children, and over 100 vendors and community organizations in the heart of Greenbrier. It's located at Summit Pointe, 580 Belaire Avenue and runs from 12 to 5 p.m.
Hampton
Phabulous Phoebus Street Festival - June 8
Embrace the spirit of inclusion and diversity on historic Mellen Street with live music, beer and food vendors, and community enrichment, among other exciting activities. It runs from noon until 6 p.m.
2024 Hampton Roads Pride Weekend!
Every year Hampton Roads Pride celebrates the month with a weekend of exciting events featuring performances, community, food and fun. The celebrations span across Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Camp Pride Block Party - June 21
Come out in Camp Pride-themed apparel to the Norva from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and celebrate the boldness and extravagance of Pride. DJ sets and drag queens will be out entertaining.
Pride Fest & Boat Parade - June 22
Come out to Town Point Park from 12 to 7 p.m. It's free and open to the public! Todrick Hall and Mariah Counts will be headlining performances at the annual festival and parade.
Pride at the Beach - June 23
Come out to Neptune's Park from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a free experience filled with music, entertainment and food. The headliner is The Lady Gaga Tribute, an award-winning live tribute show to Lady Gaga herself.