Alexandria’s 8th Annual Pride Fair takes place Saturday (June 28) from 3 to 6 p.m. at City Hall and Market Square, featuring more than 90 exhibitors, drag story hours, and free health testing.
The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force partners with the Alexandria Library, Department of Community and Human Services, and community organizations to host the annual event at 301 King Street.
The fair provides information about LGBTQ+ inclusive services in Alexandria, free and confidential health testing and vaccines, LGBTQ+ Family Storytime, art and poetry workshops, music, refreshments, and Pride merchandise. Visitors can also access a mobile art lab, food trucks, and a cooling center provided by DASH bus services.
The event kicks off at 3 p.m. with a Pride Fair opening and proclamation on the main stage, with ASL interpretation provided. HIV and STI testing takes place inside City Hall in Room 2000 throughout the event.
Live music from The Funicular Project, described as “upward-facing funk and roll for your soul,” performs at 3:45 p.m. on the main stage.
Drag story hours with performer Lemon X. Fluiditea occur at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. in City Hall, with ASL interpretation available. At 5 p.m., community members take the main stage for “Pride is Joy,” speaking about living authentically.
The event concludes with a dance class at 5:15 p.m. led by Kay Gray from Local Motion Dance Studio.
More than 90 exhibitors participate in the fair, including local organizations, health services, businesses, and community groups. Health-focused exhibitors include Inova Pride Clinic, Inova Juniper Program, NOVASALUD, VHO, Alexandria Health Department, and the Teen Wellness Center.
Religious organizations participating include Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Christ Church Alexandria, Grace Episcopal Church, Saint James United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Commonwealth Baptist, and Queerly Gathered.
City departments and services represented include the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Fire Department, Office of Climate Action, Alexandria Library, Office of Human Rights, and the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program.
Community support organizations include ALIVE!, Free Mom Hugs, Big Gay Smiles, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Volunteer Alexandria, and Safe Space NOVA. The fair also features local businesses like Friends to Lovers Bookstore, Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop, and various wellness and therapy services.
Political and advocacy groups participating include the Alexandria Democratic Committee, League of Women Voters of Arlington & Alexandria City, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and Alexandria for Palestinian Human Rights.
The event includes amenities such as water stations, a misting tent, photo wall, and designated areas for food trucks and parking. A detailed site map shows exhibitor locations throughout City Hall and Market Square.
Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which occurred on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village and bar patrons fought back. This resistance marks the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States, and Pride Month has been celebrated in June since 1970.
The City of Alexandria offers residents various events and opportunities throughout June to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month and recognize LGBTQ+ people and their contributions to Alexandria’s diverse community and the nation.
Event sponsors include VEG ER for Pets, Inova, and the Del Ray Community Partnership. Additional information and a site map are available at alexandriava.gov/LGBTQ.
The free event welcomes all community members and visitors to learn about local LGBTQ+ resources while celebrating Pride Month in Alexandria.
