Members of Alexandria’s LGBTQ+ community are celebrating Pride Month with events throughout June.
Pride Month recognizes the contributions of LGBTQ+ communities and their push for civil rights. June was chosen for the Pride Month observance to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, a protest of police raids on gay bar Stonewall Inn in New York City that led to a greater movement to seek LGBTQ+ rights.
The city will again host its annual Pride Fair, joining other events hosted by Port City Brewing Co., Alexandria Library, Safe Space NOVA and more.
There are also numerous Capital Pride events, including the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 20 and Capital Pride Festival and Concert on Sunday, June 21. From June 5 to 30, Metro will have a specially-wrapped train, bus, and Metro Access vehicle featuring the theme “Proudly Join Us on Metro.”
But for Alexandrians heading to D.C. by Metro that weekend, there will be service disruptions. Shuttle buses will replace Metrorail service between Reagan National Airport and Pentagon City stations on the Blue and Yellow Lines from June 19 to 21. Metro confirmed to ALXnow no plans to change the shutdown due to the large-scale Capital Pride events.
“At this time, we plan to go forward with the work/station closures as scheduled,” a Metro spokesperson said. “Customers will be able to use our free shuttle bus service to travel between Reagan National Airport and Pentagon City June 19-21. Shuttle buses will run every 8-10 minutes.”
Here are the Pride Month events happening in Alexandria:
Tavern Games Night: Annual Pride Month Edition
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 5
This game night series in the historic Ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum features a brief themed presentation and pub trivia around 7:30 p.m. A cash bar will run during the event.
134 N. Royal Street
Pride in the West End
When: 2-9 p.m. Friday, June 19
This event by Port City Brewing Co. and the West End Business Association will include a mini market with LGBTQ+ vendors from 2-6 p.m., La Tingeria food specials, DJ Thunder Bunny, beer and yard games. A drag show will follow at 6:30 p.m.
3950 Wheeler Avenue
Old Town North Pride
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 20
This Pride Party Old Town North will feature a Pride Dance Party with DJ Thunder Bunny at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub; ZEN Lounge with free glitter roots, temporary tattoos, and coloring from the Queer Crayon Club at Salon deZEN; raffle prizes from St. Elmo’s, Salon deZEN, Scuttlebutt Bakeshop, CatRad Creative and more; and vendors like Old Town Girlies and Vida Women’s Health. Tickets include a glass of welcome bubbly and featured drink from St. Elmo’s. A portion of proceeds will support Safe Space NOVA.
529 Montgomery Street
Alexandria Pride Bar Crawl
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Join this bar crawl with food and drink specials at participating restaurants. Some venues may feature live music.
710 King Street
LGBTQ+ Authors in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Tasting
When: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24
Science fiction and fantasy fans can celebrate Pride Month by discussing books featuring characters and authors from the LGBTQ+ community. The event takes place on the second floor of the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library.
717 Queen Street
Pride Prom: Starry Night at Torpedo Factory Art Center
When: 7-11 p.m. Friday, June 26
Safe Space NOVA will host Pride Prom: Starry Night for attendees aged 14-20. The night will bring music, performances, food, dancing, games and more.
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria Pride Fair
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 27
The annual Alexandria Pride event will take place at John Carlyle Square Park. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon with live performances, line-dancing, a DJ, mobile art lab, local food vendors, and more than 100 Pride‑affirming programs, organizations and businesses from Alexandria. Families can also join Drag Story Hour.Free and confidential health services will be offered at the event.
825 John Carlyle Street
