FESTIVALS, DRAG SHOWS, BIKE RIDES AND MORE • HAMPTON ROADS • 2023
Though 2023 so far has been especially polemical with respect to LGBTQ+ rights and relations, the Hampton Roads LGBTQ+ community and its allies aren’t allowing political divisiveness to deter their pride.
June is Pride Month and the region has plenty of ways to celebrate, including trivia nights, bike rides and drag performances. The list is not exhaustive and events are subject to change, but the lineup gets 10s all across the board.
Family Pride Night at the Chesapeake Central Library. 4 to 6 p.m. today. Chesapeake Central Library, 298 Cedar Road. Event includes vendors, crafts and a pink Pride runway. bit.ly/CPLpride
Second annual Portsmouth Pride Festival.
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Festival Park, 16 Crawford Circle, Portsmouth. This year’s focus is on mental health and wellness within the LGBTQ+ and wider Portsmouth community. Music and entertainment. Free. portsmouthprideva.com.
Hampton Roads Unity Pageant. 8 p.m. Saturday. 37th and Zen, 1083 W. 37th St., Norfolk. The theme is Garden of Eden, and the night includes an auction and raffle to benefit the Hampton Roads Unity “Be a Pillar” scholarship. Tickets are $5. 37thandzen.com.
Pride Month Kick off Party at MJ’s Tavern, featuring Lady Bunny. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. MJ’s Tavern, 4019 Granby St., Norfolk. Drag, drinks and more. mjtavern.com.
Clyde’s Pride Party at Sly Clyde Ciderworks. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Sly Clyde Ciderworks, 207 E. Mellen St., Hampton. Tickets are $30 and include a Sly Clyde T-shirt and tie-dye kit. bit.ly/ Clydepride.
Tour de ORF-Pride Ride. 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Ride starts at Smartmouth Brewing Co., 1309 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk, and ends at MJ’s Tavern, 4019 Granby St. All skill levels welcome. elizabethrivertrail.org. “I Am What I Am” Pride Festival at Tradition Brewing Co. Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Newport News. The IAWIA festival marks Newport News’ inaugural Pride festival, featuring karaoke, food, live entertainment and the release of a Pride beer in collaboration with several local breweries. Free. traditionbrewing.com. The Wave presents: The Kennedy Davenport, featuring Kennedy Davenport from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” 6:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday. 4107 Colley Ave., Norfolk. Tickets start at $35. Must be 18 or older. bit.ly/TheWaveDavenport. Hilton Pride. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10. Historic Hilton Village, Warwick Boulevard and Main Street, Newport News. Free. hiltonvillagemainstreet.com. Pride Night at the Zoo .5to 8 p.m. June 10. The Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby St., Norfolk. Scavenger hunts, animal exhibits, yard games and food trucks. Tickets start at $12. virginiazoo.org. Pride in the ’Peake 2023. Noon to 5 p.m. June 11. Chesapeake City Park, 900 City Park Drive, Chesapeake. Free. visitchesapeake.com. Pride Night at Harbor Park. Begins at 6:35 p.m. June 14. Harbor Park, 150 Park Ave., Norfolk. Tickets start at $15. fevo.me/tidespride23. Virginia Queer Film Festival. June 14 through 16. Old Dominion University Theatre, 4600 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk. Ticket prices vary depending on the event. vaqff.org. Phabulous Phoebus Street Festival. 1 to 7 p.m. June 17. Mellen Street. Beer and food vendors, and live entertainment. Free. phoebusva.com. The Turnabout Show presented by RJ Carrington and the Granby Theater. 7 p.m. June 18. 421 Granby St., Norfolk. The show is in honor of two local drag legends, Vega Ova Perry and Mercedes Douglas. Tickets start at $15. bit.ly/Turnabout2023. Ghent Pride Party at the Palace Shops. 6 to 10 p.m. June 20. Palace Shops, 301 W. 21st St., Norfolk. Tickets are $13. bit.ly/Ghentpride2023. Hampton Roads PrideFest. Noon to 8 p.m. June 24. Featuring trumpeter Spencer Ludwig and entertainer Mo Heart. Town Point Park, 113 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. Free. hamptonroadspride. org.