Where to Celebrate Pride Month In and Around Arlington, VA

Drag shows, parades, concerts and history lessons provide a rainbow of options to go all out for Pride Month.

June is Pride Month, and local organizations and businesses are ready to celebrate. Find a rainbow of fun and meaningful ways to honor the LGBTQ+ community throughout Northern Virginia.

Movie Screening: To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

On June 6, 3 p.m., watch the cult classic about three drag queens making themselves known in a small Midwestern town. After the movie showing at the Alamo Drafthouse, head across the street to Water Park for music, drinks and fun. 1660 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)

Pride at Mosaic

The fifth annual Pride celebration will be out in full rainbow force to kick off Pride Month on June 6, 3-6 p.m. Expect drag performances, a parade and more. While you’re there, stop in at Caboose Commons for a special cocktail available only during Pride Month. The Sapphic Sunset is made with vodka, ginger brew, lime juice, butterfly pea flower, strawberry green tea and a touch of glitter. 2905 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)

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Queer Author Salon at MoCA Arlington

Get a read on several authors at this Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington event June 11, 6:30-8 p.m. Authors include social justice activist Sunu Chandy, fiction writer Dominique Dickey and artist Beka Wueste. Each will do a reading and be available for book signings. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)

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Parade-watchers at Capital Pride in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Annabelle Papke for Capital Pride)

Capital Pride

This year’s theme is “Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity!” in a call against injustice. Events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community June 12-21 include a parade June 20, 3-7:30 p.m. (tickets start at $40), and a festival, also June 21, noon-10 p.m. It will feature hundreds of exhibitors, skilled artisans, food, beverage gardens, and live entertainment. A can’t-miss event is the Capital Pride Concert during the festival. Performers include Maren Morris, Lisa Lisa and Tracy Young. See website for details.

Pride Senior Prom

The Arlington Public Library is offering a second chance at prom or an opportunity to relive a great experience June 12, 7-10 p.m. Put on your fanciest ’fit and head to Central Library for a night of fun, music and community. Allies are welcome, too. Sip light refreshments or purchase alcoholic drinks, with sales benefitting the Friends of the Arlington Public Library. 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Virginia Square)

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Comedian Paris Sashay (Courtesy photo)

Paris Sashay & Friends: Pride Edition at Arlington Drafthouse

The comedian, who’s appeared with Michael Che and Wanda Sykes, will take the stage at the Arlington Drafthouse on June 14, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., in celebration of Pride Month. Note that the later show is adults-only. Tickets are $30 or $48. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington 

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The Legacy of Pride

Ashley Blowe, a specialist at Project PEACE, Arlington County’s community response to prevent and address domestic, dating and sexual violence, will host an interactive program exploring LGBTQ+ history, lived experiences and the role older adults have played in shaping the movement. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll celebrate resilience and discuss ways to foster more belonging within communities. A 55+ Pass is required to attend June 23, 2-3 p.m. Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington 

Drag Queen Bingo

All ages can compete to win at bingo hosted by a drag queen on June 23, 6-7:30 p.m. It’s free to attend. Walter Reed Center, 2909 16th St., S., Arlington (Columbia Heights)

Pride Story & Rainbow Scavenger Hunt

At the Shirlington Library branch of the Arlington Public Library, kiddos will read This Day in June, a book about Pride parades. Then, they will go on a scavenger hunt to learn what each of the colors in the pride flag represents. The June 25, 4:30-5:30 p.m., event is free. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)

Trivia Night: Pride History

Test your knowledge of all things Pride on June 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Winners get a prize. The event is free and open to individuals and teams. Columbia Pike Library, 816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington

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The Safe Space Pride Prom in Alexandria, Virginia (Courtesy photo)

Safe Space Pride Prom

Safe Space NOVA, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQIA+ youth, is hosting is sixth annual Pride Prom on June 26, 7 p.m. This year’s theme is Starry Night, and the party is open to all youth ages 14-20. “Dress without distress—be it to impress, to represent or to blend in—and joyfully dance alone to the beat of your Silent Disco headphones [or] in groups beneath our world-class DJ,” according to the website. Tickets are $40. Torpedo Factory Arts Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria

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Alexandria Pride takes over John Carlyle Square Park. (Courtesy photo)

Ninth Annual Alexandria Pride

Browse info from 100-plus exhibitors, enjoy drag story hours and live music, and munch on treats from food trucks June 27, 2-6 p.m. John Carlyle Square Park, 825 John Carlyle St., Alexandria

Rainbows & Unicorns: Stories of Love & Hope

Clare and Don’s Beach Shack will host an evening of food, drinks and LGBTQ+ storytelling on June 27, 6 p.m. Joe Morice will serve as the emcee. Speakers include transgender rights activist Bree Fram, storyteller Rishi Nixon and Jack Scheer. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church

6th Annual Penrose Pride Parade

Put on your Pride-wear, make a creative sign and march for equality in the sixth annual Penrose Pride Parade. Co-sponsored by the Penrose Neighborhood Association and Equality Arlington, the fun starts at Butler-Holmes Park on June 28, 1-2 p.m. 101 S. Barton St., Arlington (Penrose)

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Stormy Vain (Courtesy photo)

Drafthouse Diva Pride Show

Close out Pride Month with Stormy Vain and her team of drag queens June 28, 7 p.m. Families, friends and allies are all welcome to watch the entertainers showcase their talents in the name of Pride. Tickets are $18 or $30. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington

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