June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and there are plenty of ways to get festive—from lunchtime picnics to late-night parties. Here’s a look at what’s happening in and around Arlington.
Go Gay DC Pride Kickoff Special
June 2, 7-9 p.m.
Head to The Commentary in Ballston for a social gathering organized by Go Gay DC, a District-based group providing community-building and service opportunities. Happy hour specials—including $6 draft beers, $7 canned cocktails and $7 wines—are on tap till 9 p.m. // The Commentary, 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington. Free admission.
Mosaic Pride Parade
June 3, 2-8:30 p.m.
The Pride Parade is back for a second year at the ever-buzzy Mosaic district. Watch or join the procession as it travels down District Avenue (beginning at One Medical) before it segues to a concert and block party on Glass Alley. Entertainment includes the George Mason University band, dance performances from Kazaxe and disco-funk cover band Groovalicious. Can’t get enough of the party? Pop by Parc de Ville before and/or after the festivities for an all-day, rooftop pride party. // Mosaic, 2910 District Ave., Fairfax. Free admission.
Alexandria Pride Kick-Off
June 3, 2-5 p.m.
Celebrate Pride at this sixth annual event near the Alexandria waterfront. At 2 p.m., the festivities start with a drag queen story hour, followed by spoken word and comedy improv workshops from Alexandria-based Heard. Take advantage of the Pride fair featuring face painting, themed selfie opportunities, confidential health services, and food and drink. To make a full day of it, head to Port City Brewing Co. for its Pride celebration from noon to 7 p.m., including a mini market and drag show. // 301 King St., Alexandria
Capital Pride Concert
June 11, Noon-10 p.m.
Head into the District and catch a star-studded lineup at this outdoor concert featuring Broadway songstress Idina Menzel, pop artist Hayley Kiyoko, ’80s pop icon Debbie Gibson and other celebs. Stick around after the show (it ends at 8 p.m.) for a sunset dance party. For more Capital Pride events, visit this page. // Third and Pennsylvania Avenues, Washington, D.C. Free admission.
‘New York State of Mind’ Pride Prom
June 16, 7-11 p.m.
Calling all rising 9th graders through 2023 high school grads: Safe Space NOVA and the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts are hosting their second annual pride prom. With a Big Apple theme featuring nods to Broadway and Studio 54, the night includes live mural painting, drag shows, a blacklight rave room, food and drink, and, of course, dancing. Mental health and LGBTQ+ educational resources will also be on hand. // Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. $41.50.
MoCA Arlington Family Pride Picnic in the Park
June 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is hosting this midday Pride celebration on its lawn with a visit from Vicki Johnson, author of children’s book Molly’s Tuxedo. Bring a blanket, picnic basket and enjoy hands-on art activities and live tunes. // 3550 Wilson Blvd., ArlingtonÂ
Miss Arlington Pride Pageant
June 23, 8 p.m.
Arlington Pride, which debuted last year, is back for a full weekend of events, including this inaugural pageant. Join host Shi-Queeta Lee for a night of laughs and local drag talent, with proceeds benefiting a nonprofit. More details coming soon. // Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Richmond Highway, Arlington. Tickets $20+.
Sweeney Todd Pride Night at Signature Theatre
June 23, 8 p.m.
Join fellow members and allies of the local LGBTQ+ community at this Pride night performance of the blood-stained Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd. Stick around after the show, as each Pride night performance is followed by a reception. // Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets $40+.
LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar
June 24, 10 a.m.
Meet new friends at this brunch organized by Go Gay DC and Equality NoVa. Hosted at a bar known for “glitz and kitsch,” the brunch will take place on the front porch of the restaurant, and both the a la carte and bottomless menus are available. // 555 23rd St. S., Arlington (Crystal City)
Arlington Pride Festival and Drag Brunch
June 24-25
The Arlington Pride Festival returns to Rosslyn’s Gateway Park for an all-day outdoor fest on Saturday, followed by an afterparty that goes into the night (location details forthcoming). Keep the fun going with a drag brunch the next day. Be sure to check here as more details are announced. // Rosslyn Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Out and About Festival
June 24-25
This two-day fest at Wolf Trap, headlined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, also brings a host of other national and regional artists on three stages, including Yola, Rufus Wainwright, Lucius and D.C.-based Oh He Dead. // Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets $59+.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington: Potomac Fever
June 25, 3 p.m.
Head over to McLean Central Park and enjoy some a cappella pop from this 14-voice group (one of a handful of GMCW ensembles) that blends Broadway and today’s hits. Tote along a picnic meal and a blanket or chairs. // McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. Free admission.
Jinkx Monsoon at Capital One Hall
July 6, 7 p.m.
The Pride celebration doesn’t have to end just because June is over. Keep the fun going at this show in Tysons, led by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon alongside Major Scales for a concert chock-full of covers, original tunes and magic. // Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons. Ages 18+, Tickets $52.50+.