Whether an all-day festival or a virtual book club is your jam, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Pride Month in and around Arlington. Some highlights:
Get Ready for Pride: Cake Social
May 28, Noon-1 p.m.
Join Cake Society Co.—an inclusivity-focused wellness nonprofit—for this pre-Pride Month networking event. Share ideas and resources, unwind with coloring activities and nibble on (actual!) cake. // Shirlington Branch Library, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Free.
LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff Social
June 3, 7-9 p.m.
All are welcome at this social gathering organized by Go Gay DC! Happy hour specials are served till 9 p.m. and event participants receive 15% off entrees. // The Commentary, 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington. Free.
Alexandria Pride
June 4, 1-4 p.m.
Have a pride-filled afternoon at this fifth-annual event in Old Town Alexandria. Highlights include a drag-queen story time, spoken word performances, arts activities, food and music. Free and confidential HIV testing is also available. // Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., Alexandria. Free.
The Lavender Scare: Alexander D’Agostino and David K. Johnson
June 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
In this virtual event hosted by Arlington Arts Center, join artist Alexander D’Agostino and historian David K. Johnson for a discussion of the Lavender Scare, the mid-20th century persecution of federal employees who were homosexual. Virtual screenings of The Lavender Scare, a 2017 documentary, will run June 8-14. // Virtual event. Free. Registration required.
Rock the Lot With Pride
June 9, 4-8 p.m.
Kick back with an afternoon of DJ-spun tunes, pride swag, drinks from the Toastworthy Tequila Truck, bites from Curbside Kitchen and a chance to cool off with Kona Ice. // 2611 South Clark St., Arlington. Free.
The Late Shift: ALX Pride
June 10, 7-10 p.m.
Check out artwork along the Alexandria waterfront and Union Street, as well as inside the Torpedo Factory. (Further event details to come.) // Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free.
LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch at Freddie’s
June 11, 10 a.m.-Noon
Grab brunch at Freddie’s (and maybe a Flashing Flamingo to go with it) on Crystal City’s Restaurant Row at this Go Gay DC!-sponsored event. // Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, 555 23rd St. S., Arlington. No cover.
Family Pride Day
June 11, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Get creative at Arlington Arts Center with this midday art-making affair celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and community members. The event begins with Drag Queen Story Hour from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and continues with crafting opportunities and an invitation to stop inside and tour AAC’s latest exhibitions. // Arlington Arts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free.
Alex Myers Book Talk
June 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
Transgender advocate and novelist Alex Myers recently penned a how-to guide for schools when it comes to supporting trans students. He discusses his decades of experiences in the field at this online-only book talk. // Virtual event. Free.
LGBTQ+ Pride Concert for Families
June 18, 4 p.m.
Get on your feet with the Alphabet Rockers, a Grammy-nominated, hip-hop outfit whose music focuses on social justice and inclusivity. // McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. $10/$5 for MCC tax-district residents.
Drag Bingo Night
June 21, 7-9 p.m.
In conjunction with smyal—Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders—the Starr Hill Biergarten will host a night of everyone’s favorite excuse to use a dauber. // The Perch, Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons. Free.
Once Upon a Prom
June 24, 7-11 p.m.
Safe Space NOVA presents what sounds like a dream prom experience; not only is there a prom with actual dancing, but attendees who need a break can dive into more fun with a trampoline park, obstacle course, virtual-reality games and more. // The St. James, 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield. Attendees must be 9th-12th grade students at a Northern Virginia high school. Additional guests are permitted only if they are guests of eligible students. All entrants must have tickets. $36+.
Arlington Pride Festival
June 25, Noon-7 p.m.
Arlington will get its first-ever pride festival this year, which promises to be an action-packed, all-day affair. Catch drag-queen performances, DJs, a full-service bar, food vendors, children’s activities and more. // Gateway Park, 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington. Free.
Growing Pride at The Garden
June 26, Noon-5 p.m.
Sport your “pride gear” for this afternoon event spotlighting 15 local LGBTQ+ makers and allies. When you’re done shopping, bop to live tunes, take a turn at rock climbing (Sportrock is offering two free climbs to all attendees) and cool off with a snow cone from Anita’s Frozen Cotton Candy. // The Garden, 5380 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. $5 suggested donation.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.
June 26, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. performs standards from Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole and more at this tribute to Black jazz artists of the 20th century. // Proof of vaccination and face masks required. Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons. $45+
Pride Month for Kids: Origins of the Pride Flag
June 28, 4-5 p.m.
Bring the kiddos to the Shirlington Library to learn some of the history behind the pride flag, including the roles of assassinated California politician Harvey Milk and artist Gilbert Baker. Participants will also make pride-flag buttons. // Shirlington Library, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Free.
This post has been updated with additional events.