Northern Virginia Pride Festival presented by NOVA Pride takes place Sunday, October 5 at Bull Run Special Events Center. It’s an all-day event for the LGBTQ community and their allies.
Here are eight reasons to attend Northern Virginia’s first pride celebration:
8. Gorgeous Fall Weather
(Photo: tumblr)
Located in a national park surrounded by foliage, Bull Run Special Events Center is a beautiful grassy area with plenty of space. You can put down a blanket or chairs, and enjoy the fall weather. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a tasty beverage on the lawn with 5,000 or more of their closest friends?
7. Puppy Pride
(Photo by Kristin Horgen)
Don’t choose between spending the day with your favorite pooch and coming out to the festival. NOVA Pride is setting up a fenced in dog park to let your pup run and play. Just make sure to bring doggie bags to keep the grounds tidy.
6. The Swag Will Be On Full Attack
Photo: tumblr
With over 60 vendors you’re sure to leave like you just raided the mall. Whether you’re a foodie, a wino, a business professional, a makeup addict, an activist, or anything in-between, you’re sure to find something that will interest you.
5. A Freakin’ Helicopter Landing
Photo: Cheers Chalet
The Fairfax County Police Helicopter will be landing during the festival. FCPD are excited to let participants get an up close and personal look at the helicopter. In addition to the helicopter, there will also be a fire truck.
4. It’s Family Friendly
Photo: Josette Matoto
For those with kids, NOVA Pride has dedicated an area for families and children. There will be activities geared toward the younger crowd, as well as a second entertainment stage. Speaking of kids, for those looking to adopt or foster, there will be an organization at the festival ready to arm you with the appropriate information.
3. Fabulous Entertainment
Wicked Jezabel, Aug. 2014
NOVA Pride is excited to include diverse and excellent entertainment throughout the day. Some performers include Wicked Jezabel, J Lima Foxtrot, Playground Etiquette, Kat’Lee Jones, Carola Fuenzalida, and many more.
2. Say I Do!
Photo: Tom Warriner
Get married, or plan your wedding! Stop by the “Say I Do” Wedding Chapel, courtesy of the Say I Do Wedding Expo. Clergy will be onsite to perform marriage ceremonies, regardless of the current legality. You can also check out additional vendors that will help prepare you for your big day.
1. It’s History In The Making
Photo: UrbanJungleFashion
The NOVA Pride Festival is the fruition of many thousands of hours from board members, their families and friends, and volunteers that have worked tirelessly for three years to make this event happen. There will also be five other pride organizations in attendance; other Virginia LGBTQ groups and Capital Pride. Come celebrate a whole new level of unity in the region, and all the progress that Virginia has made over the past few years.
