A full schedule of Pride-themed events is kicking off in Arlington this weekend as WorldPride commences in D.C.
The festivities begin with a light art projection and Saturday block party at the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center, followed by theatrical performances, DIY arts and crafts and more through June. Here’s a look at some upcoming Pride events across the county.
Happening this week
Show Your Pride: Light Projection and Block Party
When: Friday from 8-10 p.m. and Saturday from 6-10 p.m.
The county will unveil Pride-themed projection art by Robin Bell and a ground mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer. A Saturday block party will include giveaways, lawn games, DJs and food vendors. Artists will be on-site both days for meet-and-greets.
2100 Clarendon Blvd (Clarendon)
‘Gay for DC Theatre’ at Signature Theatre
When: Ongoing performances through Sunday, June 22
This “micro-festival” of local theatres is offering LGBTQ+-themed productions for WorldPride. Signature Theatre is presenting rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” this spring. Tickets are on sale now.
4200 Campbell Avenue (Shirlington)
More upcoming events
Grow a Rainbow at Shirlington Library
When: Thursday, May 29 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
This event, geared toward elementary school students, will tell the historical story of Harvey Milk and the origins of the Pride flag. Kids will also grow their own rainbows through a short science experiment. Registration is not required.
4200 Campbell Avenue (Shirlington)
Arlington Pride festivities
When: Friday, May 30 through Saturday, May 31
The fourth annual Arlington Pride includes a drag pageant and brunch, indoor festival, speed dating event and after party. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
2799 Richmond Highway (Crystal City)
Family Pride with MoCA
When: Sunday, June 1 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
This reccurring crafting series will focus on Pride parade hearts, sunprints and bandanas. There will also be refreshments, face painting and temporary tattoos, with live music by Rook Richards.
Met Park at S. Fern Street (Pentagon City)
Rosslyn LIVE: Drag Show
When: Tuesday, June 3 from 6-8 p.m.
This drag show, “A Drag Salute to Divas and Divos,” features queen Shi-Queeta Lee and impersonations of music icons like Tina Turner and Whitney Houston. The event promises “an evening of fun and individuality.” Tickets are $10 and seating is first-come, first-served.
1300 Langston Blvd (Rosslyn)
Queer Joy Art Party at Central Library
When: Wednesday, June 4 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m.
Attendees can make their own hat or tote bag with the Arlington Public Library’s Pride logo. There will also be customizable buttons, folding fans and signs. Free supplies and snacks will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A teen-edition art party is from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
1015 N. Quincy Street (Virginia Square)
Equality in Business breakfast
When: Thursday, June 5 from 8-9:30 a.m.
This networking breakfast at the Crystal City Sports Pub with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce allows attendees to promote their business, share pitches and make connections. The chamber is partnering with the Equality Chamber of Commerce, an advocate of D.C.-area LGBTQIA+-owned businesses. Attendance is $25 for chamber members and $35 for non-members.
529 23rd Street S. (Crystal City)
Themed BINGO games for 55+
When: Thursday, June 5 from 1-2:15 p.m. and Tuesday, June 10 from 5:30-7 p.m.
A Pride-themed dance BINGO game “featuring anthems from LGBTQ+ icons” will take place at the Walter Reed Community Center on June 5. The week after, the center will host drag queen BINGO sponsored by the Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs and Equality NoVa.
2909 16th Street S. (Columbia Heights)
Pride-Themed Family Art Night
When: Monday, June 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This arts and crafts session is for families and kids of all ages. The art night will focus on developing creativity and problem-solving skills by making a Pride Month-themed work of art.
1015 N. Quincy Street (Virginia Square)
Queer education and activism seminar
When: Monday, June 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
George Mason University Professor David Powers Corwin will discuss how to “support the elimination of discrimination of those who do not fit society’s traditional view about gender and sexuality.” They will host a Q&A following the discussion.
1015 N. Quincy Street (Virginia Square)
55+ ‘Dance with Pride!’ party
When: Friday, June 20 from 1-3 p.m.
This dance party at the Lubber Run Community Center will play a mix of anthems by “LGBTQ+ icons and the latest chart-topping hits.” The party is open to all ages, and 55+ passes are not required to attend.
300 N. Park Drive (Lubber Run)
Bracelet making and buttons for kids
When: Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kids of all ages can stop by the Columbia Pike Library to grab a take-and-make kit of crafting supplies. The featured crafts are customizable pinback buttons for Pride and rainbow bracelets.
816 S. Walter Reed Drive (Penrose)
Teen Pride ‘Crafternoon’
When: Tuesday, June 24 from 3-4 p.m.
Attendees at this crafting afternoon can make their own Pride-themed keychain. This event at the Westover Library is for kids in grades six through 12.
1644 McKinley Road #3 (Westover)
Rock painting at Glencarlyn
When: Wednesday, June 25 from 1-2 p.m.
Kids in grades six through 12 can paint Pride-themed rocks at this arts and crafts event hosted by the Glencarlyn Library. Registration is required.
300 S. Kensington Street (Glencarlyn)
Love is Love LGBTQIA+ Book Club
When: Saturday, June 28 from 2-3 p.m.
This LGBTQIA+-themed adult book club meeting will discuss “The Guncle Abroad” by Steven Rowley at the Courthouse Library. There are 15 seats available in-person and 10 seats available online. Registration is recommended.
2100 Clarendon Blvd (Courthouse)
