Hampton Roads Pride 2026
- 20-22 Jun 2025
- Norfolk & Virginia Beach, VA
Hampton Roads Pride is more than a single day on the calendar—it's a year‑round movement that unites the lgbtq+QIAP+ community and allies across the seven cities of coastal Virginia. After another successful season of programming, the organisers declared their **Pride Weekend 2025** celebration "epic" and began inviting visitors and residents to start planning for the **June 20‑22 2025** weekend of events. Below is an overview of what took place in 2025 and what attendees can expect when the festival returns.
### A three‑day festival on land and sea
Hampton Roads Pride began in 1997 and has grown into one of the largest pride celebrations on the U.S. East Coast. The 2025 festival emphasised diversity, family, and community across a three‑day schedule at multiple venues in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Organisers described the weekend as an opportunity to honour identity, unity and joy, and the program included everything from high‑energy concerts to quiet moments of reflection【500600029453973†L171-L174】. Events were designed for all ages, with select gatherings restricted to adults and others free and open to the public.
**Block Party (Friday June 20, 7 p.m., NorVa)** – The weekend kicked off on Friday night with the **Block Party** at the historic NorVa concert venue in downtown Norfolk. The organisers urged attendees to **"grab your most daring ensembles"** for an evening of DJ sets, drag performances and dance‑off competitions【500600029453973†L177-L189】. The party embraced camp and glamour, inviting participants to transform the venue into a glittering spectacle. Doors opened at 7 p.m., and the event was restricted to **18+**; early‑bird general admission passes started around $25 (VIP options were also available).
**PrideFest (Saturday June 21, noon, Town Point Park)** – Saturday afternoon’s signature event, **PrideFest**, took over Norfolk’s Town Point Park overlooking the Elizabeth River. PrideFest is free and open to the public and draws **about 50,000 participants** from across the East Coast【500600029453973†L201-L203】. The festival offers seven hours of continuous entertainment, including international DJs, national and local drag artists and speeches from state and local elected officials【500600029453973†L201-L204】. Organisers emphasised inclusivity: there is a **Family Zone** with activities for children and a **VIP Experience** that allows adults to enjoy premium seating, exclusive bars and networking opportunities【500600029453973†L206-L214】. Though admission is free, attendees were encouraged to RSVP online so staff could plan for crowd size【500600029453973†L209-L214】.
**Official PrideFest After‑Party (Saturday night, Waterside District)** – After PrideFest wrapped up, the celebration continued at the **Waterside District** on the riverfront. The official after‑party featured dance music, specialty Pride cocktails and both indoor and outdoor spaces for mingling【500600029453973†L224-L229】. While the event extended into the early hours, organisers reminded guests to pace themselves for the busy Sunday ahead.
**The Ultimate Pride Drag Brunch (Sunday June 22, 11 a.m., Rainbow Cactus)** – Sunday morning saw a new addition for 2025: **The Ultimate Pride Drag Brunch** at Rainbow Cactus in Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads Pride partnered with **SADBrunch** to bring nationally recognised drag queen **A’keria C. Davenport** of *RuPaul’s Drag Race* fame to the stage【500600029453973†L230-L248】. The event, restricted to guests aged 21 and older, combined brunch bites, mimosas and show‑stopping performances; seating was limited and required advance tickets.
**757 Pride March (Sunday June 22, 3 p.m., 17th Street to 31st Street)** – Another highlight of the 2025 weekend was the inaugural **757 Pride March**, described as more than a walk: **"a movement"**【500600029453973†L252-L258】. The march invited participants to demonstrate love, resistance and visibility by marching along the Virginia Beach oceanfront from 17th Street to 31st Street【500600029453973†L252-L261】. Organisers stressed that the march honoured those who paved the way and amplified voices still fighting for equality【500600029453973†L252-L265】. Registration was free but required for logistics【500600029453973†L267-L268】.
**Pride at the Beach (Sunday June 22, 4 p.m., Neptune’s Park)** – The grand finale of Pride Weekend unfolded on the sand at **Neptune’s Park**. Following the march, participants gathered for an oceanside party that included live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks and community booths【500600029453973†L275-L283】. Like PrideFest, the beach celebration was free and open to the public, but RSVP was encouraged. Adults could upgrade to VIP packages providing lounge access, priority stage viewing and other perks【500600029453973†L285-L289】.
### What makes Hampton Roads Pride special
Hampton Roads Pride stands out because of its **maritime heritage** and **community partnerships**. The festival’s **boat parade**—a colourful flotilla that sails along the Elizabeth River—has become a signature feature of PrideFest, paying homage to the region’s naval history. In 2025 the parade drew dozens of decorated vessels cheering for equality. The organisation also hosts events like the **Brew Tour**, a ticketed sampling of local craft breweries, and the **Run the Rainbow 5K and Fun Run** (scheduled for 11 October 2025) that promotes healthy lifestyles and gender‑neutral participation【500600029453973†L60-L73】. Year‑round programming includes speaker series, art exhibits and service projects designed to connect members of the lgbtq+Q community with cultural resources【500600029453973†L103-L117】.
### Planning your visit
**Getting there & staying** – Norfolk International Airport and the Port of Virginia make Hampton Roads easily accessible by air or sea. Visitors should book accommodations early—especially near downtown Norfolk or the Virginia Beach oceanfront—as hotels fill quickly around Pride Weekend. Public transit is available via Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) buses and The Tide light rail, but rideshare or bike‑share services offer more flexibility for moving between venues.
**Tickets and passes** – While many Pride Weekend events are free, ticketed options (Block Party, Drag Brunch, VIP passes) sell out quickly. Early bird pricing for a **Block Party Pass** begins at about **$25**; a **1‑Day VIP Pass** runs around **$100**, and a **3‑Day VIP Pass** about **$275**, each providing express entry, premium seating, private bars and air‑conditioned restrooms【500600029453973†L294-L357】. Tickets and VIP packages are available through the official Hampton Roads Pride website.
**What to bring** – June in Virginia can be hot and humid. Pack sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle. The Family Zone at PrideFest is stroller‑friendly, and Neptune’s Park offers shade structures during Pride at the Beach. Most events take place outdoors, so comfortable shoes are essential.
**Respect & inclusivity** – Hampton Roads Pride emphasises the importance of creating a welcoming space for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to tip performers generously, obey event security instructions and respect accessible viewing areas. The organisers also request that guests use correct pronouns and treat volunteers and staff with kindness.
### Looking ahead to 2026
At the conclusion of Pride Weekend 2025, Hampton Roads Pride began promoting **Pride Weekend 2026** with the theme "Choose Your Pride Weekend Experience"【500600029453973†L294-L297】. Early information hints at similar multi‑day programming with VIP passes and tiered ticket options【500600029453973†L294-L357】. By revisiting the highlights of 2025 and addressing community feedback, the organisers aim to create an even more vibrant and inclusive festival in 2026. Check the official site for updates as schedules, themes and talent are announced.
### Resources
- **Official website:** [hamptonroadspride.org](https://hamptonroadspride.org)
- **VIP and ticket information:** The site’s Pride Weekend section includes RSVP forms and links to purchase passes【500600029453973†L294-L357】.
- **Volunteer & vendor registration:** Community members can apply to volunteer or vend through forms available on the same page.
Hampton Roads Pride 2025 proved that when community, creativity and love converge, the result is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re a local or planning your first visit to Virginia’s coast, Pride Weekend offers a chance to celebrate identity, support lgbtq+QIAP+ advocacy and experience the richness of Hampton Roads’ culture.
### A three‑day festival on land and sea
Hampton Roads Pride began in 1997 and has grown into one of the largest pride celebrations on the U.S. East Coast. The 2025 festival emphasised diversity, family, and community across a three‑day schedule at multiple venues in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Organisers described the weekend as an opportunity to honour identity, unity and joy, and the program included everything from high‑energy concerts to quiet moments of reflection【500600029453973†L171-L174】. Events were designed for all ages, with select gatherings restricted to adults and others free and open to the public.
**Block Party (Friday June 20, 7 p.m., NorVa)** – The weekend kicked off on Friday night with the **Block Party** at the historic NorVa concert venue in downtown Norfolk. The organisers urged attendees to **"grab your most daring ensembles"** for an evening of DJ sets, drag performances and dance‑off competitions【500600029453973†L177-L189】. The party embraced camp and glamour, inviting participants to transform the venue into a glittering spectacle. Doors opened at 7 p.m., and the event was restricted to **18+**; early‑bird general admission passes started around $25 (VIP options were also available).
**PrideFest (Saturday June 21, noon, Town Point Park)** – Saturday afternoon’s signature event, **PrideFest**, took over Norfolk’s Town Point Park overlooking the Elizabeth River. PrideFest is free and open to the public and draws **about 50,000 participants** from across the East Coast【500600029453973†L201-L203】. The festival offers seven hours of continuous entertainment, including international DJs, national and local drag artists and speeches from state and local elected officials【500600029453973†L201-L204】. Organisers emphasised inclusivity: there is a **Family Zone** with activities for children and a **VIP Experience** that allows adults to enjoy premium seating, exclusive bars and networking opportunities【500600029453973†L206-L214】. Though admission is free, attendees were encouraged to RSVP online so staff could plan for crowd size【500600029453973†L209-L214】.
**Official PrideFest After‑Party (Saturday night, Waterside District)** – After PrideFest wrapped up, the celebration continued at the **Waterside District** on the riverfront. The official after‑party featured dance music, specialty Pride cocktails and both indoor and outdoor spaces for mingling【500600029453973†L224-L229】. While the event extended into the early hours, organisers reminded guests to pace themselves for the busy Sunday ahead.
**The Ultimate Pride Drag Brunch (Sunday June 22, 11 a.m., Rainbow Cactus)** – Sunday morning saw a new addition for 2025: **The Ultimate Pride Drag Brunch** at Rainbow Cactus in Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads Pride partnered with **SADBrunch** to bring nationally recognised drag queen **A’keria C. Davenport** of *RuPaul’s Drag Race* fame to the stage【500600029453973†L230-L248】. The event, restricted to guests aged 21 and older, combined brunch bites, mimosas and show‑stopping performances; seating was limited and required advance tickets.
**757 Pride March (Sunday June 22, 3 p.m., 17th Street to 31st Street)** – Another highlight of the 2025 weekend was the inaugural **757 Pride March**, described as more than a walk: **"a movement"**【500600029453973†L252-L258】. The march invited participants to demonstrate love, resistance and visibility by marching along the Virginia Beach oceanfront from 17th Street to 31st Street【500600029453973†L252-L261】. Organisers stressed that the march honoured those who paved the way and amplified voices still fighting for equality【500600029453973†L252-L265】. Registration was free but required for logistics【500600029453973†L267-L268】.
**Pride at the Beach (Sunday June 22, 4 p.m., Neptune’s Park)** – The grand finale of Pride Weekend unfolded on the sand at **Neptune’s Park**. Following the march, participants gathered for an oceanside party that included live entertainment, local vendors, food trucks and community booths【500600029453973†L275-L283】. Like PrideFest, the beach celebration was free and open to the public, but RSVP was encouraged. Adults could upgrade to VIP packages providing lounge access, priority stage viewing and other perks【500600029453973†L285-L289】.
### What makes Hampton Roads Pride special
Hampton Roads Pride stands out because of its **maritime heritage** and **community partnerships**. The festival’s **boat parade**—a colourful flotilla that sails along the Elizabeth River—has become a signature feature of PrideFest, paying homage to the region’s naval history. In 2025 the parade drew dozens of decorated vessels cheering for equality. The organisation also hosts events like the **Brew Tour**, a ticketed sampling of local craft breweries, and the **Run the Rainbow 5K and Fun Run** (scheduled for 11 October 2025) that promotes healthy lifestyles and gender‑neutral participation【500600029453973†L60-L73】. Year‑round programming includes speaker series, art exhibits and service projects designed to connect members of the lgbtq+Q community with cultural resources【500600029453973†L103-L117】.
### Planning your visit
**Getting there & staying** – Norfolk International Airport and the Port of Virginia make Hampton Roads easily accessible by air or sea. Visitors should book accommodations early—especially near downtown Norfolk or the Virginia Beach oceanfront—as hotels fill quickly around Pride Weekend. Public transit is available via Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) buses and The Tide light rail, but rideshare or bike‑share services offer more flexibility for moving between venues.
**Tickets and passes** – While many Pride Weekend events are free, ticketed options (Block Party, Drag Brunch, VIP passes) sell out quickly. Early bird pricing for a **Block Party Pass** begins at about **$25**; a **1‑Day VIP Pass** runs around **$100**, and a **3‑Day VIP Pass** about **$275**, each providing express entry, premium seating, private bars and air‑conditioned restrooms【500600029453973†L294-L357】. Tickets and VIP packages are available through the official Hampton Roads Pride website.
**What to bring** – June in Virginia can be hot and humid. Pack sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle. The Family Zone at PrideFest is stroller‑friendly, and Neptune’s Park offers shade structures during Pride at the Beach. Most events take place outdoors, so comfortable shoes are essential.
**Respect & inclusivity** – Hampton Roads Pride emphasises the importance of creating a welcoming space for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to tip performers generously, obey event security instructions and respect accessible viewing areas. The organisers also request that guests use correct pronouns and treat volunteers and staff with kindness.
### Looking ahead to 2026
At the conclusion of Pride Weekend 2025, Hampton Roads Pride began promoting **Pride Weekend 2026** with the theme "Choose Your Pride Weekend Experience"【500600029453973†L294-L297】. Early information hints at similar multi‑day programming with VIP passes and tiered ticket options【500600029453973†L294-L357】. By revisiting the highlights of 2025 and addressing community feedback, the organisers aim to create an even more vibrant and inclusive festival in 2026. Check the official site for updates as schedules, themes and talent are announced.
### Resources
- **Official website:** [hamptonroadspride.org](https://hamptonroadspride.org)
- **VIP and ticket information:** The site’s Pride Weekend section includes RSVP forms and links to purchase passes【500600029453973†L294-L357】.
- **Volunteer & vendor registration:** Community members can apply to volunteer or vend through forms available on the same page.
Hampton Roads Pride 2025 proved that when community, creativity and love converge, the result is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re a local or planning your first visit to Virginia’s coast, Pride Weekend offers a chance to celebrate identity, support lgbtq+QIAP+ advocacy and experience the richness of Hampton Roads’ culture.