A Week of Pride, Love, and Inclusion
Following last month’s headline grabbing white supremacy protests that resulted in the death of a local woman, the LGBT community in Charlottesville is looking forward to a a week of “Pride, Love and Inclusion” at the 6th Annual Cville Pride Festival. The Charlottesville Pride Community Network (Cville Pride) has planned a week of Pride-related events and programs, culminating in the festival that will take place for the first time at the Sprint Pavilion, from 11-7 on Saturday, September 16th.
“We’re gratified by the support we get from the community,” says Cville Pride president, Amy-Sarah Marshall. “Both businesses and community people have rallied around our message of inclusiveness and diversity by either sponsoring the festival, having a presence there, or giving festival-goers discounts and other perks. The support and engagement we’ve received from local businesses and organizations underscores the growing support of the LGBTQ community in this region.”
Pride Week Events: Something for Everyone
Saturday, September 9, 10-12pm, Belmont Park: Family Playdate LGBTQ families with young ones are encouraged to come play in the spray park together.
Saturday, September 9th, 3-7pm, Washington Park: 3rd Annual LGBTQ Youth Pride Picnic. There will be free food, games, and community. Past picnics have drawn kids of all ages from throughout the Central Virginia region, including Staunton/Waynesboro, Louisa, Orange, Greene, Fluvanna, and Nelson. FREE PRIDE SHIRTS – first come, first serve.
Sunday, September 10, Jefferson Theater: Miss Gay Charlottesville Pride Pageant. Features the fabulous Dreama Belle and Bunny Nicole. Doors open at 7:00, show starts at 8:00. ($15 in advance; $20 at the door)
Monday, September 11, 6:30-7:15pm, JMRL Central Library: Queens Who Read
Wednesday, September 13, 5-6:30pm, MarieBette Café & Bakery: Trans Night Out
Wednesday, September 13, 7pm, Northside Library: Queer Theory Lecture
Thursday, September 14, 5:30-7pm, Vitae Spirits: Business & Professional Cocktail Hour. This spirits and food tasting will gather together business leaders interested in discovering opportunities for businesses to attract LGBTQ customers and tourists. Anyone welcome to attend.
Friday, September 15, 8:30-11, The Southern: Haus of Belle presents the Pride Preview Party
Saturday, September 16th, 11-7, Sprint Pavilion: Pride Festival
Saturday, September 16th, 10pm, Impulse Social Club: Festival After Party
PRIDE STAGE HOSTS
Cville Pride is thrilled to have two fabulous hosts for the festival. Dreama Belle, local artist of many talents and reigning Miss Harrisonburg at Large, will serve as this year’s entertainment director and host. Remy St. Clair, one of the founders of the 9 Pillars Hip Hop Cultural Festival, a hiphop artist and DJ from 103 Jamz radio, serves as musical director and will be hosting for a second time.
ENTERTAINMENT: From Drag to HipHop, Rock and Folk
Headliners include Symone Bishop, the current reigning Miss South Carolina Pride, Dreama Belle, Bunny Nicole, Cherry Poppins, Bert Darling, and many more. We’ll also have an expanded Hip-Hop Showcase, featuring local artists, breakdancers, and groups reflecting on the recent Aug. 12 tragedy. Rock bands, folk singers, and a DJ will also perform.
For more information, visit cvillepride.org
Do you have an endless supply of love and pride? If so, there are two more regional pride celebrations taking place later in September.
Virginia Pride, Richmond, September 23. More information here.
Outer Banks Pridefest, September 22-23. More information here.
