June means many things to people in Norfolk, from the rapidly warming temps to the kickoff of Harborfest and beach days. But it’s also the time of year when Hampton Roads’ LGBTQIA+ community comes out in full force to celebrate the region’s diversity and acceptance.
From family-friendly gatherings to rambunctious nightlife, the city provides activities for residents and visitors alike all month long.
Pride Month Events in Norfolk
Pride Kickoff at d’Art Center
June 6, 2025
The d’Art Center launches Pride Month with an evening of art, music, and community engagement. Attendees can explore exhibitions by LGBTQIA+ artists and participate in interactive workshops.
Pride Night at the Virginia Zoo
June 14, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
The Virginia Zoo hosts an inclusive evening featuring animal encounters, live entertainment and educational exhibits. This event welcomes families and individuals of all ages to celebrate diversity in a unique setting.
Hampton Roads Pride Weekend Highlights
Neon Dreams Pride Block Party at The NorVa
June 20, 2025, 7:00 PM
The NorVa hosts a high-energy evening with DJ sets, drag performances, and dancing. This 18+ event serves as the official kickoff to Pride Weekend.
PrideFest at Town Point Park
June 21, 2025, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
PrideFest features live music, a boat parade, and a family zone. The event is free and open to the public, offering activities for all ages.
Official PrideFest After-Party at Waterside District
June 21, 2025, 8:00 PM
Waterside District continues the celebration with music, cocktails and socializing. Attendees can enjoy performances and connect with the community in a festive atmosphere.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Norfolk
When it comes to rep[utation, Norfolk has long been one of the most inclusive cities in Virginia. Mermaid City has a strong LGBTQ+ presence woven into its neighborhoods, nightlife, arts scene and local politics. The city scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, thanks in part to anti-discrimination laws, city leadership, and support for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. Look around, and you’ll see rainbow crosswalks in the NEON District and active community representation through organizations like Hampton Roads Pride, Stonewall Sports, and the LGBT Life Center.
Nightlife is a central part of the local LGBTQ+ experience, and Norfolk offers options ranging from casual bars to full-on drag venues. The Wave is a long-running nightclub known for high-energy dance floors and late-night drag shows. MJ’s Tavern is more laid-back, with strong drinks, pub fare, and a popular Sunday drag brunch. For a quieter evening, Cure Coffeehouse and Commune both offer safe, inclusive atmospheres for coffee or cocktails.
Outside of nightlife, the city also has LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses throughout the arts, wellness, and retail communities. d’Art Center and the Chrysler Museum of Art regularly feature queer artists and exhibitions. In the NEON District and Ghent, you’ll find boutiques like Velvet Witch, a metaphysical shop run by queer owners, and Kitsch, which carries goods from LGBTQ+ makers. Whether you’re here for a weekend or making a longer stay, Norfolk offers not just tolerance, but meaningful visibility and connection.
Getting to Norfolk and Navigating the City
When parking in Downtown Norfolk, fear not. The city has more than 19,000 public parking spaces, including garages within easy walking distance of the park. The closest garages include:
- Waterside Garage (135 Waterside Dr.)
- Main Street Garage (110 W Main St.)
- MacArthur Center Garages (across the street from the park)
Full parking info is listed here.
Visitors coming from out of town can arrive via Amtrak to Norfolk Station or fly into Norfolk International Airport. The Tide light rail also stops a few blocks away at MacArthur Square Station. Those driving can find handy highway directions on the Festevents site here. Locals should consider riding the Tide or, if the weather cooperates, biking the Elizabeth River Trail to get to Town Point without worrying about parking.
