PrideFest FAQ

Everything you need to know about Virginia’s largest LGBTQ+ festival

Join us for VA Pridefest 2024: Know Before You Go 

VA Pridefest 2024, presented by OutRVA, is Saturday, September 14 from Noon-8 p.m. and we’re excited to welcome thousands of people to celebrate at the Bon Secours Training Center at 2401 W. Leigh Street.  

There will be more than 140 vendors and exhibitors selling merchandise, sharing information and offering fun activities. Youth-friendly vendors and activities will be available in the Allianz Youth Pride Pavilion. 

Entertainment will be on two stages: The Pridefest Main Stage with family-friendly acts on the Allianz Youth Pride Pavilion stage. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Virginia’s largest LGBTQ+ festival.  

PRIDEFEST 2024

Join us for VA Pridefest 2024: Know Before You Go 

GETTING THERE

Parking 

Parking for Pridefest is limited.  We encourage you to rideshare or utilize the free Pulse Bus (Science Museum stop).

 Free Public Parking at DMV:

  • Free public parking for Pridefest is available in the lots directly behind the main DMV building beginning at 10 am.   

  • Enter the lots at the entrance on DMV Drive closest to the Leigh Street intersection directly across from the training center.

  • DMV parking lots in front of the main DMV building will open at 2 pm. Enter from Broad Street or DMV Drive.  Parking in front of DMV is not allowed until after 2pm.

  • Street parking is available on Leigh Street and DMV drive.  Observe signs and park at your own discretion.

Handicapped Parking

  • Limited, free accessible parking is available in the Training Center lot directly in front of the main building on a first come basis.

  • Handicapped placards or plates are required. Violators are subject to towing.

  • Spots closest to the building are reserved for handicapped parking. 

  • Enter from DMV Drive.  The Leigh Street entrance is closed to traffic.

 Prohibited items 

  • Coolers, Large Backpacks 

  • Alcohol 

  • Bottles/glass containers 

  • Contraband (drugs and weapons) 

  • Laser pointers 

  • Bikes, skateboards, inline skates 

  • Flying objects (drones, kites, Frisbees, footballs, etc.) 

ACCESSIBILITY  

Wheelchairs: 

The facility is wheelchair accessible via the main entrance to the event field located behind the main building. The entrance is to the left of the Bon Secours building.  There are wheelchair accessible pathways that border the event field, however most vendors will be located on lush grass that may not be accessible. There will be an ADA seating area that is wheelchair accessible in front of the main stage. ADA portable toilets are also available. 

Hearing Impaired: 

Sign language interpretation will be available on the Pridefest Main Stage for all presentations and performances. People needing ASL interpretation are welcome in the Accessibility Area in front of the Main Stage. 

Getting around Pridefest: 

VA Pride staff will have golf carts that can be used to help those with limited mobility move about the festival. Those needing assistance should approach the Pridefest Information Center, sponsored by CarMax, in the middle of the venue and ask for them to radio for a golf cart. 

Handicap accessible parking is also available in the DMV lot. 

IN THE EVENT OF RAIN: 

VA Pridefest 2024, presented by OutRVA will go on, rain or shine. Severe weather may impact the event. 

EMERGENCY SERVICES/FIRST AID: 

Emergency Medical Services will be available at VA Pridefest 2024 in the center of the venue near the PRIDEFEST INFORMATION CENTER. There will also be one medical tent staffed by volunteer medical professionals in the same area. In the case of an emergency, you can find a volunteer who can radio for help. 

LOST PEOPLE: 

If a child or person in your party gets lost, please approach a volunteer immediately. Volunteers will have access to persons with radios, who can get you help right away. 

YOUR PRESENCE IS YOUR PERMISSION: 

Special photographers and videographers have been hired by festival organizers to document the event. Some images may be used in later promotional materials. Your presence at the event is seen as your permission for such promotional use by the non-profit organizers. 

Rideshare drop-off and pick-up 

Ride shares can be dropped off at 2014 W. Leigh Street. 

Bikes 

Bike racks are located near the Bon Secours Training Center.  

Bus 

Nearby bus stops include the Robinson + Broad stop on Route 20 and the Science Museum stop on the Pulse. Use the GRTC Trip Planner for route guidance.   

AT THE EVENT 

Water Bottle and Cooler Policy 

  • Attendees will be allowed to bring two sealed (unopened) bottles of water into the event or one refillable container.  Refillable containers may be inspected for alcohol. 

  • No coolers. 

  • Bags and refillable containers are subject to search. 

  • Water will be available for free inside the venue. Non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase from food vendors. 

Restrooms 

Portable restrooms, including handicapped-accessible, will be located throughout the festival grounds. 

Dogs 

Dogs or pets other than service animals are prohibited in the venue. 

Smoking and vaping 

Smoking or vaping is not permitted on the Bon Secours Training Center property