Celebrate Staunton Pride October 5-7
October is LGBTQ history month, and local nonprofit LGBTQ Tech is producing the first annual Staunton Pride Festival celebrating the LGBTQIA2+ community and its allies. Staunton Pride’s goal is to “support all members of our community in order to increase acceptance and inclusivity in the Shenandoah Valley.”
Friday Night Kickoff
All are welcome at the fun event, which will be held rain or shine on Beverley Street in downtown Staunton. A kickoff party with Shagwüf and The Judy Chops to benefit the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center on October 5th.
Saturday Dancing in the Streets
Get ready to party on Saturday, October 6th at the street festival on Beverley Street from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Highlights will include food, vendors, a local beer & cider garden (opening at 11:00 am,) a music stage, and a show headlined by Virginia native and indie-pop sensation, Catey Shaw, known for her songs “Brooklyn Girls” and “The Ransom.” Plan to dance in the street: The Johnny Clark Set, The Sugar Jackets, The Crowles, Drägön Wägön, and DJ Jason round out the lineup.
A Service for Everyone
Staunton Pride will have a special Pride Eucharist worship service led by Reverend Marion Kanour on Saturday, October 6th from 7-8:30 PM. All are welcome as Emmanuel Episcopal Church hosts the service in collaboration with clergy from Grace Episcopal Church, Massie’s Mill, Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton Virginia, and Stuart Hall School.
Get Wild at the Drag Show
Save some energy for the can’t-miss drag show at the Clocktower on Saturday night. Alexa V. Shontelle, Gabrielle Dupree, Katrina Colby, Chris Smith Kristina Kelly, Alexea Breeden Kelly, and at least five other performers will strut their stuff and wow you with their amazing routines and eye-popping costumes. Buy your tickets here or in person at Mill Street Body & Soul Day Spa and Salon.
Before You Go
- Organizations offering support to the LGBTQ community will be on site
- Make sure to visit the PRIDE LOVEworks, which will be on display in downtown Staunton October 5-10
- Show your pride and support the organization by purchasing shirts, stickers, and magnets
- The festival is family friendly, but the locations of some of the events require attendees to be over 21
Plan Your Visit to Staunton
While Staunton always offers a positive atmosphere and a welcoming community, the following businesses designate themselves as LGBT-friendly on Virginia.org:
Where to Stay
Berkeley House Bed and Breakfast
Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center
Staunton / Walnut Hills KOA Campground
The Bunkhouse at North Mountain
