This weekend, Fredericksburg celebrates Pride Month with a series of events ranging from a community march through downtown to an interfaith worship service. The events are organized by Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services and Fredericksburg Pride, with support from local organizations and faith community partners.
The Fredericksburg area has documented LGBTQ+ history dating back to the Civil War era. Records indicate drag balls were held in the city as early as 1863 by Confederate troops stationed there. William Dorsey Swan, born in Washington, D.C., in 1860, is documented as the first person known to have used the term “drag queen.”
Many of the participating organizations hold monthly events in addition to the scheduled celebrations below. For more information, contact the organizations directly.
Thursday, June 25
- 5 p.m.: Rapp Rocks Climbing Gym — Pride Night
Saturday, June 27
- FXBG Pride at Riverfront Park
Pride March, 10–11 a.m. A march through downtown Fredericksburg open to all ages, with participating organizations. Route runs from Riverfront Park (Sophia and Charlotte Streets) through Caroline, Amelia, and Princess Anne Streets, returning to Riverfront Park via Sophia Street.
Festival, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Open to all ages. Features vendor booths, performers, and artists.
After Party at Market Square, 6–11 p.m. Features drag performers, dancing, music, food, and drinks. Attendees must be 18 or older after 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 28
- 4 p.m.: Trinity Episcopal Church, 825 College Ave., Fredericksburg — 4th Annual Ecumenical Pride Service
The organizations behind this weekend’s events are active year-round — find resources and upcoming programming at the links below.
- FAHASS: fahass.org
- Fredericksburg Pride: fxbgpride.org
- Rappahannock Regional Library: librarypoint.org/pride-month
