Honoring History and Embracing Progress with Exciting Events

To welcome June is to welcome Pride Month! Born from the LGBTQIA+ community’s activism in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Pride Month has evolved into a month-long celebration of equality and visibility.

In Newport News, three events are taking place to honor the history of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement and to acknowledge the progress that’s been made:

1. - Kick off PRIDE Month this Sunday, June 2, with the return of the I Am What I Am Pride Festival at Tradition Brewing Co.
2. - Mid-month, Hilton Pride returns to Historic Hilton Village on Saturday, June 15.
3.  - As June draws to a close, the Holiday Inn Newport News/Hampton will be the site of the LGBTQIA+ All-White Pride Affair on Saturday, June 29.

Keep reading to learn what to expect at each event!

Presented by Tradition Brewing Co., Hampton Roads Pride, and the Newport News Marriott at City Center, the I Am What I Am Pride Festival promises to be a day of joy, solidarity, and celebration.

The amazing lineup of performers includes an all-female Journey tribute band, called Girl Can’t Help It. The Pride marketplace will feature more than 35 vendors, a great way to show support for local businesses and find some unique gifts. And don’t miss the chance to taste the official I Am What I Am Beer, a unique beverage made specifically for Pride Month that carries this special message:

I am a beer. Like all beers, I am made of grain, hops, yeast, and water. There are many different styles of me. There are many different flavors. Could you imagine if all beer tasted the same? If there was no variety in beer? You don’t have to like my taste to acknowledge my existence. To understand that I deserve to be treated like all the other beer. I deserve to be loved. I am beer, and I am proud to be what I am.  

A portion of all proceeds from the festival will benefit Hampton Roads Pride, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the LGBTQIA+ community. By attending the I Am What I Am Pride Festival, you are supporting a cause that champions inclusivity, acceptance, and love. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet new people, build connections, and foster a sense of community at this family-friendly event!

PRIDE Month is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful reminder of the progress made toward equality and the ongoing fight for justice.

Join the proud residents of Historic Hilton Village and share the love at Hilton Pride.

• - Learn about local LGBTQIA+ support and resource groups.
• - Meet the LGBTQIA+ inclusive churches.
• - Shop for handmade arts and crafts.
• - Enjoy food and live music in the beer garden.
• - Contribute to commuNNity art projects.
• - Give or receive lots of mom-and-dad hugs.

Hilton Pride is a testament to the community’s dedication to equality and celebration of diversity. Attend Hilton Pride and you’ll experience firsthand the joy, pride, and solidarity that makes Hilton Village so special. All are welcome in the village, so come to Hilton Pride and spread some Hilton love!

Join us for the LGBTQIA+ All-White Pride Affair, an evening dedicated to joy, acceptance, and fabulousness! Celebrate your identity and showcase your pride in style. Get ready to dance, mingle, and have a blast with fellow LGBTQIA+ community members. Dress to impress in your best all-white outfit, celebrating love, unity, diversity, and positivity. Ticket options include Early Bird, General Admission, and VIP. Click here to select your tickets.

In closing, Newport News Pride celebrations may be few in number, but they are rich in spirit and significance. Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and celebrate PRIDE in Newport News!