(John Childers of MJ’s Tavern prepares for his 10th Pride Month Kick Off on June 4.)
Staff Report
On June 4, MJ’s Tavern in Norfolk marks its 10th year producing its Pride Month Kick Off, an all-day celebration of unity and diversity.
Much of the parking lot will have a street party vibe with food being served inside and out. Drinks are permitted outside as well within the designated party zone.
Crosswalks at both ends of the parking lot and leading to the much used side-door entrance are painted in bright, rainbow colors. They’re impossible to miss.
MJ’s owner John Childers got the idea of rainbow crosswalks while traveling.
“I went to Chicago in 2019, and they were in small thin stripes, off-set that went the way of traffic,” said Childers. “I didn’t want to copy them, so I did it my way. It makes people realize where they are and that they’re welcomed no matter who they are.”
MJ’s Tavern is located on Granby Street in the Riverview District. Childers is keen of the diverse community and mix of businesses surrounding him, including a French bakery, tapas restaurant, Mexican cantina, antique shops, seamstress, cosmopolitain French/Italian cafe, yoga studio, and the adjacent neighborhoods.
MJ’s Pride Month Kick Off will feature a live DJ, an opening ceremony at noon, an amateur drag show, Red Stapler Duo (1:30 PM), and a big-time drag show (3:30 PM). Not Those Girls will perform from 6 PM to 10 PM.
Pride Month Celebrations
Love Is Love Tidewater
May 29
Virginia Beer Company
Pride Month kickoff celebration with on Sunday, May 29; and then hosting a VBC Pride Celebration at the brewery on Saturday, 6/18 featuring Drag Bingo, live music, and a bonus fundraiser for Equality Virginia.
Pride Kickoff Party
June 2
The Bold Mariner Brewing Company
1901 E Ocean View Ave Norfolk, VA 23503 6:30 pm to 11pm
Bold Mariner will release a Pride Seltzer, have LGBTQ-themed trivia games and merchandise.
Portsmouth Pride Festival
June 4, 11 am – 5 pm
Festival Field/Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
Music, entertainment, retail vendors, food, beer and more.
10th Annual Pride Month Kick Off
June 4 , 10 AM – 10 PM
MJ’s Tavern
4019 Granby St, Norfolk
Mr. & Mrs. Hampton Roads Unity Pageant
June 4, 9 PM
37th & Zen
1083 37th St., Norfolk
Drag Me to Brunch – The Pride Parade
June 5, 10:30 AM – 2 PM
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery
Pride Drag Brunch
June 5, 11 AM – 2 PM
Public House
1112 Colley Avenue, Norfolk
Mr. & Mrs. Hampton Roads Unity Pageant After Party
June 5, 3 PM
37th & Zen
1083 37th St., Norfolk
Pride Night at the Virginia Zoo
June 9, 6pm to 10pm
The Virginia Zoo proudly values the incredible diversity of life that shares this planet . Join us to celebrate the kaleidoscope of families and individuals that make our community so beautiful! Meet Animal Ambassadors, watch the animals enjoy colorful enrichment in their habitats, hear music from a local DJ and more
A Night of a Thousand Moira Roses
June 11
O’Connor Brewing Company
A night to benefit the LGBT Life Center timed with the release of 16-oz cans Moira Rose Fruited Kettle Sour for Pride Month.
Pride Party
June 11
Reaver Beach NFK
Pride Beer and T-shirt release. Pride Drag Show at 9pm with Javon Love and her queens. Tickets are $15 and will be for sale via Eventbrite. All tickets include one Pride Beer (Mojito Seltzer).
Fruited with Pride
June 11
The Garage Brewery
we are inviting local breweries to come and we are featuring fruited beers. The even will be all day and will have food trucks and vendors .
a pride themed beer as well which is named “brewed this way” which is a Sour IPA, and will be accompanied by a pride festival held at the garage by a pride festival on June 11.
Pride in the ViBe
June 12, 2 PM – 6 PM
Vibe Park, 1810 Cypress Avenue, Virginia Beach
Pride Night at Harbor Park
June 15, 6 PM to 10 PM
Pride Night at the Chrysler
June 16, 6 PM – 10 PM
Chrysler Museum of Art
2nd Annual Pride Kiki at Ocean Breeze
June 17, 8 PM – 11 PM
849 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 8pm to 11pm
Phabulous Phoebus Pride Fest
June 18, Noon – 6 PM
This is the 6th Annual Pride Party on the Peninsula in the historic Phoebus section of Hampton.
Pride Night at Smartmouth Pilot House
June 22, 5 PM – 10 PM
313 32nd Street, Virginia Beach
Pride Burlesque Night at Gershwin’s
June 23, 7 PM – 11 PM
332 Granby Street, Norfolk
Pride Block Party: Pride Restyled: Red & Wilde
June 24, 7 PM – Midnight
Norfolk Scope Arena
Pridefest
June 25, Noon – 8 PM
Town Point Park/Norfolk
Pride Rave
June 25, 9 PM
37th & Zen
Pride at the Beach
June 26, 2 PM – 8 PM
24th Street Beach/Virginia Beach
Pride Night at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens
June 30, 4 PM to 6 PM
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Pride Month Weekly Drag Shows at 37th & Zen
Mondays at 8:30 PM: The Vixens Hosted by Foxxy
Wednesdays Drag Show at 9 PM: Hosted by Noelia Bella and Eunita Biskit
Thursdays at 9 PM: Triple Threat Thursdays hosted by Amore Diamond
Sundays at 3 PM: Babes and Bears hosted by Noelia Bella and Virginia Bear 2022 “Noree”
