Frequently Asked Questions

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The following serves as the terms and conditions for attending when ordering tickets.

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Do I have to buy a ticket?
Yes, all attendees must have a ticket as both a safety measure and a way to help support LGBTQ+ advocacy in Loudoun County! Your ticket gets you access to the Festival grounds, all musical performances, activities, and more. We also give away hundreds every year to those in need and students! But tickets sell out early, so please get yours soon. A portion of all proceeds are donated to charitable organizations in Loudoun County. Due to declining sponsorships at Pride events around the country, ticket sales are one of the main ways to help ensure continuity of this event annually.

What else is there to buy?

At your own cost, you can enjoy food, alcohol, merchandise, and other items available for sale. Please be prepared with cash or credit payment options. We also ask that you come prepared to tip the drag performers so they don't sashay away!


How do I get there?
The event is held at the Ida Lee Park Festival Field in Leesburg, VA. To get there, you can use the GPS address of 60 Ida Lee Dr NW, Leesburg, VA 20176 to arrive at the park. Parking is on-site at the same location as the Leesburg 4th of July Festival (just look for the signs!). If parking is full, we will have backup parking and a shuttle at the Pennington Lot at 210 Church St NE, Leesburg, VA 20176, a convenient 5-minute ride or 15-minute walk.

Do you provide accommodations for differing abilities?
Absolutely! We worked hard to gain a site with on-site parking to make it even easier. We have reserved parking in our festival parking lot for anyone with a DMV-issued Handicap Placard. We'll have ASL interpreters at the stage all day throughout the event. There is a sensory area in the activity area for those with sensory needs. There are multiple ADA portable restrooms throughout the park. Unfortunately, Ida Lee's festival field is a grassy area with hills and some rocky areas. We have ensured that all of our activities are on level and even ground.

Can I bring my pets?

We permit a small amount of dogs provided they are leashed at all times and do not disrupt the event, bother other guests, or defecate or urinate within the festival grounds.

Can I bring food or drinks?

We definitely allow food for anyone with dietary restrictions, for infants, or those with medical conditions. Because our food vendors are allies and business owners, we do ask that you leave the food at home to support them. Accordingly, we definitely won't allow any large outside food items or coolers past the entrance. Also, there is absolutely no alcohol or glass allowed on festival grounds.

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What happens if I break the rules?

Depending on the rule, you will be warned or asked to leave. If you are warned and refuse to stop breaking the rule, you will be asked to leave and not return. Anyone refusing to leave will be escorted off the grounds by our security. Removal is made entirely at the discretion of our event organizers, may be without warning or given cause, and refusal to leave will result in a ban from future events. There are no refunds for removal. This is for everyone's safety and enjoyment of the festival.

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Is there a rain date?
No, the event will be held, rain or shine. Activities, musical acts, and offerings may vary from those advertised without notice. 

Is there seating? 

We will provide seated areas for dining and enjoying alcohol. Otherwise, the festival grounds are mostly grass and we recommend bringing a blanket or chairs to enjoy these wide open spaces.

Is there security?

Yes! Upon arrival, you will receive a wristband to be worn at all times. At the entrance, you may be subject to a brief bag search and random metal detector at the discretion of our staff. Please have all tickets ready to go to ensure quick entry. We will also have partners from the Leesburg Police Department on-site during the event, pursuant to County event requirements.

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What am I not allowed to bring?

Attendees are allowed to bring sealed, unopened bottles of water or empty, refillable containers. We will not have a free water refill station on site this year as there is no water on-site. No other drinks are permitted, excluding infant food and medicine. Other items that are not permitted include, but are not limited to: coolers, large backpacks, large bags, alcohol, outside food, glass containers, contraband (drugs and weapons), laser pointers or incendiary devices, sound amplifying devices, wheeled devices (bikes, skateboards, inline skates) or motorized transport (excluding those used for disabilities), flying objects (drones, kites, Frisbees, footballs, etc.), signs and flag poles (flags permitted).

Can I smoke or vape?

Nope! No smoking or vaping is permitted on or near the event or parking grounds. This rule is in effect regardless of whether or not the vape contains nicotine.

Is there a dress code?

This festival is intended to be a family-friendly environment and there will be children present. All clothing must be appropriate for a family setting and not violate any local, state, or federal decency laws. At minimum, entrants must wear a shirt, shorts or pants, and footwear. The following are prohibited: nudity, exposed underwear, profane language, violent or graphic depictions, sexual language, sex toys or sexual items, or offensive content.

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Is there any off-limits behavior?

Any attempts to detract from the event to include loud and obnoxious behavior, protesting, amplified voice or sound devices, anti-LGBTQ messaging or signs, aggressive behavior, fighting, damaging personal property, harming the event venue, interfering with staff or volunteers, interfering with vendors or performers, accessing restricted areas, openly intoxicated behavior, or language that detracts from the event in any manner is grounds for immediate removal. Additionally, while Pride is a sex-positive movement, this is a family-friendly event with children present (who can't consent) and so any sexual activity (to include sexual acts, groping, petting, touching others without their consent, etc) will also be grounds for removal.

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May I wear a costume?

Costumes are permitted provided they follow a few rules. It is illegal in Virginia to wear a mask in a public place outside of Halloween, so no decorative masks, face coverings, or costume heads are permitted until AFTER you enter the venue through the entrance check point (§ 18.2-422). You may be subject to extra security due to the nature of a costume upon entry. This is a family-friendly festival and all attire must comply with our other policies (see above). And lastly, remember the event is there for all to enjoy - so no photobombing, blocking the view of others, blocking seating of others, or generally detracting from the event will be tolerated.

What about bad weather?

In the event of lightning or thunder on site, all participants will be required to leave the Festival grounds until 30 minutes after the last occurrence. You will be able to reenter after weather has passed or unless persistent severe weather has canceled the event. At this time of year there is risk of heat illness and attendees should prepare to bring or purchase adequate water, avoid over-indulging in alcohol, dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, and plan accordingly. Limited emergency services will be available for minor first aid.

What about an emergency?

In the case of an emergency, please locate a volunteer who can radio for help. To maintain the safety of all our event attendees, we are partnering with the Leesburg Police Department, local fire and rescue services, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and multiple other agencies to ensure everyone can enjoy the day in an affirming, safe, and accepting place. You can find lost people and objects at the Information Desk. Our staff is emergency trained for all security incidents.


What is the photography policy?

If you want to take pictures for your private and non-monetized use, go right ahead! But please respect anyone who does not want to be in your picture. We absolutely prohibit any and all video recording, interviewing, or other photography without express, written permission from our staff. Images taken by our staff or contractors may be used in future public promotional materials, so please notify one of our volunteers if you do not wish your picture to be taken. 

What if I want to do a media interview?

For interviews, press access, or any media inquiries, please email info@loudounpride.org. Anyone without an email approval will not be permitted to record, interview, or otherwise film the event except for personal use, not to be published or distributed. We will not issue approval on the day of the event.