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About Pride
What is Pride? For so many, it means so many different things. Starting with the famous Stonewall riots of the 1960's in New York, the first Pride was a protest against the inequality and unfair treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. It has grown by leaps and bounds to be an acknowledgement of where we started, a celebration of all that we have accomplished, a moment to reflect on those we've lost along the way, and a hope for the day where our community can truly achieve equality for all people.

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.

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 our drag performers!


How do I get there?
The event is held at Claude Moore Park, behind the Heritage Farm Museum in the historic park area. To get there, you can use the Kiss and Ride (21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling), park at the primary parking lot at park View High School (400 W Laurel Ave, Sterling) or use the auxiliary parking at the Claude Moore Recreation Center after 3 pm (46105 Loudoun Park Ln, Sterling). 

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Once there, look for our parking shuttle signs. We have 3 shuttles running every 10 minutes between our three stops (Park View West, Park View East, and Claude Moore Rec Center) to the front entrance of the festival from 12:30-8 pm.

Do you provide accommodations for differing abilities?
Absolutely! Our shuttles are accessible and we have reserved parking by the Heritage Farm Museum for anyone with a DMV-issued Handicap Placard. We'll have ASL interpreters at two of our stages throughout the day. There is a sensory area in front of the large barn for those with sensory concerns. There are multiple ADA portable restrooms throughout the park. Unfortunately, Claude Moore Park is a heritage site and that means lots of grassy areas and rock pathways. Please assess whether any this may affect mobility. 

Can I bring my pets?

Only identifiable service animals, on leash and registered, are allowed onto the Festival Grounds. No Emotional Support Animals or pets permitted.


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 allowed to be brought onto the 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 the Sheriffs Department. 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.

 

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? 

The Food Hall has a covered awning with picnic tables, the Alcohol Pavilion will have a covered tent with multiple group-seating tables, and there are assorted picnic tables throughout the park. However, the stage areas are mostly grass and we recommend bringing a blanket or chairs.

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 bags 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 Loudoun County Sheriffs Office on-site during the event, pursuant to County event requirements.

 

What am I not allowed to bring?

Attendees are allowed to bring sealed, unopened bottles of water or empty, refillable containers. We will have a free water refill station on site. No other drinks permitted, excluding infant food and medicine. Other ttems that are not permitted include, but are not limited to: Coolers, Backpacks, Large Bags Alcohol & Outside food Glass containers Contraband (drugs and weapons) Laser pointers or Incendiary Devices Sound Amplifying 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?

Yes, sort of. This festival is intended to be a family-friendly environment and there will be children present. This is also a condition of our event from our venue. So, all clothing must be appropriate for a family setting. At minimum, entrants must wear a shirt, shorts or pants, and footwear. The following are prohibited both on site and on attire: nudity, exposed underwear, profane language, violent or graphic depictions, sexual language, sex toys or sexual items, or offensive content - at the discretion of our event organizers.

 

Is there any off-limits behavior?

Absolutely. The first Pride may have been a riot, but this is not. Accordingly, 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?

Of course! Costumes are permitted provided they follow a few rules. This part applies whether you are wearing a store-bought costume, home-made costumes, or a fur suit. First, it's 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. Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions). Second, you may be subject to extra security due to the nature of a costume upon entry. Third, this is a family-friendly festival and all attire must comply with the question "Is there a dress code?" and "Is there any off-limits behavior?" (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 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 Command Center. 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 president@eqloco.com. Anyone without a Press Badge 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 Press Badges on the day of the event.

The Loudoun Pride Festival
as presented by
Cheerful Spaces LLC

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