By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
The rainbow flags will fly once again over Harris Pavilion as Equality Prince William prepares to host its 5th Annual Pride Festival on Saturday, May 16, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in Historic Downtown Manassas.
What began as a local celebration of visibility and inclusion has continued to grow into one of the region’s most anticipated community gatherings, welcoming LGBTQIA+ residents, families, allies, organizations, and supporters from across Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
This year’s festival promises an afternoon packed with live entertainment, community connection, local vendors, family activities, and opportunities for attendees to celebrate openly and authentically.
According to Equality Prince William President Dave Dooley, the milestone anniversary makes this year especially meaningful.
“Attendees can expect a joyful, family-friendly celebration filled with live music, drag performances, community organizations, local vendors, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, raffle prizes, and opportunities to connect with LGBTQIA+ community members and allies from across Prince William County and the greater Manassas area,” Dooley shared.
The organization is also expanding this year’s programming with additional entertainment, more community participation, free face painting, interactive family activities, and raffle prizes donated by local businesses and community partners.
More Than a Festival
For Equality Prince William, Pride is about more than a single afternoon of celebration.
Dooley said local events like the Pride Festival help create visibility, safe spaces, and opportunities for connection throughout the community.
“Hosting Pride in our own community sends a powerful message that LGBTQIA+ residents belong here and deserve spaces where they can celebrate openly and safely,” he said.
For many attendees, the event provides an opportunity to meet supportive neighbors, reconnect with friends, discover local resources, and experience a sense of belonging that can have a lasting impact.
That mission of inclusion is especially important for LGBTQIA+ youth, families, and individuals who may not always feel represented in their daily lives.
Volunteers Help Make Pride Possible
Equality Prince William is still seeking volunteers to assist during the festival and at upcoming Pride Month events throughout May and June.
Volunteer opportunities include set-up and tear-down teams, kids’ activity support, raffle ticket sales, tabling assistance, escort volunteers, and helping maintain quiet spaces for attendees who may need a break from the activity.
“Volunteers are truly at the heart of everything we do,” Dooley said. “They help create the welcoming, safe, and joyful atmosphere that makes Pride such a meaningful experience for attendees.”
One of the benefits, he noted, is that volunteers can sign up for shorter shifts and still enjoy the festival themselves.
A Full Season of Pride Events
The Pride Festival also serves as the kickoff to a larger season of Equality Prince William events and activities throughout the region.
In addition to the festival itself, the organization will host community happy hours, Pride celebrations, proclamations, and flag-raising ceremonies during May and June.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, performers, volunteers, community partners, and attendees who continue helping this event grow each year,” Dooley said. “The support we’ve received shows how much this community values inclusion, visibility, and belonging.”
Whether someone is attending for the first time or returning for another year, organizers say the message remains the same: everyone is welcome.
For more information about the festival, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events, visit Equality Prince William.