vol. 285 / PrideExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 285 / Pride
This week's guest editor is Amanda Blatnikserves as Chair of Virginia Pride, leading volunteers to organize Pridefest and events that celebrate Richmond's LGBTQ+ community.
Since joining the committee in 2024, Amanda has created the inaugural Pride Week (September 20-28), expanding the celebration with diverse programming designed to offer something for everyone. Amanda is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can celebrate their authentic selves.
Professionally, Amanda is a Senior Management Analyst for the City of Richmond's Department of Economic Development, bringing 15 years of nonprofit and government experience in project management and process improvement.
Amanda loves living life to the fullest - enjoying Richmond's great food scene, dancing with friends, and taking walks in the city's parks. They're also a self-proclaimed nerd who enjoys fantasy shows, Dungeons & Dragons, and comic conventions.
Take it away, Amanda ...
Pride Anthem Karaoke at Barcode
Sing it loud, sing it proud! Celebrate Pride with a special edition of Barcode’s weekly karaoke night, featuring an endless catalog of queer icons and anthems - Cher, Tina, Gaga, Madonna, Chappell Roan, Tracy Chapman, k.d. lang, and more. Plus, enter the midnight raffle for a chance to win Pridefest VIP tickets. (And if you catch the karaoke bug, Barcode hosts it every Thursday!)
Vitals:
Pride Anthem Karaoke / Thursday, September 25 / 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM / Barcode, 6 E Grace St, Richmond, VA
Pride After Dark at Thirsty’s
Who needs sleep the night before Pridefest? Not us! Pride After Dark brings the party to Forest Hill with vendors, drag entertainment, dancing, and more at Thirsty’s, the small but mighty gay bar owned by Keyan Herron and his husband Cameron. This 18+ event celebrates Pride’s sultry side—so come ready to shop, cheer, and let loose, because Pride doesn’t end when the sun goes down.
Vitals:
Pride After Dark / Friday, September 26 / 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM / Thirsty’s, 3516 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA / $10 suggested donation
Pride Bowling Bash
Close out Pride Week with strikes, spares, and spectacular drag flair. Drag superstar Mhiya LePaige - famed for her acrobatics and high-energy performances - takes the stage, while local legend Alvion Davenport hosts. Plus, appearances from the fabulous 2025 VA Pride Court. And yes, there will be plenty of bowling.
Vitals:
Pride Bowling Bash / Sunday, September 28 / 4:00 – 8:00 PM / River City Roll, 939 Myers St, Richmond, VA / $25 tickets
More about Virginia Pride:
Virginia Pride celebrates diversity, is committed to seeking equity and inclusion for all in the LGBTQ+ community, and seeks to make our region a better place for LGBTQ+ people to live, work, and visit.
Virginia Pride’s priority is to create experiences that embrace individuals of all identities as well as intentionally working to elevate those of our LGBTQ+ community that are disproportionately impacted including people of color, trans individuals, and those that identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming.
