Pride Day at Busch Gardens returns this weekend with a celebration of inclusivity featuring sensational family-friendly entertainment by LGBTQ+ stars, specialty merchandise, a vendor fair and more.
Festivities kick off this Friday, July 14 at Water Country USA with a new Pride event featuring a festive party and the launch of their new ride, the Riptide Race, from 7 to 10PM. The new attraction is Virginia’s first-ever dueling pipeline waterslide, which pits teams of two against one another on the 520-foot-long ride. A DJ dance party and specialty face painting will round out the event.
The main Pride event will take place at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on Saturday, July 15 from 10AM until closing. A variety of entertainment from local and national LGBTQ+ performers will take place throughout the park all day.
Rachel and the Jellycats, The Storyweavers, Girl Can’t Help It, and national recording artist Eric Himan will provide the musical entertainment outside the Oktoberfest Hall with several performances during the day.
Rachel and the Jellycats was voted the best local band in the 2023 Best of GAYHRVA Reader’s Poll. Their unique blend of scat, jazz, and blues covers has often been compared to Lake Street Dive, Clairy Brown & The Bangin’ Rackettes, and Post Modern Jukebox.
Local favorite and all-woman band The Storyweavers will also bring their blend of original Americana and folk music to the stage. Their CD “Fallen Sparrow” was released in 2018 and they have been beautifully crafting songs every since.
And Girl Can’t Help, former DEJA drummer Ann Thow’s all-female Journey Tribute Band, will have you sining along to all of the supergroups hits.
Making his second appearance at Pride Busch Gardens, guitarist Eric Himan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and LGBTQ+ activist who has been making music for over two decades. He is known for his powerful, soulful voice and his ability to connect with audiences through his honest and vulnerable songwriting.
And don’t forget the drag, honey! Local drag legend Jennifer Warner brings her fabulous queens to the stage with three shows during the day featuring local favorites Sabrina Lawrence, Coco Vega, and Valerie Valentino.
Then stay late for Busch Gardens Summer Nights with the electrifying Bad Romance: A Tribute to Lady GaGa live in the Royal Palace Theatre. Celebrate pride with colorful fireworks to cap off an unforgettable day.
Admission to all Pride events of part of your Day Pass ticket to Busch Gardens. Tickets available online at buschgardens.com/williamsburg.
