Town Point Park holds the biggest PrideFest gathering in the state. The event, starting out as a small community picnic in 1988, has grown to a 30,000-attendee festival for the entire state to enjoy. I raises awareness about LGBTQ issues and performs service for the community in the form of scholarships. As of 2019, Hampton Roads Pride, the organization responsible for PrideFest, had awarded over $60,000 in scholarships.1<\/a><\/sup> Pride festivals are held in many cities throughout the country, but it is no shock that Hampton Roads PrideFest is the most popular in Virginia and Norfolk’s largest one-day festival, since the city is home of the largest naval base in the world and is the birthplace of Our Own<\/em>, Norfolk’s gay newspaper from 1976 – 1998.<\/p>\n Hampton Roads PrideFest is also unique for its boat parade — the only one in the country. This family friendly event has grown into a weeklong celebration leading up to the big day at Town Point Park that includes fashion shows, dance parties, and art shows showcasing the community\u2019s rich LGBTQ+ culture. PrideFest itself is a full day of vendors, musical entertainment, and family activities.<\/p>\n\n