This LGBTQ+ History Month celebration features free site-wide admission, music, vendors, expert-led presentations, drag shows, activities, photos opportunities with the Virginia PRIDE LOVEworks, and more!

Food and drink from Roaming Bistro, Taqueria la Mexicana, Melted Dreams Ice Cream Bus, and Winchester Brew Works will be available for purchase. Snacks & drinks also available in the Museum Store.

Click here to read the press release.

Click here for a full schedule of events.

Click here to see a list of vendors.

Event, and admission to the galleries & gardens—including the Gardens of Glass exhibition—is free to all. No outside food/drink; no coolers. Bring a chair/blanket. No pets. Presented in partnership with Winchester Pride and sponsored by Procter & Gamble.

10:30 a.m.:Historian Sergei Troubetzkoy presents an illustrated program on William Haines, a Shenandoah Valley native and one of Hollywood’s first openly gay stars in the 1920s and 1930s (Reception Hall).

Troubetzkoy, who met Haines years ago, has spent 25 years researching his life, interviewing his relatives and friends, and visiting Haines-designed interiors. He’s spoken about Haines at Christie’s in Beverly Hills, appeared in the AMC documentary Out of the Closet, Off the Screen, and contributed to the biography Wisecracker: The Life and Times of William Haines.

11:30 a.m.:Siren’s Table Talk with drag queen Siren Kelly. Hear her inspiring journey and insights on self-expression (Reception Hall).

Siren Kelly, from a small town in Washington County, MD, began exploring drag at age 13. From playing with wigs and makeup in her bedroom to performing across the country, she’s learned that self-expression is unique, evolving, and worth celebrating. Join the conversation!

Noon: Journalist & author Elyssa Maxx Goodman discusses her 2023 book Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City (copies will be available for purchase in the Museum Store & a book signing will follow the program (Main Stage).

2 p.m.: Out in the Valley: a writing workshop led by Peregrin Sanchez, local author and director of the Friendly City Safe Space in Harrisonburg, VA. Out in the Valley is a publication of personal narratives by LGBTQ+ people about their experiences in the Shenandoah Valley. Sanchez, a contributor to Out in the Valley, will lead this workshop focused on storytelling and identity (South Lawn).

3 p.m.: Glass artist Craig Mitchell Smith shares the inspiring story of “bringing a glass sculpture out of the closet” and his journey as an artist. Be among the first in 17 years to see the sculpture on display in the galleries building lobby, then explore the Museum’s 7-acre gardens showcasing 30 of his stunning, larger-than-life floral sculptures in the outdoor exhibition Gardens of Glass (Main Stage).

William Haines, famed film actor and interior designer from the Shenandoah Valley, who was one of Hollywood's openly gay stars in the 1920s and 1930s.

Siren Kelly. From a small town in Washington County, MD, Siren Kelly learned the ways of drag starting at the age of 13. From playing with wigs and makeup in her bedroom, to having the privilege of performing with many forms of entertainment and tv personals across the country. One thing that Siren’s learned through her journey of performing, is that any form of self-expression is unique and should be celebrated with an open mind; However, should always be ever evolving. Let’s talk about it!

Journalist & author Elyssa Maxx Goodman.

Journalist & author Elyssa Maxx Goodman's book 2023 book "Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City."

Glass artist Craig Mitchell Smith with his new sculpture "Apple Blossom." Created in 2024 especially for specifically for the MSV display of "Gardens of Glass," the piece celebrates the Valley's rich apple heritage and Winchester's famed annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.

Peregrin Sanchez. Author, Director of the Friendly City Safe Space in Harrisonburg, VA, and contributor to "Out in the Valley."

LaLa Ri

Drag shows starring the fabulous LaLa Ri, along with Mx. Winchester Pride & a dazzling lineup of other performers on the Main Stage at 1 & 4 p.m.

Bring a chair/blanket for the show.

LaLa Ri

Story Time for kids & families featuring children’s picture books from the ARE LGBTQ Center Library will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Glen Burnie House Drawing Room.

Make Your Own Pride Flag craft/coloring activity for all ages will be available all day in the gardens/Carriage House Classroom.

Chalk-it-Up-For-Pride sidewalk chalk activity in front of the galleries building will be available all day.

Photo opportunity with the PRIDE LOVEworks sign from Virginia Tourism Corporation (an extension of the iconic “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign)

Free Admission to the galleries building & gardens (includes all exhibitions & Glen Burnie House). The exhibition 123 I love you: Queer Life at Glen Burnie is in the galleries building; interpretative panels in the Glen Burnie House detail Julian Wood Glass Jr. & R. Lee Taylor’s life in the House.

Read with Pride in the Museum Store: browse a selection of Scholastic books for youth and young adult readers including best-selling graphic novels, novels, and picture books. Browse the Museum Store and enter a FREE DRAWING for a Pride Prize Pack of merchandise from the Museum Store (purchase not required to enter)

Make Your Own Pride Flag craft/coloring activity for all ages (gardens/Carriage House Classroom)

Chalk-it-Up-For-Pride sidewalk chalk activity (front of galleries building)

Queer Life & Landscape at Glen Burnie: A Garden Walk (self-guided garden tour through the MSV formal gardens; free brochure available)

Photo opportunity with the PRIDE LOVEworks sign from Virginia Tourism Corporation (an extension of the iconic “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign)

DJ Skyhigh: music on the main stage

Vendors: Click here to see a list of vendors.

Food Trucks/Drinks: Roaming Bistro, Taqueria la Mexicana, Melted Dreams Ice Cream Bus, Winchester Brew Works

Stop by the Museum Store to browse a selection of Scholastic books for youth and young adults,

Just for ages 21+, local organizations will be hosting Kick Off and After Party events to celebrate Pride. Information can be found at the links below.

Click here for information about the Winchester Pride Kick Off event (21+). 

At Winchester Ciderworks’ Cider House on Piccadilly street from 6–9 p.m. on October 4. Celebrate Pride while supporting ARE’s LGBTQIA Center!

Click here for information about the Winchester Pride After Party event (21+).  

At the Monument in Old Town Winchester from 7–11 p.m. on October 5. Hosted by the first Miss Winchester Pride, Alexa V. Shontelle, this event features  local drag entertainers, Mx. Winchester Pride 2024 Esthetic Em, and special guest from RuPaul’s Drag Race—Heidi N Closet.