- Open today, 10 am to 5 pm.
- Parking & Directions
- Free Admission
Step into a world of glamour and self-expression at Pride Ball, where regency ball meets ballroom culture. Whether you arrive as a velvet-clad duke, a diamond-dripping duchess, or a living legend who defies every title, this ball is your court. Expect dramatic fashion, bold performances, and an atmosphere dripping in pride, power, and possibility. Come dressed to rule, ready to runway, and prepared to celebrate our community. This isn’t just a party—it’s a coronation.
Curated and hosted by Leila Stephanie, the evening unfolds as a full celebration of creativity, performance, and community. At the heart of it all is the Ball, featuring nine dynamic categories where participants compete for trophies and ultimate bragging rights. Jump in with runway and voguing lessons before the Ball to build your confidence and find your rhythm, then stop by hands-on accessory-making stations to craft something bold and uniquely yours.
Music carries the night with DJ ANELZ and performances by La Primavera Strings and dance performances choreographed by Deon Ridley. A Queer Art Tour—and rarely displayed artworks in the Goode Works on Paper Center—offers moments for reflection and inspiration. For a cinematic escape, the Film Society will present a screening of DENIM. Connect with local partners like the Fiber Arts Society, HR Modern Quilt Guild, and Norfolk Public Library, each adding their own creative flair to the experience.
Arrive as you are—or as you dream to be—and leave knowing you’ve claimed your place in a celebration where creativity, courage, and community reign!
BALL CATEGORIES
- Face: The Queen’s ball is the most coveted of them all! Tonight she’s inviting the fairest, most beautiful, and poised to sit amongst her elite circle. Reveal your beauty to declare the spot! Will your beauty grant you access?! We shall see….
- Vogue: The Queen has requested live entertainment! And she wants Ruffles Galore!!!!!!! Bring a regency-inspired look with RUFFLES & MORE…RUFFLES! Don’t disappoint the Queen!
- Virgin Vogue: You’ve just arrived to the realm and although you’re new to this, you’re TRUE TO THIS!! Show us you’re here to stay!
- Designers Delight/Best Dressed: Fashion is all about the old, the new, and everything in between. Tonight, the people have gathered for a grab show off. Bring us an infusion of today’s FASHION, accessorized with 18th-century style pieces!
- Runway: “WALK DOWN, OR WALK OUT OF THIS TOWN” is what the queen screams from her balcony!! Only those with a nasty strut will be let into the castle!! The rest must sashay away! The look is regency, REGENCY…and MORE REGENCY!!!!!!!
- The Real Housewives of Ghent: Lady Thistledown has invited all the First Ladies and Housewives to her exclusive sitting for tea, so the look must be TEA!! Come show us why YOU deserve to sit at the head of the table to sip! DONT SLIP!
- Commentator v. Commentator: “The hostess with the Mostess” is often how they refer to the Queen. Tonight, come chant for Motha’ incorporating those words! Then be ready for a little test to show who is really the best!!! She’s watching!!
- Hats, Fans, Masque-Parade: The mark of luxury is all in the hat, the masque, or the fan! This will be your signature stamp to be admitted among the ELITE! It is all on the brim, all in the mask, or all through the fan that casts a little shade! Whichever it is, come one, come all, COME PARADE! (For safety and security, handheld masks with stick handles are permitted, but full-face and masquerade-style masks are not permitted.)
- Lip Sync for Your Life: The King is dying of boredom!! Come revive him! Pick a song that gives him LIFE, such a classical crossover, regal pop or classic ballad!! Remember, this is the King! Dress the part and give him LIFE ONCE AGAIN!!
In partnership with Hampton Roads Pride.
Free, no registration required.