Festival-goers can look forward to music, drag, food and family-friendly activities when Pride Southern Maryland returns to Lexington Manor Passive Park on 11 October. With its “Pride is Power: Strength in Every Color” theme, the free community celebration promises an upbeat day of connection, visibility and local talent.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Pride Southern Maryland runs from 11am to 4pm at Lexington Manor Passive Park in Lexington Park.
  • Live entertainment: Drag performers, DJs and Mariah Jean Music will provide the soundtrack.
  • Plenty to do: Expect vendor stalls, a children’s zone, henna, balloon animals, stilt walkers and axe throwing.
  • Food on site: Announced options include pizza, egg rolls, smoked food, lemonade and coffee.
  • Weather fallback: Organisers have listed 8 November as the severe-weather backup date.

Pride returns with colour, noise and plenty to explore

Lexington Manor Passive Park will be buzzing with music, laughter and the occasional thud of an axe on 11 October. Pride Southern Maryland’s ninth annual festival is designed as a broad, welcoming celebration, with performances, food and hands-on activities spread across a five-hour programme.

The event’s theme, “Pride is Power: Strength in Every Color”, puts unity and resilience at its centre. According to Pride Southern Maryland, the day is about recognising the many identities and voices that help shape the LGBTQIA+ community.

That mix of celebration and connection is part of what makes local Pride events feel different from a large city parade. There’s room to browse, chat, eat something messy and settle in for a performance.

Drag, DJs and live music headline the programme

The entertainment schedule brings a lively stage presence, with Angelica Lize, De’ior Kouture, D’Manda Martini, Katja Attenshun and Lisa Monroe among the announced drag performers. DJ Drumma and Mariah Jean Music will also keep the atmosphere moving, according to the event details.

Food is another big draw. D’Fresh Smoke, Kind Cup Cafe, Poppy’s Pizza, She’s Fresh Lemonade and AP Egg Rolls are listed as vendors, while further additions may be announced closer to the festival.

Visitors can also browse stalls and take part in a silent auction. It’s a useful reminder that community festivals aren’t only about what happens on stage; they’re also a chance to discover local makers, organisations and small businesses.

Family activities sit alongside the grown-up fun

Families won’t be left on the sidelines. The children’s zone is set to include games, while balloon animals, henna and stilt walkers add a colourful, slightly surreal flourish to the park.

For adults and adventurous visitors, axe throwing brings a sharper edge to the activity list. It’s an unusual pairing with Pride crafts and children’s entertainment, but that eclectic mix is part of the charm.

Other Maryland Pride events, including celebrations in Frederick and Montgomery County, show how organisers increasingly combine performances, information, food and all-ages activities in one setting. The result is less a quick visit and more a flexible day out, where everyone can choose their own pace.

A small local gathering that has grown steadily

Pride Southern Maryland began in 2017, when LGBTQIA+ young people connected with Our Common Calvert organised a local celebration. The first gathering attracted roughly 50 people to the Solomons boardwalk pavilion for a rally, march and potluck.

As interest grew, the event outgrew its original setting. It moved to Lexington Manor Passive Park in 2022, giving organisers more room for vendors, entertainment and activities.

The organisation became a nonprofit in 2024 and remains volunteer-run. Its website describes the festival as free, which helps keep the day accessible to people who may not be able to spend much on tickets or travel.

Planning your visit to Pride Southern Maryland

Arriving early should make it easier to find parking, get your bearings and check the performance schedule before the busiest period. Comfortable shoes are a sensible choice, too, particularly if you plan to move between the activity areas, food vendors and stage.

Families may want to set a meeting point, while visitors trying axe throwing should check the activity’s age and safety guidance on the day. Bringing water is also wise, especially if the October sun decides to make a surprise appearance.

Organisers have listed 8 November, from 11am to 3.30pm, as the severe-weather backup date. For final updates, visitors should check Pride Southern Maryland’s website and Facebook page before travelling.

It’s a small practical step, but it can make a busy festival day feel much more relaxed.

Why local Pride festivals still matter

Pride Southern Maryland’s growth reflects a wider appetite for events that are celebratory without losing their community roots. Other Maryland festivals, from Frederick to Cumberland, similarly bring together entertainment, local groups and public visibility in welcoming spaces.

There’s something reassuring about a festival that leaves room for both spectacle and conversation. One moment you might be watching a drag performance; the next, you’re sharing lemonade, meeting a community group or cheering on a child with a balloon animal.

For Southern Maryland, that combination gives Pride a distinctly local character. It’s not simply a date on the calendar, but a visible expression of belonging.

Come for the performances, stay for the community spirit.

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