David Archuleta headlines VA Pridefest 2026 on September 12th

Richmond’s Pridefest is going big this year, and the mainstage lineup is proof. David Archuleta, the American Idol runner-up behind “Crush” and “Crème Brulée,” will headline VA Pridefest 2026 on Sept. 12, bringing a level of national star power that organizers say reflects just how far the festival has grown.

The event runs from noon to 8 p.m. at Midtown Green and is presented by Richmond Region Tourism’s OutRVA program. It’s billed as the largest LGBTQ+ festival and celebration in Virginia, and this year’s lineup backs that up. Archuleta will share the stage with country musician Chris Housman, pop performer Madison Rose and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum A’Keria C. Davenport.

A stacked mainstage, with a nod to the local scene

“We have something for everyone this year and some incredible national talent,” said Alvion Davenport, Virginia Pride’s Entertainment Lead, who’s known around town as RVA’s LGBTQ Mayor. “Our team works hard to bring a diverse lineup of queer entertainment to create an incredible Pridefest. Come ready to dance, sing and pop a hand fan alongside the region’s LGBTQ+ community.”

That local talent shows up throughout the day too. The pop-rock band the Chapstix, along with What’s Our Age Again? and soul singers Teshia LeSane and Sound, are all returning to the Pridefest stage. Trio, Young Shiloh, Nat and Ari Voxx round out the rest of the local bill, covering R&B, pop-punk, indie and rock.

New this year is the Pridefest Half Time Show, featuring the country’s top-ranked Bad Bunny impersonator alongside the Dynamic Angels Dancing Divas, a local youth dance squad. Drag has always been a cornerstone of Pridefest, and 2026 is no exception. Mr., Miss. and Mx. VA Pride will perform, along with the Godfrey’s Angels, Mr. and Miss. Black Pride, the all-king revue It’s Reigning Men, and the Haus of Envy. For the first time, the festival is also bringing in spotlight performances from pride royalty outside Richmond, including Hampton Roads, Roanoke and Washington, D.C.

The day kicks off at noon with a performance from the Richmond Allied Voices. In the afternoon, Bank of America, the festival’s presenting sponsor, will help award two $5,000 scholarships to college students studying in Virginia. Anyone interested has until Aug. 23 to apply. Nelly Fresh, Felix Eller, the top-voted Heated Rivalry character look-alike, and a rotating cast of local drag artists and radio personalities will host the mainstage throughout the day.

“Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community is vibrant, powerful and resilient,” said James Millner, Virginia Pride director. “Queer and trans people continue to face difficult challenges, but Pridefest gives us a moment to focus on joy and fellowship. We’re so proud to bring this program to the region for another year.”

Youth Pride brings games, STEM and Disney meet-and-greets

For more than a decade, VA Pride has carved out age-appropriate programming for LGBTQ youth and their families through the Allianz Youth Pride Pavilion, and this year’s version leans hard into hands-on fun. Expect a carnival zone, a gaming village and STEM activities kids can actually get their hands on.

The pavilion has its own big stage, hosting lip sync battles, karaoke contests and youth-focused drag performances. Kids can get their faces painted or meet their favorite Disney characters, and the Teen Gaming Village will bring in game trucks, yard games and sport demonstrations courtesy of Stonewall Sports. A long list of community partners helps make it happen, including the Science Museum of Virginia, the Children’s Museum of Richmond, He She Ze & We, Side by Side, Camp Hanover, and the Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield public library systems.

Accessibility and a sober space for those who want one

Organizers have kept accessibility front and center in planning this year’s event. That means ADA seating near the main stage, ASL interpretation on both the main and youth pride stages, reserved handicapped parking, and mobility assistance available throughout the venue on request.

VA Pride has also teamed up with the McShin Foundation to create a Sober Space for anyone who doesn’t drink. It’ll have a craft mocktail bar, other non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, games and shaded seating, giving people a place to cool off and recharge without the bar scene.

A free, community-run festival with a paid VIP option

Pridefest doesn’t happen by accident. It’s organized entirely by a volunteer committee of LGBTQ+ people and allies, and planning takes more than a year from start to finish. That volunteer effort, paired with support from more than two dozen corporate and business sponsors and individual community donors, is what keeps the festival free to attend.

Beyond presenting sponsor OutRVA, this year’s backers include the Virginia Lottery, Bank of America, CarMax, Allianz, the City of Richmond and Hit Play. Style Weekly, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, RVA Magazine, Richmond Magazine and WRIC Channel 8 are serving as media partners.

For anyone who wants a little more out of the day, VIP tickets are available for $125 in advance, jumping to $150 the week of the festival. VIP access includes meet-and-greets with the headline performers, gourmet food from Bar West, complimentary beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails, and entry to an indoor, air-conditioned VIP area with private restrooms and comfortable seating. VIP ticket holders also get an elevated view of the main stage and an exclusive swag bag. Tickets are available through Diversity Richmond’s ticketing page, and more festival details can be found at vapride.org.