NAGS HEAD, N.C. — The 8th Annual OBX Pridefest will be held from Sept. 21-23 in Nags Head on the Outer Banks and surrounding area.
The three-day event includes a day festival, booze cruise, entertainment and more.
To kick off the festivities, enjoy a sunset booze cruise and party on Sept. 21, 5 p.m., from Crystal Dawn at Pirates Cove Marina, 2000 Sailfish Dr., in Manteo, N.C. Cost is $50 or Pride Pass purchase. Later that evening at 9:30 p.m., head over to J.J. Brewbakers, 5002 S. Croatan Hwy., in Nags Head for Cliff Warner and the Pride & Joy Drag Show. Cost is $15 at the door or Pride Pass.
The main event is on Sept. 21 at the Soundside Event Site, 6800 S. Croatan Hwy. and free to attend. Listen to bands, enjoy local restaurant cuisine via food trucks, beer and wine, and peruse the arts and craft vendors booths, merchant and non-profit vendors. The family-friendly inclusive celebration welcomes the LGBTQ community and its supporters and friends. Transgender performer Jennifer Warner will serve as host.
At 9:30 p.m. at J.J. Brewbakers, catch The Judy Gold Comedy Show. The stand-up comedian has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO. She has written and starred in two award-nominated Off-Broadway shows. Cost is $25 or Pride Pass.
Then head back to J.J. Brewbakers for dancing and clubbing at 10:30 p.m. Cost is $5.
The festival ends with a drag brunch at 11:30 a.m. at Avenue Waterfront Grille, 207 Queen Elizabeth Ave., in Manteo. Cost is $25 or Pride Pass.
Events held during the weekend come with a cover charge and organizers suggest that attendees purchase a Pride Pass to save $25 over the total of individual cover charges as depicted above. The festival paid events are not offered separately for purchase online. However, attendees can pay the cover charge at the door for any event. Daytime events are family-friendly but evening ones are not. Those events held inside restaurants require attendees to be 18 and older with an ID check at the door.
Those who book accommodations at the Cameron House Inn, 300 Budleigh St., in Manteo receive the newly instituted OBX Pride VIP Package. Included are reserved front row seats and a free drink for two for the Judy Gold Comedy Show and Pride and Joy drag show on Sept. 21. Be sure to notify the inn upon booking of the intent to purchase the VIP package. Call 800-279-8178 to make reservations.
Other events being held prior to the festival include a drag brunch on July 1, LGBTQ social on July 14 and a festival planning meeting on July 22. See the website for more details.
info: obxpridefest.com. cameronhouseinn.com.
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