Welcome to the 40th Celebration of Pride in Washington. A full lineup of eventsis planned for the weekend, including the ultimate procession: the Capital Pride Parade, which starts at 4:30 on Saturday and winds through areas of Dupont Circle and 14th Street. A number of bars and restaurants in the area serve specials for spectators, as well as those looking to celebrate all weekend long. Lovebirds, don’t forget about the vow renewal ceremony happening before the parade at Dupont’s Embassy Row Hotel.
1601 Connecticut Ave., NW
This Dupont Circle bistro recently unveiled a new menu of health-minded cocktails, such as the gin-based Kale’n Me Softly and green tea Matcha Matcha Man. Head in over the weekend for $3 mimosas and $5 bellinis until 3, and $8 watermelon coolers all day long.
1527 17th St., NW
Sip $5 beers at this Mediterranean fusion restaurant in Dupont Circle for the duration of the parade, such as bottles of Shock Top and Bitburger Pilsner drafts. Get there early to post up on the patio, which overlooks the colorful procession.
3100 South St., NW
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown celebrates the festival with free rainbow pride s’mores fashioned out of colorful house-made marshmallows, chocolate, and French toast. These complimentary sweets are available daily in the Living Room from 6:30 to 7, and served to the public as well as hotel guests. The promotion lasts through June.
2331 Calvert St., NW
Open City in Woodley Park concocts a multicolored cocktail called Sip the Rainbow, a mix of melon liqueur, blue curaçao, white rum, lemon juice, and grenadine ($11). We haven’t tasted it yet, but the rainbow-like sip looks pretty.
1460 P St., NW
This Logan Circle Tex-Mex serves $7 margaritas, $5 pride lemonades, $4 cans of Heineken, and $25 original margarita pitchers. Bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys are available during brunch for $12.95. After 2 the patio will be standing room-only, with an outdoor bar for serving parade-watchers.
1443 P St., NW
Head to Commissary after the parade and try the restaurant’s signature Shut Up & Dance cocktail, which is specially priced for the weekend ($8/glass or $48/pitcher). The drink is made with pineapple-infused vodka, sage, mint, ginger, and lime.
1423 P St., NW
If the parade makes you thirsty head to Logan Tavern for their Stonewall Strawberry cocktails ($8), made with fresh fruit from the restaurant’s Maryland farm, St. Germaine, and soda. The drink special will be served on Saturday from 11am to midnight.