Things to Do

Here’s How to Celebrate Pride Month Around DC

Festivals, parties, drag brunches, and more.

DC Pride in 2021. Photograph by Evy Mages .

Choose from a variety of events to celebrate Pride this year, from a 5K race to an electric disco.

DC Black Pride

Multiple locations

DC Black Pride offers several events throughout Memorial Day weekend, including a Talent Showcase, workshops and writer’s forums, cookouts, and parties. Check out the full schedule of events here. Details: Saturday, May 27 through Monday, May 29.

 

Capital Pride Honors

801 E St., NW

Capital Pride’s week of celebrations begins with Capital Pride Honors, an awards ceremony honoring individuals and organizations who have advanced LGBTQ+ rights. Hosted at Penn Social, the event will feature games, entertainment, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Details: Friday, June 2 at 7 PM; tickets starting at $25.

 

Loudoun Pride

21668 Heritage Farm Ln., Sterling

Loudoun County’s Pride Festival at the Heritage Farm Museum will feature more than 100 businesses like local artisans and food vendors, plus a beer and wine garden. There will also be music, a magic show, games, and activities. Details: Sunday, June 4 from 1 to 7 PM; $5.

 

DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K

1801 E St., SE

LGBTQ+ social, walking, and run club DC Front Runners will hold their 11th Annual Pride 5K beginning and ending inside the Congressional Cemetery. The race will include a live DJ, drag performances, beer from DC Brau, and more. Participants can contribute to DC Front Runners’ charity partners when registering.  Details: Friday, June 9 at 7 PM; $55

 

RIOT! Capital Pride Official Opening Party

2135 Queens Chapel Rd., NE

The RIOT! Capital Pride Official Opening Party at Echostage is a giant dance shindig with performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, local performers, and DJs. Details: Friday, June 9 from 9 PM to 3:30 AM; $35

 

Capital Pride Block Party

Between Q Street and P Street along 17th Street, Northwest

The Capital Pride Block Party will feature local DJs from noon to 3 PM, followed by local performers from 3 to 10 PM, with nonstop music before, during, and after the Capital Pride Parade. There will also be food vendors and two beverage gardens for attendees 21 and older. Details: Saturday, June 10 from noon to 10 PM; free.

 

Drag Brunch at King & Rye

480 King St., Alexandria

Old Town’s King & Rye is hosting a drag brunch before the Capital Pride Parade begins in the afternoon. Tickets include a brunch menu entree and access to the juice bar, with the option to purchase champagne. Water taxis will be available from Old Town to the Wharf for those who want to park in Alexandria before the parade. Details: Saturday, June 10 at 11 AM; $45.

 

Capital Pride Parade

Logan Circle and Dupont Circle neighborhoods

Watch floats and parade participants along the 1.5 mile route through Logan Circle and Dupont Circle as they celebrate the 2023 theme, “Peace, Love, Revolution.” Details: Saturday, June 10 from 3 to 7:30 PM; free.

 

Electric Disco

507 8th St., SE

This Capital Pride partner event includes two dance floors, a five-hour open bar, and glow gear for all attendees, plus a light, laser, and visual art dance party experience. Details: Saturday, June 10 at 8 PM; $85

 

Pride on the Pier

101 District Sq., SW

Located on District Pier at the Wharf, Pride on the Pier will feature a DJ, dancing, and other entertainment on the Southwest waterfront. The celebration will culminate in a fireworks show at 9 PM. Details: Saturday, June 10 from 2 to 9 PM; free. 

 

Pride Festival

Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Over 300 exhibitors will set up booths along Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest for the day. There will also be three entertainment stages, both food vendors and food trucks, and three drink gardens. Details: Sunday, June 11 from noon to 10 PM; free. 

 

Capital Pride Concert

Third Street Northwest and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest

Singer, actor, and Broadway performer Idina Menzel will headline the Capital Pride Concert this year. Menzel will join Debbie Gibson and Shanice, with additional performances from Hayley Kiyoko, Rina Sawayama, Monét X Change, and DJs Tracy Young and TWiN. Details: Sunday, June 11 from noon to 11 PM; free, with access to the pit starting at $35

 

Arlington Pride Festival

1300 Lee Highway, Arlington

The Arlington Pride Festival at Rosslyn Gateway Park will feature live entertainment, a DJ, vendors, photo stations, food and drinks, and a showcase by local artists. Details: Saturday, June 24 from noon to 7PM; free. 

Katie Kenny
Editorial Fellow