Do you feel that feral energy in the air? That’s the gayest city in the world prepping for Pride weekend.
The Capital Pride Alliance may have pushed this year’s Pride celebrations back because of the UFC fight, but the city shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, D.C. institutions are taking the opportunity to party even harder.
This year’s grand marshals, David Archuleta and Monroe Alise, will kick off official Pride celebrations on June 20 and preside over the weekend's biggest events, including the 17th Street Pride Block Party, Capital Pride Parade and Capital Pride Festival.
But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, we rounded up a list of the best unofficial Pride events for every type of Washingtonian — from carabiner-clutching sapphics to Speedo-clad ravers.
Come prepared:
- Bring a water bottle. There are designated water stations along 14th St. and at the 17th St. Block Party where you can top up.
- Stand on the west side of 14th St. for more shade. Get there early if you want a good spot.
- Plan on picking up food. Nearby restaurants and bars will have hours-long waits. Slice & Pie, South Block and Shake Shack on 14th St. NW are great grab and go options.
- Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock! I see you in those mesh tanks and nip covers. Trust me, those don’t make for cute tan lines.
Plan Where To Pee On Route:
With all that drinking (water, obviously 👀) it’s essential to plan out some pit stops before you get desperate. Here are a few spots on or close to the route you can go. The pros know to bring your own tissues, as bathroom situations can be … less than ideal.
- Malcolm X Park public bathrooms
- Trader Joe’s on 14th St. NW
- National Gallery of Art
- Washington Monument public bathrooms
- Thomas Circle Wawa
- Cafés on route: Starbucks, Compass Coffee, Aslin, Coffee Bar, Bluestone Coffee
1000-Foot Rainbow Flag during WorldPride in Washington, D.C. (Washington Post/Getty Images)
Pride Events Lineup
🎵 For the Ravers and Punk Rockers
Celebrate Pride with music spanning EDM, French jazz and everything in between.
June 20, $60, Ivy City
This three-stage outdoor music festival at Berhta boasts names like D.C.-born Rico Nasty, Yaeji, The Dare, and DOSS. The festival bills itself as a place to "come be loved, come be hot, come be weird."
June 20, $5, Georgetown
The French embassy is opening its doors for this special Pride Month edition of the Fête de la Musique — a music festival with professional and emerging artists, students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, DJs, jazz musicians, pop performers and more.
June 21, $15+, H St. Corridor
Close out Pride at D.C.’s favorite DIY venue with queer NYC art-and-music collective Papi Juice. The party runs until 3 a.m. “Go ahead and request Monday off,” says the invite.
June 25, $33, Shaw
The New Orleans-based rapper, singer and bounce icon is bringing her “Big Freedom” show to D.C. for one of the month's biggest queer music events.
🎉 For Crowd-Pleasing Parties
Block parties, balls and hangouts that have something for everyone.
June 20, Free, NoMa
Now in its second year, this afternoon block party is co-hosted by NoMa BID, Red Bear Brewing Co., and REI. Expect family-friendly activities, local vendors, community organizations and lowkey outdoor activities.
June 20, $18, Alexandria
This 21+ dance party features DJ Thunderbunny on the decks alongside a chill-out lounge offering glitter roots, temporary tattoos and coloring from the Queer Crayon Club. Tickets include two drinks and benefit Safe Space NOVA.
June 20, $54+, Shaw
A staple of D.C.'s queer dance scene since 2008, MIXTAPE returns with DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer. Expect a high-energy blend of pop, electronic and dance.
June 20, $16, NoMa
The night opens with featured artists AYA Collective and Justyce Pyer Moss before transitioning to the ball, where stars of the D.C. kiki scene take the floor. Competitors will vie for titles and cash prizes across categories such as Runway, Best Dressed and Shake That A**.
👑 For Drag Royalty and Their Subjects
Catch some of D.C.’s most iconic drag kings and queens at these performances.
June 20, $10, Edgewood
Join this glitter-soaked Pride night at metrobar with drag performances from Brooke N Hymen, Hennessey, Venus Valhalla, and Ruth Allen Ginsburg, alongside pop sets from Shelby Morgan and Bryce Bowyn.
June 20, $30, H Street Corridor
This 8-act show will feature drag kings from Pretty Boi Drag bringing their literary alter egos off the page and onto the stage.
June 18, TBD, U St. Corridor
Part of Kiki's full slate of Pride-themed programming, this drag show pays tribute to the beloved D.C.-born “RuPaul's Drag Race” alum Tatianna.
💅 For the Femmes and WLW Babes
Pride doesn’t have to be a sausage fest. These are for the girly-pops.
June 20, $18, H St. NE
A no-phone, no-photo, no-video lesbian Pride party featuring Mooncrumb, Lauren Jay, Kristy la rAt, and DJ Dee Clark. What happens on H Street stays on H Street.
June 27, $16, 14th St. NW
This daytime outdoor celebration will spotlight sapphic DJs from across D.C. in a lower-key post-Pride-weekend wind-down.
June 21, Free, Edgewood
Round out Pride weekend with five hours of nonstop music from local sapphic DJs, food trucks, drink specials and Pride-themed surprises.
🧑🎨 For the Grown-Up Tumblr Art Hoes
Queer exhibits, film fests and fashion that will have you reliving your queer teen angst.
June 30, Free, Brookland
Bring unwanted art supplies and artwork to swap and trade. Attendees can also make upcycled crafts and decor on the spot using their swap haul.
June 27, $13, H St. Corridor
An original runway show featuring queer designers and models meant to capture the full essence of queer expression. A rooftop afterparty follows the show.
Until June 30, prices vary, Silver Spring
This 10-film series spans LGBTQ+ history through a globe-trotting lineup that includes recent releases and classics alike. Titles include Park Chan-wook's lesbian thriller “The Handmaiden” and Best Picture winner “Moonlight.”
Until Aug. 23, Free, National Mall
The largest exhibition of its kind to date, this show features nearly 60 artworks by LGBTQ+ artists from Africa and its diaspora, including Zanele Muholi, Toyin Ojih Odutola and Rotimi Fani-Kayode.
