There's Only One DC – but So Many Occasions to Show Your Pride! Celebrate Queer Community in Washington, DC this Season

The cherry blossoms have bloomed. Bonnets and bunnies have hopped out of the spotlight. Pitchers and catchers have taken to the fields. And the days have grown blissfully longer.

All of which is to say: DC's Pride season is about to arrive.

As one of 2024's first major Pride celebrations on the East Coast, the District and its queer communities will be rolling out the rainbow welcome mat for visitors eager to get this year's festivities underway.

From celebrations of diversity within the queer community to a pageant, parties, and, of course, the parade, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate.

Bring on the Pageantry
Friday, April 26

The first major public event of Capital Pride 2024 is the Mr., Mx, and Ms. Capital Pride Pageant, at Penn Social (801 E. St. NW). Come cheer on the contestants as they compete in Attire, Talent, and Q&A categories.

As community ambassadors, pageant winners will make special appearances at events throughout the Pride season, be feted with a place of honor in the Capital Pride Parade, and further support the community by hosting fundraising events in the year ahead.

Celebrate Trans Pride
Saturday, May 18

Trans Pride Washington, DC will offer a full day of workshops, talks, panel discussions, and a resource fair centered on the trans, non-binary and gender expansive communities at the Martin Luther King Memorial Library (901 G. St. NW).

Gather to Honor Black Pride
Friday to Sunday, May 24-27

"Black Pride Forever" is the theme of DC Black Pride 2024, which takes place over Memorial Day Weekend at the Westin Washington, DC City Center. From Rainbow Row – an exhibition of community organizations and vendors – to workshops, social events, and even a poetry slam, three days of fun and fellowship are planned.

The weekend concludes with a Pride in the Park celebration that includes free food and live performances at Fort Dupont Park.

Take Yourself OUT to the Ballpark
Thursday, June 6

For the 19th year, Team DC, the district's non-profit LGBTQ+ sports organization, is partnering with the Washington Nationals for a Night OUT at the ballpark on Thursday, June 6. Expect special pre-game activities and promotional items, along with a stadium full of queer fans and allies rooting for the Nats as they take on the Atlanta Braves. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Team DC.

Check in for Capital Pride
Friday to Sunday, June 7-9

Reserve a hotel room for the weekend and join the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ Washingtonians and visitors from across the country who will be out and about for the jam-packed days and nights of Capital Pride.

The theme for this year's official events is "Totally Radical," a salute to the huge strides made by the queer community during the landmark decades of the 1980s and 1990s, from the emergence of ACT UP and the beginning of the push to legalize same-sex marriage, to the rising public awareness of the queer presence in pop culture with icons like Ellen DeGeneres and RuPaul.

Friday, June 7
The festivities kick off with a gigantic dance party fundraiser at Echostage. A madcap drag extravaganza will spice up the night, but you and your crew are the real stars of this show, so put on your sickest outfit and hit the floor hard.

And since one party is never enough, check out some of the LGBTQ+ bars and clubs around town, all of which will be hopping throughout the weekend.

Saturday, June 8
Whether you're taking to the streets or cheering from the sidewalks, you'll find yourself swept up in the powerful energy of over half a million queer community members and allies at the Capital Pride Parade and Block Party. (The parade has a new route this year, beginning at 14th St. and T St. NW and wrapping up at Pennsylvania Ave. and 9th St. NW.)

Sunday, June 9
The Capital Pride Festival and Concert will take over historic Pennsylvania Avenue from Noon to 10 p.m. with entertainment on three stages, over 300 community organizations and businesses exhibiting their offerings, food, drinks, and non-stop merriment. Admission is free to all.

The day's talent will run the gamut from beloved local musicians, DJs, dancers, and drag performers to an eclectic mix of international celebrities. (Past participants have included the Idina Menzel, Marshmello, Calum Scott, and Miley Cyrus.)

Proud Year Round

Whether you'll be in DC for Capital Pride's biggest weekend or plan to visit another time soon, there's a thriving LGBTQ+ community here to explore. From Queer-themed walking tours to museum exhibitions to live theater, there's plenty on offer all year round.

We'd be proud to welcome you any time!

Discover endless events, attractions, and special deals for visitors at washington.org.