Washington, D.C. is set to hold WorldPride this year, with events happening throughout the month of May, leading up to the final weekend of parties, parades, and politics taking place throughout the city from June 6 to 8, 2025. The event is expected to draw millions of attendees, both local, out of state, and out of country. This year more than ever is the opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to come together. To stand strong, support one another, and show the world our solidarity toward love, not hate.

The first WorldPride was held in Rome back in the year 2000, with this being the 9th edition, and only the second to be held in the United States, after New York City in 2019. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride celebrations that took place in the Nation’s Capital. Toronto played host to WorldPride in 2014, the first time the event was ever held in North America.

This momentous event is held to not only celebrate the diversity and openness of the host city, but to bring awareness to global issues happening around the world where human rights are being openly violated on a daily basis. Homosexuality is still illegal in many parts of the world, and events like this aim to bring attention to those living in places where their lives are in danger just for being themselves.

The theme for this year’s WorldPride is The Fabric of Freedom, emphasizing the LGBTQ+ community, woven together through diverse identities and cultural backgrounds. The Human Rights Conference takes place June 4 to 6, and gives attendees an opportunity to hear from international guest speakers, and participate in workshops highlighting queer history, erasure/visibility, and issues that greatly impact the global community.

“This year’s theme will be woven through all of our events. No matter the political landscape, Capital Pride Alliance’s dedication of championing inclusion, safety, and advocating for all members of the LGBTQ+ community remains unwavering,” shares Ryan Bos, Capital Pride Alliance Executive Director. “Drawing from our history of resistance, perseverance, and struggle, we will keep working together to build a future where every individual can live freely as themselves. Our community stands ready to continue this fight for equality, knowing that progress is driven by each of us, every day. Unity at this time is more important than ever and our theme calls us all to action.”

Celebrate Pride Your Way

Beyond the main Pride events, there are many other just as important celebrations happening in the weeks leading up to the closing weekend. On May 17, it’s an opportunity to show solidarity with the trans and non-binary community who need support more than ever this year, as DC Trans Pride returns to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Take part in a day of workshops, discussions, and programming to honour and empower the transgender community. From May 16 to June 8 DC Latinx Pride presents over 20 events that honour the resilience, culture, and history of Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. From lively fiestas to thought-provoking community events, this celebration brings together local and international voices to uplift the shared roots and the generations of activism that have shaped Latino identities. Then from May 23 to 26, DC Black Pride honours the Black LGBTQ+ community with a series of cultural and educational activities, fostering unity and pride. Finally, from Jun 1 to 4, AAPI Pride celebrates the intersection of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) identities within the LGBTQ+ community. 

Other festivities taking place throughout the month include, the WorldPride Film Festival taking place May 27 to 29, a collaboration between the WorldPride Arts & Culture Committee and the Queer Film Institute. The Festival showcases LGBTQ+ stories with screenings across the District, including documentary, narrative, and short films from artists all over the world. Capital Cup Sports Festival is a multi-day sports festival organized by Team DC, the city’s network of LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues, happening May 28 to June 4. Expected sports include dodgeball, pickleball, rugby, volleyball, and also the IGLA Swimming Championship 2025. As well, the one and only Shakira will perform on May 31 at Nationals Park as the official headliner for the Welcome Ceremony and Concert, that will also include remarks from key dignitaries, and the welcoming of the Capital Cup athletes..

Pride Weekend – June 6 to 8

With the majority of the attendees likely converging to the city for the final weekend of celebrations, there’s no shortage of events to partake in, whether you want to party, or get political.

Capital Pride Alliance Executive Director, Ryan Bos said, “We look forward to sharing this moment with our community and we encourage everyone to come together and enjoy all these various events, celebrate with us, and continue the fight for equality. We are a very diverse and close community and the significance of WorldPride coming to DC the same year as the 50th anniversary of Pride in D.C. allows us to showcase just how special the LGBTQ+ community in D.C. truly is.” 

The two-day World Pride Music Festival and Global Dance Party  is presented by gay party promoter Jake Resnicow’s Dreamland and Project GLOW in partnership with the Capital Pride Alliance, and features three stages of diverse talent, immersive experiences, and entertainment that takes place at the RFK Festival Grounds on June 6 and 7. This is a ticketed event, and the entertainment line up is top notch with the likes of Sofi Tukker, Paris Hilton, Troye Sivan, Jennifer Lopez, and so many more.

Producer Jake Resnicow provided his own on-point comments, declaring that the festival will represent “a moment the world will remember.” He added, “With legendary artists and our global community coming together, we’re creating an electrifying celebration that unites, uplifts, and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices like never before. Hosting this festival in our nation’s capital makes it even more powerful – it’s not just a party; it’s a global movement.”

The WorldPride Parade takes place on Saturday, June 7 starting in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood and winding its way down 14th Street, transforming Pennsylvania Avenue into a colourful corridor of joy, with the iconic U.S. Capitol as a stunning backdrop.

The following day is a Rally and March on Sunday, June 8 that begins at Lincoln Memorial and follows the grand avenues of Washington, DC for optimum visibility, culminating at the U.S. Capitol. WorldPride will then conclude with an epic Closing Ceremony, passing of the torch to the next WorldPride host destination, Amsterdam.

The WorldPride Street Festival and Concert takes place at the National Mall throughout the weekend featuring free live entertainment stages, vibrant exhibitors, skilled artisans, delicious food, and beverage gardens. As well, on Saturday, the 17th Street WorldPride Block Party takes over the neighbourhood with a variety of entertainment.

The final evening will be marked by performances, a montage of the week’s past events, and an interactive art installation for attendees to leave their mark. There will be performances by international acts in front of the U.S. Capitol, with performances from Cynthia Erivo, Doechi, Khalid, and more. There will also be the passing of the torch to the next WorldPride host destination, which is Amsterdam in 2026, followed by Cape Town in 2028.

Discover D.C.

Beyond the Pride celebrations, take time to get out and explore all that Washington has to offer year round. From monuments and memorials, to eclectic neighborhoods, Washington is a place unlike any other. First off, pick up a SmarTrip transit pass, which will be the easiest and most economical way of getting around the city by public transit.

“Washington, DC has long been a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, and we’re so excited to bring the world together for the Pride of our life at WorldPride 2025,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “With this year’s theme, The Fabric of Freedom, we’re welcoming the world to D.C. to share and celebrate our D.C. values of unity, diversity, and compassion. I invite everyone to plan their trip to DC and join us.”

One thing to keep in mind is that most museums and galleries in the city have no admission fee, and there are so many to explore, including all the Smithsonian Museums. One new exhibition that recently opened is The People’s House: A White House Experience, an interactive educational museum that tells the story of the Executive Mansion, its inhabitants and the people who have dedicated their careers to its functions. The GO GO Museum is another new one to check out, which is all about the Go Go style of music that originated in Washington. Renwick Gallery is dedicated to contemporary craft and decorative arts, showcasing innovative and immersive exhibits. National Museum of Women in the Arts is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

Black Lives Matter Plaza is a two-block-long pedestrian section of 16th Street NW. Walking toward the White House from here gives one of the best views of this iconic symbol of American democracy, and the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.

If you’re looking for guided tours around the city, try the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour 1-day ticket, that allows for unlimited stops to explore D.C. at your own pace. Visit iconic landmarks and top attractions, that are explained via recorded commentary as the tour travels through the National Mall and beyond, with stops at Arlington Cemetery, U.S. Capitol Building, White House, and more. Or for a gayer experience, book yourself on the DC Pride Walks Tour that provides DC’s LGBTQ+ history, visiting iconic monuments and neighbourhoods to highlight lesser-known stories of LGBTQ+ activists and allies in the nation’s capital.

Dining in D.C.

Like any large metropolitan city, there’s no shortage of places to eat, with flavours from across the globe. Lesbian-owned Hank’s Oyster Bar has been expanding around the region under the leadership of founder Jamie Leeds. The Dupont Circle Q Street location offers a welcoming and intimate dining experience, as well as a local meet-up spot for cocktails, at their two bars, and secluded outdoor patio in the back. Beyond oysters, the seafood-dominant menu includes crab, lobster, shrimp, and fish, along with a couple meat options.

Another lesbian-owned restaurant with multiple city locations is Pizzeria Paradiso. The Dupont Circle location is decorated in Pride flags year round, and offers wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, and an impressive selection of beers from around the world, along with a good selection of wines.

Also located in Dupont Circle, Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar adds a modern twist to Peruvian cuisine. The spacious open-concept kitchen and dining area is the perfect spot to sample the menu bold-flavored dishes, including their delicious ceviche. There’s also a double-sided bar that serves up unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers.

Mi Vida is gay-owned under the Knead Hospitality and Design group, and offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican flavours. Diners can enjoy everything from carefully crafted tacos and flavourful enchiladas to hand-crushed guacamole and vibrant cocktails. The Wharf multi-level location offers great views of the Potomac River, making it a great stop while exploring this relatively new revitalized area of the city, with several shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

After or during your cultural exploration, if you’re in need of a refuelling, there are plenty of nearby options to grab a quick bite. Pavilion Cafe is an upscale fast-food spot with plenty of seating, and easy access to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden before or after. Bar Americano on the National Mall is transformed tourist kiosk that’s now an upgraded pizza and wine bar, making for the perfect outdoor dining experience on a nice day. Guests can take in views of iconic DC landmarks while diving into a slice of pie or indulging in a bottle of wine, and is right in front of the National Air and Space Museum. Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian National Museum of the American Indian, where diners can enjoy a variety of options highlighting ingredients indigenous to the Americas, including frybread and bison burgers. 

Where to Play

For a city the size of Washington, there sure are plenty of gay-owned bars scattered throughout the city. Here’s a few worth a mention, but there are plenty more to be found, from intimate pubs to dance clubs. Crush (2007 14th Street NW) is one of the newest inclusive spots in town. Pitchers (2317 18th Street NW) is a popular gay sports bar, which shares an address with A League of Her Own (2317 18th Street NW), a popular women’s neighborhood bar. Licht Cafe (1520 U Street NW) is a European inspired cafe and nightlife venue in a relaxed, communal setting. Little Gay Pub (1100 P St NW) is wrapped in an eye-catching, British-inspired mural, and definitely stands out among the surrounding buildings in Logan Circle. Kiki – Kiki is a lively bar and lounge in the heart of the U Street Corridor with a vibrant atmosphere of weekly events and dancing.

Where to Stay

As for places to stay, there’s no shortage of affordable to luxurious hotel options. Hilton and Marriott are two WorldPride key sponsors, so it would be good to support them. The Royal Sonesta near Dupont Circle is a great property that’s centrally located, or check into one of the other WorldPride partner hotels. As well, the official Washington tourism site has a list of hotels as well.

For more Gay D.C. click here, and for more on city events and festivals, click here.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.