Celebrate Pride Month in DC with Parades, Concerts, and Book Clubs
Your ultimate guide to the best LGBTQ+ events all month.
Once again, it’s officially Pride Month in the District—30 glorious days dedicated to celebration, education, and action in the name of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the month, and in virtually every corner of the city, Pride presents a vibrant and inclusive celebration bursting with parties, performances, and more.
Given how much is going on each day of Pride, it’s virtually impossible to attend everything going on this Pride Month, which is why you should read on to pick which programming you’re most excited for. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or bring your little ones to a Drag Storytime, this guide has it all.
June 6
Navy Yard, Prices Vary
One of the most beloved events of the year, Night OUT at Nationals Park, returns on Thursday, June 6. The big game against the Atlanta Braves will mark the 19th year celebrating Pride in baseball, with Bianca Del Rio from RuPaul’s Drag Race throwing out the first pitch.
June 6
U Street Corridor, Free
Get ready for one of the biggest shows Trade has played host to—Doechii. The ‘Persuasive’ artist will be playing there as part of her Swamp Ball Tour and entry is free to the public, but Trade is encouraging those interested to come as early as possible. Showtime is at 11 pm, but doors open at 2 pm and they’ll be slinging drinks all day long. Expect drag performances as well, by Jinxx Demon, Chata and Johnny Alucard.
June 7
Langdon, $47
Echostage, one of the largest EDM venues in the country, is hosting the official Capitol Pride kickoff on Friday, June 7, featuring performances from local, national and world-famous queer artists including headliner Sapphira Cristál of Rupaul’s Drag Race. This event is 18+, so those who can’t yet imbibe can still join in on the celebrations.
June 8
14th Street Corridor, $15 (Advance) or $20 (Day of)
Join Femme Fatale, a “DC-based party collective dedicated to affirming and celebrating the lives of trans + queer people of color through music and movement,” for a Pride party at Black Cat. This high energy event will feature afro-diasporic beats to get you moving, so come ready to bust a move.
June 8
Farragut North, $20-35
This dance party on Saturday night at The Square, one of DC’s newest venues, is for the sapphics. A “Pride Rewind” event, it will feature DJs playing your favorite Pride anthems, as well as live performances from drag star Blaq Dynamite, and vintage games to play.
June 8
Citywide, Free
Saturday, June 8 marks the return of the Capital Pride Parade, which will kick off at 3 pm and wind through the heart of the city, starting at 14th Street and T Street NW and culminating at 919 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. This year’s parade will celebrate the theme “Totally Radical,” and spectators can enjoy watching not only the floats but performances from dance troupes, live music, and appearances by LGBTQ+ advocates and celebrities. The parade route will also be lined with food vendors, two beverage gardens, and interactive stations where you can learn more about LGBTQ+ history and current issues. Keep in mind that this year the parade will be following a new, streamlined route that no longer goes through Dupont Circle.
June 9
Downtown, Free
The Capital Pride Festival and Concert turns the historic Pennsylvania Avenue into Capital Pride Central. There will be over 300 exhibitors that range from local artists to educational institutions and sports teams, and both food and drinks will be absolutely flowing, thanks to two food courts and three beverage gardens. Concert headliners at the Pride Concert include Billy Porter and Keke Palmer, plus Ava Max, Exposé and Sapphira Cristál. Those who are able should conserve enough energy to stick around until 8pm for the Sunset Dance Party.
June 9
Shaw, Free (Reservations Suggested)
You could probably spend your entire Pride Month at Shaw’s Tavern, as they celebrate with everything from piano battles to drag bingo and more. Close out Pride weekend there with a Glitter Ball Drag Show, during which they’ll be hosting Dinner N Drag with Mama Naytch followed by several performances by local queens.
June 11
Shaw, Free
Book lovers will love this more chilled out Pride event, hosted by the Latinx History Project (who, by the way, have a ton of other fun Pride programming as well). It’s a chance for bookworms to connect with friends and other members of the Latinx queer community who are passionate about storytelling. The event is hosted by the Los Bookis Podcast, connecting “queer Latine bookworms with queer Latine stories written by authors who look and sound like us,” and will take place at Guatamalan, women-owned restaurant Maltiox.
June 16
Farragut Square, $40
Learn more about queer history in DC with A Tour of Her Own, which explores feminist history in DC through a queer lens. You’ll walk with a licensed professional tour guide for two hours, discovering interesting facts about how DC has been a pivotal location for LGBTQ+ organization and activation. Tickets start at $40, but the organization is also providing tickets for only $1.11 for those who need a little assistance.
June 16
Georgetown, $25
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC is presenting “Portraits” at The Kennedy Center—a show that aims to represent the many colors of pride and the vibrant spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural identities. The show is composed of nine movements, each featuring one of nine artworks with a unique composer and choreographer.
June 21
Silver Spring (MD), Free
Legendary drag duels will be going down on June 21 at 6:30pm at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, and attendance is free. Described as “the DMV’s most fierce Drag lip-sync competition," the duels will also feature live entertainment before, as well as an artist pop-up, STI and health screenings, and an adult beverage garden.
June 22
Navy Yard, $20
This drag brunch and benefit by All Purpose will take place at the Navy Yard location of the beloved pizzeria. They’ll be teaming up with Darcy de la Cuadra to benefit SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) with the proceeds of their $20 tickets, which include bottomless mimosas and spritzes, plus the show starting at noon.
Until June 30
Dupont Circle, Free
Travel down a road and back again to this fun Pride month pop up by queer-owned Hank’s Oyster Bar at their Dupont Circle location. All month long, you’ll be able to step back in time to party with your favorite ladies from Miami at Hank’s Golden Girls-themed pop-up bar, which transforms their space into a retro oasis paying homage to Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia. GG-themed craft cocktails will also be available to sip there, like the St. Olaf Spritz, Picture It! Sicily, How About a Slice of Cheesecake?, Shady Pines Ma, The Stanley, and Blanche Was a Baddie. Throw on a mumu and head over for happy hour.
June 30
Adam’s Morgan, Free
Drag Storytime is a sweet way for those of all ages to participate in Pride, and Adams Morgan will be hosting one free monthly storytime starting Pride Month and running until late October. The events are free and open to kids, with June’s Storytime taking place on the 30th and featuring a reading by Katie Magician. The DC Public Library will also be in attendance with books and their beloved book bike.