Your guide to WorldPride 2025 in D.C.
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WorldPride will be a supersized, three-week version of Capital Pride (pictured). Photo: courtesy of washington.org.
WorldPride Festival kicks off May 17, and three weeks of parties, rallies, concerts and events will draw major star power and an expected 2-3 million revelers to D.C.
The big picture: The LGBTQ+ celebration, which also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Pride events in Washington, has been years in the making. The city is prepping for crowds with a new parade route, a tap-and-pay Metro card system, and amped-up security.
- Some plans are shifting last-minute due to the Trump administration's attacks on DEI and the trans community.
- WorldPride organizers announced this week that they're moving all events out of the Kennedy Center to new venues following President Trump's takeover.
Meanwhile, huge names like Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez, RuPaul and Troye Sivan will join the star-packed lineup in a show of solidarity.
Between the lines: Within the larger Pride celebrations, look for community-centered events for DC Latinx Pride, Trans Pride, Black Pride, API Pride, Silver Pride and those with disabilities during the festival.
- Hungry? Taste of Pride is happening in neighborhoods around the city, highlighting LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants and allies.
- Many museums like the Phillips Collection are running special exhibits, plus there's a free outdoor exhibit at Freedom Plaza that traces the history of D.C. Pride.
Zoom in: Nonstop events are happening through June 8 and beyond. Here's your guide to major moments, free fun, and all the good vibes you can handle. See the full event list here.
Free entry events are marked with a *
Festival headliners
You won't want to miss:
Welcome Concert | Saturday, May 31
- Shakira kicks things off at Nationals Park on her first World Tour since 2018. The evening also honors Capital Cup athletes.
WorldPride Music Festival | June 6-7
- Stars take over three stages at the RFK Festival Grounds with headliners like Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Galantis, Grimes, Kim Petras, Marina, Paris Hilton and more.
WorldPride Parade* | June 7
- The massive parade from Logan Circle to near the Capitol is followed by a concert on Pennsylvania Avenue headlined by Cynthia Erivo. It's free, though new security fencing likely means long lines. Folks can also buy VIP tickets.
WorldPride Street Festival* | June 7-8
- The two-day festival on Pennsylvania Avenue includes artisans, food, beverage gardens and free concerts on multiple stages headlined by Doechii.
International March + Rally* | June 8
- The festival closes out with a morning rally at the Lincoln Memorial and march towards the Capitol, which will end near the festival grounds and free concerts.
Sports
🏆 Capital Cup Sports Festival* (May 30 – June 4): You can register for bocce or basketball, swimming and darts — there's a huge range at venues throughout town.
⚾ Night OUT at Washington Nationals (June 5): MLB's longest-running Pride event includes a special jersey and donation to Team DC. The Nats play the Chicago Cubs.
Theater/entertainment
🎭 Gay for DC Theatre (May 16 – June 7): Theatres throughout D.C. participate in a "micro-festival" showcasing LGBTQ+-themed productions with specially priced tickets.
📽️ WorldPride Film Festival (May 27-29): A collaboration with the Queen Film Institute, the festival showcases LGBTQ+ stories through documentary and films screened across D.C.
💃 Drag Through the Decades (June 8): Mr. Henry's on Capitol Hill hosts a show that pays tribute to the evolution of drag, from '80s divas through today's icons.
Concerts
🌟Project GLOW (May 31 – June 1): RFK Festival Grounds hosts the famous electronic music festival headlined by Alan Walker, Loud Luxury, Subtronics, Tiësto and more.
🎼 Opera on Tap DC Metro* (May 22): Keep it classical with a free night of music from LGBTQ+ composers, librettists, and poets and Wonderland Ballroom.
👯♂️The Capital House Music Festival* (May 23-24): The largest free world music festival at Alethia Tanner Park features 11 hours of nonstop tunes with cocktail and food vendors to keep the party going.
🎤 Choral Festival (May 23- June 8): The Gay Men's Chorus of DC, along with LGBTQ+ choruses from across the country, will perform 45-minute concerts at multiple venues daily during WorldPride.
💐Full Bloom (June 6): Queer nightlife collectives and artists showcase music and dance across three indoor/outdoor stages in Northeast.
📼 MIXTAPE Pride Party (June 6): Head to the 9:30 Club where DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn will spin a mix of house, indie dance, nu-disco, electropop and throwbacks.
Street festivals and parties
🛥️ Pride on the Pier* (June 6-7): Head to the Wharf for a free pier party with DJs, dancing, food and drinks.
🎉 WorldPride 17th Street Block Party* (June 6-7): The local block party in D.C.'s original "Gayborhood" celebrates the festival's roots.
🕺🏿Fabric of Freedom (June 7): It's all about the freedom to dance at WorldPride's premier nightlife festival with three stages and a massive dance floor that runs from 10pm to "late."