Capital Pride Washington 2023

A Capital Pride in a Capital City – Washington Pride 2023

Enjoy 10 days of parties, events and activities in the lead up to a weekend of marches and festivals, both festive and political in nature during Washington’s annual pride event.

• Stay in Dupont Circle in the heart of the gay district. The area fills up fast. Our top choice for Pride is The Ven Hotel with great décor and superb amenities.

The Events

• Washington, DC Gay Pride hosts two impressive events including the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, and the Annual Capital Pride Street Festival the following day.
• The theme for 2023 is – “peace, love, revolution.”
• Note – Washington DC hosts World Pride in 2025.

Circuit Parties

• Friday, June 9th to Sunday, June 11th,2023 –  Washington DC – Kinetic Pride , a weekend of circuit events in the city’s top clubs.

Washington Pride Parade

• Saturday 10th June 2023 from 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm  –  2023 Route to be confirmed – Use the following as a guide from the previous pride event: The parade begins near Room & Board on 14th Street, with the route to continue along 14th to Rhode Island Avenue and then turn right.
• The parade route will continue along Rhode Island Ave. to Massachusetts Avenue for a block until turning right at 17th Street. Marchers will then turn left at P Street and continue past the south side of the Dupont Circle fountain.
• The 2023 Capital Pride Parade will then terminate at 21st and P streets near P Street Beach.
• Stay close to the Hotel Madera just a short walk from the parade. The 4 star hotel is rated “Fabulous” by guests with spacious rooms and modern decor.

Pride Block Party

• Saturday 10th June 2023 – The Block Party returns for Capital Pride 2023. Enjoy entertainment, food, and your favorite beverage before, during, and after the Parade.
• The block party takes place on 17th Street NW, between P and R Streets, in what was once the historic Dupont Circle “gayborhood.”

Capital Pride Street Festival

• Sunday 11th June, 2023 –  In the shadows of the U.S. Capitol Building, more than 200,000 people will attend the Capital Pride Street Festival, which takes place at Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd and 7th streets, just northwest of the Capitol grounds.
• Enjoy a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors. The Festival is the largest annual event in the national capital region.
• Stay close to the city’s pride events and top attractions at The Citizen M DC Capitol, rated “Fabulous” by guests with stylish suites offering big picture windows overlooking the Capitol. 

Capital Pride Concert

• Sunday 11th June 2023, 12pm – 10pm – Experience entertainment on three stages, from international headliners to our best local and regional LGBTQ+ talent.
• Capitol Stage,  1pm – 8pm
  The Capitol Stage sits at the east end of the festival on Pennsylvania Ave. at 3rd St. with the United States Capitol as the backdrop. It will include headlining international entertainers and showcase some of the best LGBTQ+ talent. This stage includes a VIP Zone, Pit Zone, Accessibility Zone, and is located near the Capitol Beverage Garden and Capitol Food Court. Open to all ages.
• Dupont Stage, 12pm – 8pm
  The Dupont Dance Stage will highlight some of the best local DJ’s and offer the best escape from the hot sun. This stage is located within the Dupont Beverage Garden. * Must be 21 to enter.
• Monument Stage, 12pm – 7pm
  The Monument Festival Stage sits on Constitution Avenue and 6th St. with the Washington Monument as the backdrop. It will include a diverse array of musical talent offerings. This stage is located within the Monument Beverage Garden and Food Court. Open to all ages.
• Stay close to the concert at the Capitol Hill Hotel, a 4 star hotel with spacious rooms a fitness centre and friendly staff.

“Capitol” Sunset Dance Party

• Sunday 11th June, 2023 8pm – 10pm – The Concert might be ending but the dancing continues at the “Capitol” Sunset Dance Party.
• Enjoy the electronica sounds of an international DJ sensation while you dance in the middle of America’s Main Street on Pennsylvania Ave., with the sun setting on the U.S. Capitol.

Gay Washington DC

All the gay bars and clubs in Washington host different party nights and themed events during the pride festivities. Most are located within walking distance or a short taxi ride from Pennsylvania Avenue.

• Dupont Circle: One of the most traditional gay neighborhoods in the area, Dupont Circle is full of interesting shops, cafes, bookstores, bars, and restaurants all geared toward the LGBTQ community.
• Capitol Hill: Capitol Hill is elegant and informed. Here you can find restaurants, markets, crafts, antiques, and all types of unique entertainment.
• Columbia Heights: Columbia Heights is a predominantly Latino area that welcomes the LGBTQ community with open arms. In the past five years, the area has been revitalized. It is home to as a weekly farmer’s market, some great delis and bakeries, the GALA Hispanic Theater, and Mexican Cultural Institute.

Where to stay for Capital Pride

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Hotel Palomar,    The Dupont,    Rouge Hotel,    Mason & Rook Hotel