WorldPride 2025
Washington DC

WorldPride 2025 Washington DC

Celebrate WorldPride 2025 at the 50th edition of Capital Pride in Washington, DC.

• 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.

WorldPride 2025

• From: Friday, May 23, 2025  – To: Sunday, June 8, 2025 – “The Fabrik of Freedom”.
• As home to the Supreme Court and the headquarters for the Human Rights Campaign, the U.S. capital is at the centre of many historical milestones in the LGBTQ+ community
• Worldpride Washington DC 2025 will feature a vibrant and innovative slate of events and cultural programs highlighting the best that Washington, DC, offers.
• From music to film, from the National Mall to Embassy Row, visitors will experience the world through Washington’s multi-faceted and multi-cultural community.
• In addition to the traditional events typically enjoyed at Pride, such as the Pride Parade, Block Party, Capital Pride Street Festival, Capital Pride Concerts and After Parties, organisers plan an array of unforgettable experiences throughout the week that promote the principles of inclusion, affordability, and celebration.

Opening Ceremony

• Friday, May 31st, 2025 at Nationals Park.
• The grand kickoff event of WorldPride DC 2025 will be a spectacular display of cultural diversity and unity.
• Global superstar Shakira will bring her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour,
• Attendees will be treated to captivating performances, inspiring speeches, and a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ pride under the evening sky.
• Audi Field is in Southwest Washington, a 22 minute drive from  Dupont Circle
• Get your ticket for Shakira Now.

WorldPride Music Festival

• Friday, June 6th, 2025 and Saturday June 7th – The official Music Festival At RFK Festival Grounds.
• A two-day festival features over 60 performances across three stages, offering a diverse array of music genres and immersive experiences
• Jennifer Lopez: Bringing her dynamic stage presence and a catalog of hits, J.Lo is set to deliver a high-energy performance that embodies the spirit of pride and celebration.
• Troye Sivan: Known for his emotive vocals and synth-pop sound, Sivan’s set promises to resonate with fans through heartfelt performances.
• Zedd: As a leading figure in electronic dance music, Zedd’s set is anticipated to be a festival highlight, delivering pulsating beats and captivating visuals.
• The RFK Festival Grounds are located approximately 4.5 miles east of Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. Traveling by taxi or rideshare typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The estimated fare ranges from $18 to $23.
• AFTERPARTIES – The event also features a series of afterparties at some of DCs top venues. Events include international circuit brands from across the world including GPS (LA), Meat (NYC), Guapo (Brazil), He She They (UK) and Poof Doof (Australia).

DC WorldPride Street Festival

• Saturday, June 7th – Sunday June 8th, 2025 – Pennsylvania Avenue & National Mall, between 9th and 3rd Streets
• The Capital Pride Festival and Concert grows to a two-day event for WorldPride Weekend, with over 100 acres of the National Mall, in the heart of Washington, DC, sets the stage.
• The event will  showcase a variety of LGBTQ+ organizations, artisans, and more together with  an assortment of food and beverage trucks.
• Enjoy free multi-stage performances with dance parties, featuring a blend of international and local stars.
• The event runs from noon until 10 pm.
• 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. 

Pride Rally & March

• Sunday, June 8th, 2025 at Lincoln Memorial to U.S. Capitol Building
• Stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ activists and leaders from around the world at the Pride Rally & March.
• Beginning at the historic Lincoln Memorial and winding through the grand avenues of Washington, DC, this march symbolizes a continued fight for equality and justice.
• Join the procession towards the U.S. Capitol Building, where voices of resilience and hope will echo through the streets.
• The Rally is at 9.30 am and the march is at noon.
• 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 Concerts & Closing Ceremony

• Saturday, June 7th – Sunday June 8th, 2025 –Street Festival + Concert Grounds 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW
• With music by Cynthia Evrio on Saturday (Post Parade) and Doechii on Sunday (Closing Concert).
• As WorldPride DC 2025 draws to a close, immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music, performances, and reflection at the Pride Concert & Closing Ceremony.
• From captivating live acts to poignant tributes, this final celebration will encapsulate the spirit of Pride and mark the transition to new beginnings.
• Join in as attendees bid farewell to a week of empowerment, connection, and joy with a grand finale that promises to inspire hearts and minds alike.

Illumination Boat Parade – Washington Pride on the Pier.

• Friday 6th June, 2025 
• Witness a dazzling display of light and color as illuminated boats glide across the Potomac River in the Illumination Boat Parade.
• Against the backdrop of Washington’s iconic cityscape, this magical evening on the water promises a symphony of music, lights, and celebration as participants come together to create a truly unforgettable spectacle of Pride and unity.
• The Wharf DC – Situated along the Potomac River in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, it stretches across roughly a mile of riverfront.
• The area has been redeveloped to include a variety of dining, shopping, leisure, and residential spaces, as well as hotels and entertainment venues.

Gay Washington DC

• Stay close to all the Worldpride events at the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill with spacious rooms and suites and high-end amenities. 

Dupont Circle

• With rainbow-coloured crosswalks, this Dupont Circle neighbourhood street is the historical home to Washington’s gay nightlife district and home to the famous 17th Street.
• J.R.s – Longtime gay bar does Retro Fridays, Sunday Fundays and even drag-themed trivia on Wednesday nights. Despite the “Grill” in the title, the popular happy hour spot only serves a few small bites, making it a casual retreat with impressive drink specials and daily events.
• Dupont Italian Kitchen – Lovingly referred to as DIK Bar, it is the premier spot for gay karaoke. It’s the kind of place you can come on a Saturday night to drunkenly belt out some Whitney Houston and return on Sunday afternoon for bottomless mimosas.
• Larry’s Lounge – gay neighbourhood pub with always-affordable drinks, solid happy hour specials, mouth-watering pub fare and one of the city’s friendliest patios.

Logan Circle

• Logan Circle is home to one of D.C.’s most prominent gay neighbourhoods. 5-minute taxi from Dupont Circle.
• Nellie’s Sports Bar – The first gay venue to open outside of Dupont Circle with a legendary status thanks to its famous events, including trivia and drag bingo, poker nights and karaoke.
• Number Nine – Located in Logan Circle and decked out in mirrors, leather banquettes and dark wood panelling, the Lounge is perfect for nighttime rendezvous. The music video bar upstairs is also a must-see. Get there before 9 pm to enjoy two-for-one drink specials.
• Trade – No-nonsense bar with stiff drinks and a backyard patio, drag queens, and an XL Happy hour, an everyday event until 8 pm, brought to you by the guys at Number Nine.

Adams Morgan

• Centred on the happening nightlife scene around 18th Street, the Adams Morgan neighbourhood buzzes with eclectic bars, music venues and international restaurants. 7-minute taxi from Dupont Circle.
• Stay in the heart of Adams Morgan at The Line Hotel DC, with beautifully decorated large rooms, a modern gym, highly-rated breakfasts and just steps from the trendy neighbourhood bars and restaurants.
• Pitchers – Set in Adams Morgan, this multi-level gay bar has a sports theme menu and regular party nights.
• Duplex Diner – Find one of the city’s best atmospheres at this 18th Street hub in Adams Morgan. Referred to simply as “The Diner,” make sure you try the house drink of choice: the Lemon (or Lime or Orange) Squeeze, made with a generous pour of vodka and heavy splashes of other liquors.

U Street

• Known as Washington’s cultural centre at the turn of the century, U Street has long been the backbone of the city’s homegrown jazz, arts, and civil rights movement. 8-minute taxi from Dupont Circle.
• 9:30 Club – Host of the Bent LGBT party once a quarter featuring theme nights and drag performances.
• The Dirty Goose – In the heart of the U Street corridor, serving great drinks and even better vibes. Choose from an array of martinis with – you guessed it – Grey Goose vodka, kick back and relax. Check out this popular bar during weekday happy hour, when drinks are half-price from 5 – 9 pm.

Shaw

• Shaw is one of the city’s hippest enclaves, with craft cocktail bars, beer gardens, indie clothing boutiques and trendy global restaurants. 7-minute taxi from Dupont Circle.
• Stay at the Pure Voyage Shaw, an aparthotel rated “Superb” by guests with stylish apartments and penthouses offering guests high-end amenities and sweeping views.
• Uproar – Located in the Shaw Neighbourhood and a must-do Sunday Funday spot with a famous rooftop and great for dancing and meeting new friends. Spread out over three levels; they also host a bear happy hour on Fridays at 5 pm. Every fourth week you can also look forward to their special BHH: Fetish Fridays when the second level is transformed into “a dark and dirty Bear Cave.”
• Tallboy – Casual dive-y bar serving tallboy cans of beer and satisfying greasy spoon dishes like chicken wings and grilled cheese. Don’t miss their Monday night Drag Social Happy hours.

Downtown

• Easily walkable, Downtown is home to Swanky hotels, wide avenues, high-end shopping and plenty of must-see museums and attractions. 6-minute taxi from Dupont Circle.
• Stay close to the city’s top attractions at The Citizen M DC Capitol, rated “Fabulous” by guests with stylish suites offering big picture windows overlooking the Capitol. 
• Soundcheck – Head downtown for late-night Saturday Dancing. Don’t miss the Kinetic Events, including Uncut and Avalon Saturdays.
• Green Lantern – Located in an alley off Thomas Circle, this decades-old dive is a welcome respite from the rest of the city with fun happy hour specials and events all week long. Best known for its Thursday specials in which shirtless men drink free from 10 to 11 pm, and men in underwear get free drinks for a half-hour after the clock strikes midnight.
• Red Bear Brewing Co – Located in NoMa, the only gay-owned brewery hosts hilarious Tuesday night bingo with fun prizes, crazy hosts and delicious beer.

Recommended Hotels in Washington DC

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