Event Dates
From: Friday, May 23, 2025
To: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Celebrate WorldPride 2025 at the 50th edition of Capital Pride in 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
- 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.
- The 2024 D.C. Pride takes place from May 31st to June 9th 2024.
Opening Ceremony
- Friday, May 31st, 2025 at Audi Field
- The grand kickoff event of WorldPride DC 2025 will be a spectacular display of cultural diversity and unity.
- Attendees will be treated to captivating performances, inspiring speeches, and a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ pride under the evening sky at Audi Field.
- Audi Field is in Southwest Washington, a 15 minute drive from Dupont Circle.
RIOT! – The Pride Dance Party
- Friday, June 6th, 2025 at Echostage
- Remembering the stonewall riots and the birth of the LGBT Pride movement.
- The event honors those heroes who paved the way for the progress that we now enjoy, while acknowledging the tremendous amount of work that we have left to accomplish.
- In spite of extreme adversity facing members of the LGBTQ+ community, come together to support, love, resist, thrive, and RIOTously dance!
- Echostage is a music venue located in Washington DC. Opened in 2012, the hybrid nightclub and concert hall has over 30,000 square feet of space and can host 3,000 guests. This Vast nightspot features bars, a dance floor and a smoking area.
- The Venue is in Northeast Washington, a 30-minute drive from the gay district of Dupont Circle.
Pride Festival
- Saturday, June 7th – Sunday June 8th, 2025 – Pennsylvania Avenue & National Mall
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Concert & Closing Ceremony
- Sunday, June 8th, 2025 – in front of the United States Capitol Building.
- 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.
Capitol Sunset Dance Party
- Sunday, June 8th, 2025 – Main Street on Pennsylvania Avenue
- Cap off your WorldPride DC 2025 week with the ultimate Street Party.
- Dance with thousands of party lovers as you enjoy the sun setting on the US Capital.
- Featuring international DJs from the world’s leading circuit parties.
Pride Day at The Zoo
- Awaiting dates – at The National Zoological Park
- A day of celebration, education, and discovery. Popular with adults and children alike, this family-friendly event is tailored to LGBTQ+ visitors.
- This event provides FREE access to one of the world’s leading Zoos, featuring DC’s Giant Panda family.
- Food, crafts, and activities throughout the 163 acres make for an event that may be enjoyed by all.
Illumination Boat Parade
- Awaiting dates at The Wharf DC
- 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 Warf 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
There are some stunning hotels
Book now and Pay on arrival
The W Hotel is our choice offering
stunning views of the white house
For further information and advice on
WorldPride 2025 Washington Website
The gay bars in Washington are a little spread out most are within walking distance from Dupont Circle and U Street Metro stations, so we have chosen Hotels close Dupont Circle Metro gay bars as they have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Viceroy Washington DC offers pet-friendly accommodation in Washington, 4 minutes' walk from Logan Circle. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Private parking is available on site.
Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom where you will find bath robes, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Select rooms offer a seating area. In-room spa services and a yoga mat are also available for guests.
2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
This Washington, D.C. hotel is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from
and boasts an on-site restaurant and bar. The White House is 1.6 km away.Each modern room at the Royal Sonesta Washington DC features a flat-screen TV and plush bedding. Select rooms offer a deep soaking spa bath or a piece of fitness equipment. In-room massage and spa services are available.
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
This hotel is located at the top of
just minutes from the historical landmarks of , D.C. The is 120 m awayThe rooms at The Dupont Circle Hotel are furnished with large windows and marble bathrooms. Modern amenities include an iPod docking station, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Designer bathrobes are also offered.
1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Located 12 minutes’ walk from the
, this Washington, D.C. hotel boasts in-room spa services and an on-site restaurant. Dupont Circle is 8 minutes’ walk away.Decorated with bright red accents, the modern rooms at Kimpton Banneker Hotel feature a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, and a work desk. An en suite bathroom and a minibar are also included.
1227 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a living room with a flat screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
1400 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
The air conditioned apartments offer a bedroom, 1 bathroom bath or shower, a living room with flat screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven and microwave and a washer and dryer, Apartments offer WiFi available in all areas and is free of charge.
Washington, DC 20009
Executive apartments features accommodation with free WiFi and a terrace. The units are fitted with air-conditioned bedrooms and a kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave and fridge. An oven and coffee machine are also offered.
2015 O St NW, Washington, DC 20036
The holiday home has 7 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 5 bathrooms with a bidet. features accommodation with a private pool, free WiFi
1847 14th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
Open since 2003, Café Saint-Ex remains a staple neighborhood restaurant and gay bar located in the heart of the bustling 14th Street scene
639 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Go-to gay bar for otter, bear, wolf etc.
Lively tri-level gay bar offering small plates & sushi in a relaxed atmosphere with a rooftop deck.
2014 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Friendly gay bar with rgular drag shows
1100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Great little gay bar serves great cocktails and has outdoor seating
2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Bunker is dc's underground gay bar and club with nightly entertainment, live djs, and transportive decor.
1520 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Really cute and comfortable gay cocktail bar. Simple, classic menu. Small space that invites you to relax and chat with others
2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
This gay bar tends to attract regulars who gather around cozy downstairs bar. Yes, there is a real fireplace. Perhaps the most unassuming bar in D.C., and certainly among the most consistently fun
1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Narrow, no-nonsense gay bar offering typical drinks, including huge cocktails during happy hour.
Washington, DC 200011940 9th Street Northwest
Great music venue! Very intimate space with a nice rooftop with delicious food and large selection of drinks.
U St Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
Games on TV, drag events (bingo & brunch), poker nights & karaoke draw patrons to this casual Gay Bar
915 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Kiki gay bar offering weekly drag shows four different bar areas, including a beer garden, a sports themed bar, lounge areas and a dance floor.
2319 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Lively, easygoing lesbian sports bar with a dance floor & event nights.
913 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Chic gay hangout with a rooftop bar for craft cocktails, signature martinis & a concise American menu.
2317 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Dave Perruzza has opened up a gay sports bar in the heart of Adams Morgan. The 10,000+ square foot building features plenty of flat screens for sports fans, darts, video games, a lesbian bar, and two spacious patios.
2009 8th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001
Best way to spend a Friday night! Cheaply priced drinks in a large venue that, for this night, is catering to a large variety of the gay scene (yes, including bears!).
1104 H Street Northeast Washington, DC 20002
Gay bar with a Beautiful Patio, DJ/Dancing Fri/Sat, No Cover, 100+ craft beers, 50+ whiskeys, Saints Games, much more!
1435 P Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005
Popular gay bar can get very busy at weekends
1836 18th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
Known for its generous pours, dog-friendly patio, and welcoming environment, Larry’s Lounge is Dupont Circle’s best neighborhood Gay bar.
1335 Green Court Northwest Washington, DC 20005
Green Lantern, everyone's favorite neighborhood bar, is proudly serving all gay DC!
1519 17th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20036
Originally opened in 1986, JR’s Bar has served DC’s LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years right in the heart of Dupont.
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We have chosen hotels in Washington DC that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
A look at the official bid for WorldPride
Washington, D.C. has a thriving LGBTQ+ community that plays a significant role in the city’s cultural, social, and political life. D.C. hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Capital Pride Festival and Parade, typically held in June, is one of the city’s most significant gay celebrations, featuring a parade, concerts, and other festivities.
Adjacent to Dupont Circle, Logan Circle has also become a popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood. It offers a mix of bars, restaurants, & cultural attractions.
The U Street Corridor is known for its historic ties to the LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant nightlife scene. With several LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.