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WorldPride Music Festival, photo courtesy of MoKi Media.
WorldPride is here, and the celebrations are abundant. Music enthusiasts, food lovers, families, and book aficionados can discover a variety of entertaining ways to honor Pride throughout the city. With so many options available, we’ve categorized the events into four sections—arts and culture, music and concerts, theater and shows, and parades and parties—to assist you in navigating all the fantastic offerings.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art | May 31-June 1
Celebrate WorldPride and AANHPI Heritage Month on May 31 at a panel discussion focused on queer and Asian American representation in film and media, featuring acclaimed director of Saving Face, Alice Wu, along with special guests Andrew Ahn and James Tom. The next day, attendees can enjoy a complimentary screening of Wu’s film (registration recommended).
Kraken Kourts & Skates | May 31
Brentwood’s Kraken Kourts and Skates offers endless fun with roller skating, pickleball, DJ nights, and giant board games. For Pride, LGBTQ+ teens and allies are invited to skate, dance, and create art (free with registration).
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery | May 31
A family-friendly day awaits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery with Pride-themed activities. Enjoy performances by local musicians Different Drummers (via the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington) and GenOUT (DC’s youth chorus), along with story-time readings and DJ sets. Be sure to pop into Gridlock’s movement workshop for new dance moves (registration encouraged).
Glen Echo Park | June 1
Families can indulge in face painting and arts and crafts at Glen Echo Park’s Bumper Car Pavilion. Kids can ride the carousel, watch a puppet show, and enjoy rainbow cupcakes, plus complimentary tickets to the Glen Echo Park Aquarium (free, RSVP encouraged).
MLK Library | June 1
Kick-start Black Music Month with a rooftop music celebration at the library, featuring spoken word performances, live music, and art inspired by queer culture (free).
Lyle | through June
DC artist and LGBTQ+ advocate Lisa Marie Thalhammer unveils her latest vibrant mural. The “This is Who We Are” mural showcases the Progressive Pride flag colors outside the Lyle hotel. On June 5, guests can enjoy sparkling beverages while attending a self-connection art therapy workshop in partnership with 11:Eleven Gallery (free for the mural, $35 for the workshop). Thalhammer also created the “longest LGBTQ mural in history,” which you can view; click here for more information.
WorldPride Welcome Center | June 2
Local romance writer SC Nealy, also known as Sarah Robinson, will engage in a discussion with a panel of four authors about fictional love stories (free with RSVP).
Congressional Cemetery | June 2
This historic cemetery, over 200 years old, boasts one of the few known LGBTQ+ sections worldwide. Join a guided tour to explore Washington’s gay rights movement and honor the veterans and advocates laid to rest here in solidarity ($11).
The Phillips Collection | June 5
Experience a drag performance by DC’s Vagenesis, talks about LGBTQIA+ artists, and a “Styled to the Nines” workshop with makeup artist and model Citrineand at Phillips After 5 on Thursday evening, along with roller-blading and live painting excitement ($20).
Library of Congress | June 5
Author Thomas Mallon will host a lecture on his latest book, The Very Heart of It, which features his New York diaries from the HIV/AIDS crisis era. The Library of Congress holds his personal archives (free but registration required).
National Building Museum | June 5
Join the annual Capital Pride Festival, featuring a gala awards ceremony to celebrate leaders and advocates in the LGBTQ+ community. Bring a friend or partner to this evening affair showcasing unlimited drinks, food tastings, and live music within the beautiful National Building Museum ($125).
MUSIC AND CONCERTS
Nationals Park | May 31
Latin music sensation Shakira performs at Nationals Park to welcome the World Pride DC Festival. Attendees can look forward to her latest album’s infectious tracks, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran ($197+).
Berhta | May 30-31
Join in on outdoor dance floors, a foam party, sports games, and shopping with vendors, featuring DJ Rebecca Black and a vibrant drag performance by Cake Pop to support Capital Cup ($34+).
Howard Theatre |June 5
DJ Aquaria—the season-ten champion of RuPaul’s Drag Race—shines in DC for a dance party celebrating fan-favorite tunes from pop sensations like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan ($28+).
The Anthem |June 5
Nonbinary R&B artist Janelle Monáe, collaborating with disco icon Grace Jones, will perform as part of her album, The Age of Pleasure. The dynamic duo embarks on a three-city tour starting at the Wharf ($151+).
Strathmore | June 5
Support a good cause at this concert by the International Pride Orchestra—featuring LGBTQ+ instrumentalists and allies—and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, to benefit the District’s Whitman-Walker health center. Host Peaches Christ will lead the colorful program ($35+).
RFK Festival Grounds | June 6-7
Pop icons Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan headline this festival alongside major acts like Zedd, Kim Petras, Sofi Tukker, and Tinashe. With three stages of live performances, join JLo in her iconic lyrics: Dance the night away / Live your life and stay young on the floor ($119+ for single-day pass, $259+ for two-day pass).
Fabric of Freedom | June 7
Experience an unparalleled indoor and outdoor nightlife event celebrating WorldPride with three stages of live music across genres like disco and house. Enjoy performances from over nine DJs and, of course, a massive dance floor (120+).
Pennsylvania Avenue | June 7-8
Explore vendor offerings along Pennsylvania Avenue with a picturesque view of the Capitol at this two-day outdoor celebration. Satisfy your cravings with frozen treats, pizza, and beverages from local vendors. Headliners for the post-parade and closing concerts on the Capitol Concert Stage include Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo and rapper Doechii (free, with VIP pricing varying).
THEATER AND SHOWS
Arena Stage | throughJune 15
Presented by Oscar-winning screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney, this romantic queer comedy is a modern take on Shakespearean wedding plays. During select performances, couples will have the chance to exchange their marriage vows on stage ($70+).
Woolly Mammoth Theatre |June 3-6
Discover six developing Pride Plays centered around LGBTQIA+ narratives at Woolly Mammoth. The events also include post-show talks with artists, a performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC, and additional special activities (free, donations welcome).
Barrel House Cafe & Bar | June 3-5
Catch a unique cabaret-style performance featuring singer and artist Joey Arias. Expect to hear jazz ballads inspired by Billie Holiday, enhanced by the glitz of avant-garde drag ($41).
Brookside Gardens |June 4
Enjoy an outdoor comedy show in celebration of Pride month. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to Brookside Gardens to see LGBTQIA+ comedians from Improbable Comedy share their humorous takes on family and love (free).
Howard Theatre | June 4
Drag performer Pattie Gonia educates attendees on global warming and environmental justice in this all-ages live show featuring local and national talent ($35+).
The Festival Center | June 6
Are you ready to watch three films in one evening? Don’t miss the Latinx Film Festival’s bilingual screenings, providing English and Spanish access to films examining queer LatinX histories (free).
9:30 Club | June 8
Contestants from the hit show RuPaul’s Drag Race light up 9:30 Club with stunning performances. Get ready to cheer for the dynamic choreography of drag talents Sasha Cassadine and Mercedes Iman Diamond ($69+).
PARADES AND PARTIES
The Wharf | June 6-7
The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns, bigger and better. Witness the first-ever WorldPride Boat Parade, featuring a flotilla of 30 dazzling boats cruising the Potomac. The following day’s all-ages celebration includes DJ Honey, drag performances, and a stunning fireworks display (free).
Dupont Circle | June 6-7
The annual neighborhood-wide celebration features food and drink specials at local restaurants and bars as neighbors and visitors enjoy live music and drag performances from local talent. Past events have included children’s story time and games (free).
Stead Park | June 7
Kids can navigate an inflatable obstacle course, get their faces painted, participate in story-time readings, and take pictures with loved ones to celebrate WorldPride (free).
Freedom Plaza | June 7
The Capital Pride Parade, rooted in LGBTQ+ activism since the 1970s, will transition to the WorldPride Parade this year, embracing the theme “freedom to be visible.” March alongside hundreds of participants, spectacular floats, and grand marshals down the 14th Street corridor toward Freedom Plaza (free).
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