WASHINGTON — June is LGBT Pride Month and the nation’s capital is not lagging behind in the celebratory festivities.
Whether you’re looking for a rooftop party, a peaceful brunch or an all-out rave, the Capital Pride Alliance has you covered. The D.C.-based nonprofit is an LGBTQ+ advocacy group that was founded in 1975. They organize events throughout the year, but they will be hosting a flurry of events from June 7-10 culminating in the Pride Festival and Concert on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Here’s a list of can’t-miss LGTBQ events coming to the area in the coming days:
Heroes Gala: June 7, 7 p.m. — 11 p.m.
A rooftop party that honors leaders and activists in the LGTBQ community. DJs will be performing while local vendors hand out drinks and food. Tickets must be purchased in order to attend. There is also a firm dress code for the event: fabulous.
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K: June 8, 7 p.m.
This is a chip-timed 5K that aims to raise funds for groups that support LGBTQ youth in the District. There will be a party at the finish line, with beer on offer for the racers and live entertainment.
Opening Party: Earth, Wind, Glitter & Fire: June 8, 9 p.m.
This late-night bash promises to be a wild ride with DJs and dancing abound. Performers include DJs from around the world, Naomi Smalls of RuPaul fame and live visuals by Robin Bell. While there is no official dress code, there is a recommended theme: the elements, Captain Planet and the periodic table.
“Crack of Noon” Pride Brunch: June 9, 11:30 a.m. — 2:30 p.m.
The morning before the Pride Parade kicks off, a gourmet brunch with several tasting stations and complimentary mimosas will be held at the Human Rights Campaign building in Northwest DC. Along with the food and drink, entertainers and special guests from the LGTBQ community will make an appearance at the brunch.
Pride Parade: June 9, 4:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.
The Capital Pride Alliance’s signature event is the Pride Parade. Thousands each year take to the streets of DC to show their support for LGTBQ resilience. Floats, vehicles and marching people will pass through Dupont Circle into Logan Circle in Northwest D.C. Bleacher tickets are available for the event.
Traffic and parking will be severely impacted during the parade. That includes multiple street closures June 9.
Parade staging closures starting at 12 p.m. June 9
- 22nd Street between N Street and Massachusetts Ave NW
- 23rd Street between N Street and Q Street NW
- Q Street between 24th Street and 22nd Street NW
- O Street between 21st Street and 22nd Street NW
- Newport Place between 21st Street and 23rd Street NW
- N Street between 21st Street and 22nd Street NW
Parade route closures starting at 4 p.m.
- P St from 23rd St NW to DuPont Circle
- DuPont Circle
- New Hampshire Avenue from DuPont Circle to R Street NW
- R Street from New Hampshire Ave to 17th St NW
- 17th Street from R St NW to P St NW
- P Street from 17th to 14th St NW
- 14th St from P St NW to T Street NW
Emergency no parking
- Saturday, June 9 – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – 23rd, N – Q
- Saturday, June 9 – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – 22nd, N – Q
- Saturday, June 9 – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Q, 22nd – 23rd
- Saturday, June 9 – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – O, 21st – 23rd
- Saturday, June 9 – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Newport, 21st – 22nd
- Saturday, June 9 – 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – N, 21st – 24th
- Saturday, June 9 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – P, 21st – 20th
- Saturday, June 9 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.- DuPont Circle, P north to New Hampshire Ave
- Saturday, June 9 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.- New Hampshire, DuPont Circle to R Street
- Saturday, June 9 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.- R Street, New Hampshire to 17th
- Saturday, June 9 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.- 17th Street, R south to P
- Saturday, June 9 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.- P Street, 17th east to 14th
- Saturday, June 9 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – 14th Street, P north to T Street
The Capital Pride Festival & Concert: June 10, 12 p.m. — 10 p.m.
After days of build-up, the Capital Pride Alliance holds its flagship event. The family-friendly festival and concert will be held on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets in Northwest D.C. The event is open to all comers. The party kicks off at noon and runs through the day, coming to an end at 10 p.m. Featured performers include singer-songwriters Alessia Cara, Troye Sivan and Max Schneider aka MΛX.
