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Here comes the Pride

Bounty of black, Latino events through Memorial Day and beyond

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Pride season is here and with it brings events, concerts and festivals for everyone.

The sixth annual Latino Pride starts Sunday and this year’s theme is “History, Celebration, Diversity and Identity.” This is the first year Latino Pride is spread over multiple days.

Latino Pride begins with La Corona, the royal coronation and dance party at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. hosted by Jocelyn Carrillo. There’s a $5 donation for this 21-and-older event.

“La Plática” is May 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) and features several components including a panel discussion and networking, a historical exhibition and community resource fair. Panelists include Gustavo Velasquez, director of D.C. Office of Human Rights, and Jack Harrison of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. HIV testing will also be available during this event.

A bilingual ecumenical service, “La Misa,” with Rev. Joseph Palacios is June 3 at St. Thomas’ Parish Dupont Circle (1772 Church St., N.W.) from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“This will be the first time we have this,” says David Perez, president of Latino GLBT History Project. “We’re partnering with [St. Thomas’ and Palacios] … and we’re also partnering with the Dignity group … focusing on a call to action of how we celebrate pride by giving back to others.”

Latino Pride ends with the official Latino Pride dance party “La Fiesta” at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) on June 7 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. There is a $5 donation for this 18-and-older event.

For more information on Latino Pride, visit latinoglbthistory.org.

Black Pride starts Thursday and runs through May 27.

D.C. Black Pride starts with a wine-and-spirits reception on Thursday at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum (1001 F St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is $10.

The festivities continue on May 25 at the Hyatt Regency (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.) with a hospitality suite open from noon to 9 p.m. and a game room open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. The opening reception is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. including a book signing for “King Peggy.” RainbowConnects will be running a speed dating event from 7 to 9 p.m.

Also on May 25 is a performance of “She’Baltimore” at The Warehouse Theater (1071 7th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. Tickets to this performance are $25.

The hospitality suite is also open on May 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but there are other events happening that day as well.

At 11 a.m. there is “Why Do You Write/Read and How Do You Succeed?” a panel sponsored by Fire & Ink featuring Rashid Darden, LaToya Hankins, J. Renee LaCour, Spectra Speaks, Red Summer and Dwayne Vernon. There are also various workshops running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hyatt.

At 12:30 p.m., Angela Harvey presents “The Key to the Perfect Orgasm” at the Hyatt.

At 2 p.m. is a film festival also at the Hyatt. Admission to the festival is $15. Also at 2 p.m. is a reading of “The Four of Us” at Mead Lab Theater (916 G St., N.W.). Admission to the reading is $20 and includes a small reception.

Buttafly Soul is hosting a poetry slam at the Hyatt from 5 to 8 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. is the Soul Train Dance Party. Admission is $15 to both events.

Black Pride ends May 27 with a faith service organized by Courtney Williams, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hyatt. At noon, “It’s a Family Affair,” the D.C. Black Pride Health and Wellness Expo begins. The expo will be held at Francis-Stevens Educational Campus (23 and O streets) featuring food, community vendors, children’s play area, DJ and entertainment honoring Etta James, Whitney Houston and Vesta Williams.

For more information on Black Pride, visit dcblackpride.org.

Also starting Thursday is Chocolate City Pride with “The Genesis” at Layla Lounge (501 Morse St., N.E.) on Thursday. Cover is $5 before midnight and $10 after.

On May 25, Omega Entertainment presents “5000 Men Pride Mega Party” at Fur Nightclub (33 Patterson St., N.E.) featuring R&B singer Ashanti. Doors open at 9 p.m.

May 26 brings the “Tropical Heat Rooftop Party” at Ibiza (1222 1st St., N.E.) from 3 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10. That night is the annual Manhunt party at Layla Lounge from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring a surprise celebrity performance.

May 27 starts with the “Insomniac After-Party” at Lace Nightclub (2214 Rhode Island Ave., N.E.) from 3:30 to 7:30 a.m. Then there’s the annual “Island Inferno Pool Party” at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria) from 3 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 but the first 500 get in free. The day ends with the “Klimax Mega Party” at Love (1350 Okie St., N.E.) from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The last day of Chocolate City Pride is May 28 and starts with a cookout for all pass holders at Fort Dupont Park (3600 F St., S.E.) from noon until 7 p.m. That night is “The Apocalypse” at Layla Lounge from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is $10.

For more information and to purchase passes, visit omegapartydc.net.

 

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PHOTOS: The Audacity Brunch

2026 Capital Pride Honors presented at ‘Full Fuchsia’ ceremony

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The 2026 Capital Pride Honors were presented at The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia on Sunday, June 7. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves

Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community

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(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.

The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.

This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.

For more details, visit the cemetery’s website

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Baltimore Pride is here

Parade, block party, festival planned for Maryland city

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A scene from last year’s Baltimore Pride. This year’s main events take place on Saturday and Sunday. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.

The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.

There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events. 

For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website

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