World Pride 2025
WorldPride events round-up
Something for everyone at upcoming celebration
With hundreds of events across D.C. for WorldPride, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. From late night parties that turn into early morning dance floors to family friendly events, WorldPride has something for everyone. To help make the most of the events ahead, the Blade rounded up some of the most anticipated events on the calendar with each providing a unique way to celebrate LGBTQ pride, joy, and community.
Key:
* Official Events
– Official Partner Events
+ Local Events
Friday May 24
-International Choral Festival
Catch the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and Major Minors performing at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Constitution Ave NW between 12th and 14th Streets NW) for the International Choral Festival. The event is free and open to all. For more information, visit https://www.gmcw.org/world-pride-international-choral-festival/
Friday May 30
-World Pride Welcome Party Benefiting Capital Cup (May 30-June 1st)
Get ready for an epic outdoor/indoor day into night celebration at BERHTA (1301 W St NE) during the Capital Cup Sports Festival, on May 30 & 31! This is where sports meet sound, and community meets celebration. Join a line up of fantastic LGBTQ DJ’s across two nights- including social media soprano Rebecca Black, groovy Gail Force One, local drag (and DJ star) Cake! Pop, and Fish House Funk to start Pride with a party. For tickets, and more information on the two night event at Berhta (1301 W St NE) visit https://www.berhtaclub.com/
Saturday May 31
-Rock Creek Singers and National LGBTQIA+ Flute Choir
Join the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington at the Library of Congress at the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st St SE) for a stunning morning performance joined by the Rock Creek Singers and the National LGBTQIA+ Flute Choir. For tickets visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/46239010/rock-creek-singers-washington-events-from-the-library-of-congress
*WorldPride Welcome Ceremony + Concert
Kick off WorldPride with Shakira and her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour as Washington starts its official WorldPride celebrations. The concert starts at 7:30 at Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol St SE) rain or shine. Get those hips ready to dance into WorldPride! Tickets and more information are available at https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/concerts/Shakira
Sunday June 1
+World Pride Family Friendly Dance Party
Kick off WorldPride celebrations with a fun-filled, family-friendly dance party from 3 to 6 p.m. at the unique Dupont Underground (19 Dupont Cir NW) — right in the heart of the festivities! Bring your little dancers (and your own dancing shoes) for an afternoon packed with kid-friendly tunes that will have everyone moving and grooving. Get ready for a Bubble Bonanza, Sticker Mania, featuring a dazzling collection of stickers for kids and the young at heart to collect and decorate with, and plenty of open space to express yourself and bust a move. To RSVP visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-pride-family-friendly-dance-party-tickets-1353268385169?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=b0bb91e8b1&mc_eid=23fcedbf4d
Tuesday June 3
-Trixie’s Solid Pink Disco: Blonde Edition
Join one of the most iconic—and wildly successful—drag queens to ever grace the RuPaul’s Drag Race stage as hundreds hit the dance floor with the incomparable Trixie Mattel. She’s serving bubblegum pop, high-glam drag, and big disco energy—just make sure you’re wearing pink. Throw on your best blonde wig and get ready to move. Join Trixie Mattel, Shea Coulee (DJ Set), Mateo Sagade, and Saba for a night dripping in pink Pride fun at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE)! For tickets, visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/trixies-solid-pink-disco-washington-district-of-columbia-06-03-2025/event/1500623BB97923EF
Wednesday June 4
*WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference
Join the Capital Pride Alliance with leading organizations in the field of Human Rights for the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. This unique opportunity aims to advocate, educate, and activate the voices of those most marginalized. The conference will be held across three days at the JW Marriott Washington, DC (1331 Pennsylvania Avenue) starting at noon. Tickets are required and available at https://tickets.capitalpride.org/e/wp-hrc/tickets
Thursday June 5
*Capital Pride Honors
Every year, the Capital Pride Alliance acknowledges outstanding individuals, leaders, and activists in the National Capital Region who have furthered causes important to the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s celebration, like all of Capital Pride, is only getting bigger. To celebrate WorldPride DC 2025, this prestigious honor will go to outstanding members of the global InterPride family. This glamorous, red carpet-style gala will unfold at one of D.C.’s top-tier venues, the National Building Museum (401 F St NW) with live entertainment, incredible cuisine, and a formal awards presentation led by influential LGBTQ+ changemakers from around the world. For tickets visit https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/capital-pride-honors
-Drag Is Not a Crime: A Pride Drag Show
Join RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Nymphia Wind, Gottmik, and Ts Madison with Dragula winner Landon Cider as they show the world that drag is not a crime as queens from far and wide turn looks while making a statement. Local drag icon Cake! Pop will DJ this fierce and fabulous night at the Howard Theater (620 T Street NW). For tickets visit https://worldpridedc.org/event/drag-is-not-a-crime-w-nymphia-wind-gottmik-landon-cider-ts-madison/
-Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe
Join two queer icons—Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe—as they bring an unforgettable night of music, power, and unapologetic expression to The Anthem at The Wharf (901 Wharf St SW). This dynamic duo will deliver a genre-defying, high-octane performance that celebrates queerness, creativity, and freedom in all its forms. The event kicks off at 8 p.m with tickets available now at https://theanthemdc.com/event/grace-jones-janelle-monae/
+GEAR SWAP: WorldPride Edition
Got a jockstrap you don’t wear anymore? Looking for a gently used harness ahead of the circuit parties for WorldPride? Then come to Green Lantern (335 Green Ct NW) for their special WorldPride edition of GEAR SWAP. Buy, sell, or trade gear- from leather, jocks, t-shirts, Pride items and more. Bring your “gently used … or not” gear as you swap items with others in the community and meet other enthusiasts. This event begins at 5 p.m. and goes until 9:30 p.m.
-World Pride Boots
With three levels of music, world-class sound, and a fiercely all-queer lineup, this event is sure to be one of the hottest dance floors in the district. The night, which is all hosted by Tatianna from RuPaul’s Drag Race, includes DJs Josh Harrison (Barcelona/London), DJ Minx (Detroit), Griffin Maxwell Brooks (NYC), Blue Rose Royalty (NYC), TOMI, and Not Yr Gf. This event begins at 9 p.m. and goes til 4 a.m. For tickets visit Flash (645 Florida Avenue NW) or their website at https://shotgun.live/en/events/world-pride-boots
Friday June 6
+Grizzly Happy Hour
Grizzly Happy Hour at Crush (2007 14th St NW) is getting extra wild for WorldPride DC 2025 with a special edition of their beloved weekly event on Friday, June 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. Known for its laid-back vibes, sexy crowd, and unpretentious fun, this WorldPride edition will turn the dial up with go-go bears, special drink deals, and a curated playlist full of queer anthems, throwback bangers, and underground beats to keep the dance floor busy all night.
*17th Street Block Party
Join the worldwide LGBTQ community to celebrate, dance, and be merry at WorldPride DC’s official Block Party! Located along 17th Street in DC’s historic Dupont circle neighborhood, this annual party honors DC’s “Gayborhood”, and features local food, adult beverages, and various activities in celebration of Pride! The party starts at 5 p.m. and goes til 10 p.m.
-We Are Them: A WorldPride Drag Race Party
Join an iconic lineup of drag royalty — TS Madison, Alaska Thunderfuck, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Courtney Act, Denali, Envy Peru, Miz Cracker, Nicky Doll, Olivia Lux, Pangina Heals, Peppermint, Ra’Jah O’Hara, and Trinity the Tuck — for a night of unstoppable energy and fierce performances. With DJs CakePop! and Tezrah spinning all night, the beats will be as bold as the looks. This event takes place at the Anthem (901 Wharf St SW) with tickets available here https://theanthemdc.com/event/we-are-them-a-worldpride-drag-race-party/
*Full Bloom
Come join the lilies, pansies, and blossoms as they dance from the garden to the nation’s capital for the WorldPride official event Full Bloom Dance Party! Queer DJs from across the east coast, The Carry Nation (NYC), Flower Factory (DC), Sweet Spot (BAL), DJ Ed Bailey (DC), WessTheDj (DC), Lemz (DC), and Fish House Funk (DC) will keep the energy high with electric music, sensational outfits, and floral performances in a venue with 100,000 sq ft of indoor-ourdoor dancing space! The party is 21+ and starts at 9 p.m. at 1235 W Street NE. Outfit participation is requested and tickets are required. https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/full-bloom?utm_source=promoter&utm_name=World-Pride-Website&utm_campaign=World-Pride-Website&utm_id=67d37969f418408fb6e7003e0a1e60a9
+WorldPride Music Festival
The WorldPride Music Festival, a monumental two-day celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Pride in the city, will have its first night with musical legends like Jennifer Lopez, Galantis, Betty Who, Trisha Paytas, and ZEDD. Taking place at the RFK Festival Grounds (2500 Independence Ave SE) from 1 to 11 p.m., this event promises an unparalleled fusion of music, art, and LGBTQ+ culture. For passes visit https://worldpride25.com/
*Pride on the Pier
Celebrate Pride at the Wharf (760 Maine Ave SW) with DJ, drag, dancing, and much more! Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older. On Friday, the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade will begin at 7 p.m. featuring 30 decorated boats cruising along the Washington Channel. The event is free to attend, but a VIP ticket is available with air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink. To buy tickets visit https://www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip
-MIXTAPE Pride Party
Join DC DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn as they keep the night going with a mix of house, indie dance, nu-disco, electropop, and unexpected throwback gems at the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW). The event starts at 10 p.m. with tickets still available here https://www.930.com/e/mixtape-pride-party/
-LUSH: The DC Lesbian Nightclub Experience
Welcome to the third ever LUSH! DC’s lesbian nightclub experience. Join the “all-dyke DJ lineup” including Lady Lavender, Flotussin, Jacq Jill, and headliner Chrissy Chlapecka for a night of sapphic sensations. Music from across genres- from techno to hyperpop, this is one party the girls don’t wanna miss. The nightclub experience starts at 10 p.m. at 618 Cocktail and Whiskey Lounge (618 H St NW) in Chinatown. Tickets are available for people 21+ at https://ra.co/events/2134312
-JUDY by Sasha Colby and Leland
JUDY, a euphoric dance party curated by Sasha Colby and Leland — is dialed into the purest frequency of sweat, sound, and pop royalty at one of DC’s newest venues the Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) at 10 p.m. From Janet and Madonna to Charli, Troye, and Sylvester, JUDY is a full-throttle celebration of the queer icons who move us. This is more than a party — it’s a musical sanctuary for the divinely dramatic and unapologetically free. For tickets visit https://theatlantis.com/e/judy-by-sasha-colby-and-leland/
-UNCUT XXL
Get ready for the ultimate WorldPride after-dark experience at UNCUT XXL, the mega party that needs no introduction. Known for its raw energy and unapologetic vibes, this legendary men-centered event returns with one massive stage, nonstop beats from three world-class DJs, and XXL play zones and cruise spaces designed for uninhibited freedom and connection. Cool off in the outdoor chill zone under the stars. This event is 21+ and has limited tickets at the door. Location TBD.
*Woven Together: WorldPride Mega Party
At one of D.C.’s hottest spots, The Park at 14th (920 14th NW), the official WorldPride Mega Party for men will bring the heat with world-class entertainment, a dynamic crowd, and a space to celebrate Pride, community, and culture in true festive style. Special guests, including Steven G. Norfleet from Netflix’s BEAUTY IN BLACK will be there to dance the night away. The event starts at 10:30 p.m. for those 21 and up. For tickets visit https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/friday-at-the-park-on-14th
Saturday, June 7
*17th Street Block Party
Join the worldwide LGBTQ community to celebrate, dance, and be merry at WorldPride DC’s official Block Party. Located along 17th Street in DC’s historic Dupont circle neighborhood, this annual party honors DC’s “Gayborhood”, and features local food, adult beverages, and various activities in celebration of Pride! The party starts at 12 p.m. and goes til 10 p.m.
*WorldPride Parade
Starting in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood and winding its way down 14th Street, the parade transforms Pennsylvania Avenue into a colorful corridor of queer joy and celebration. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of 14th and T St and will end after a 1.8 mile walk through downtown, ending at Pennsylvania Avenue and 9th St. The Parade is anticipated to end by 8 p.m. it is free to attend, but grandstand tickets are available at https://worldpridedc.org/events/parade/
*WorldPride Street Festival and Concert
From noon to 10 p.m. enjoy hundreds of vibrant exhibitors, skilled artisans, delicious food, and beverage gardens in addition to multiple stages showcasing an array of multicultural and multilingual performances. And once the Pride Parade wraps, prepare for a night that defies gravity. Cynthia Erivo, joined by David Archuleta, CeCe Peniston, and Kristine W, will light up the district with a show-stopping celebration you won’t want to miss. To purchase tickets, visit https://worldpridedc.org/events/concerts/
+WorldPride Music Festival
The WorldPride Music Festival, a monumental two-day celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Pride in the city, will have its second night with a slew of queer musical legends like Troye Sivan, Kim Petras, RuPaul, Purple Disco Machine, and Slayyyter. Taking place at the RFK Festival Grounds (2500 Independence Ave SE) from 1 to 11 p.m., this event promises an unparalleled fusion of music, art, and LGBTQ+ culture. For passes visit https://worldpride25.com/
-Perfume Genius Concert
Join the hauntingly beautiful and emotionally raw sounds of Perfume Genius, as they perform live at the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW) as part of the WorldPride weekend lineup. Known for their genre-defying sound and deeply vulnerable performances, Perfume Genius will deliver a set that’s both intimate and electrifying — a perfect prelude to a night of celebration. The concert begins at 6 p.m. with tickets available at https://www.930.com/e/perfume-genius/
*Pride on the Pier and Fireworks Display
Celebrate Pride at the Wharf (760 Maine Ave SW) with DJ, drag, dancing, and much more! Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older. On Saturday night after a long day of celebrating the LGBTQ community, watch the only Pride Fireworks Show, presented by the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation, at 9 p.m. The event is free to attend, but does offer two groups of VIP tickets that include access to a cash bar, bathrooms, and a better view of the fireworks. To buy tickets visit https://www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip
*UNRAVELED – The Official Women’s Party for World Pride DC
Get ready to unleash your wild, free, and unapologetically fabulous self at UNRAVELED, the ultimate WorldPride celebration for HER.With 4 floors, 5 bars, and 1 patio, celebrate with over 5,000 queer women, femmes, trans and non-binary baddies & theydies to coming together to identity, joy, and community. An all-female DJ lineup will keep the energy high, spinning everything from hip-hop to house all night long. This 21+ event will be at The Park at 14th (920 14th NW), with tickets available here https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/unraveled-the-official-womens-party-for-world-pride-dc
*Fabric of Freedom
Unite with thousands of LGBTQ+ partygoers in the nation’s capital for the largest nighttime Pride event in DC history! With 3 stages, over 100,000+ sq. ft. of dance floor, and an iconic performance by Brazilian drag (and musical) superstar Pabllo Vittar. This is one dance event that is sure to be the hot spot on Saturday night. The party begins at 10 p.m. at 1235 W Street NE for those 21 and up, with tickets available at https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/kinetic-and-capital-pride-present-fabric-of-freedom-world-pride-main-event
-Betty Who Concert
Pop powerhouse Betty Who will bring her signature anthems and magnetic stage presence to the he 9:30 Club (815 V St NW) at 10 p.m. Known for turning every show into a joyful, high-energy celebration of queer love and liberation, Betty’s performance promises a setlist packed with synth-pop hits and heartfelt singalongs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her infectious sound, this is a can’t-miss moment of WorldPride weekend. For tickets visit https://www.930.com/e/betty-who/
-UNCUT: Fully Loaded
Back by popular demand, UNCUT: Fully Loaded storms into Saturday, June 7, bringing a second night of untamed WorldPride energy to the same legendary venue. This men-centered mega event is a explosion of music, sweat, and raw connection—featuring Paulo Fragoso and DJ Paulo keeping the dance floor alive with nonstop, world-class beats. Expect XXL play zones and a relaxed outdoor chill space. The location is TBD. Tickets are still available for this 21+ event at https://www.kineticpresents.com/event/uncut-fully-loaded-with-djs-paulo-and-paulo-fragoso/
Sunday June 8
-Flashy World Pride Afters
Join DJs Kitty Glitter and Shane Marcus as they keep the night going with their special edition of Flashy at Flash(645 Florida Ave NW)! If you still wanna keep those feet moving after a WorldPride weekend, then this is the place. Starting at 4 a.m. and going until 8, this is the place to rise with the sun and dance the morning away. Tickets are available here https://www.flashdc.com/e/Fu4k42Ekie
-World Pride Drag Brunch w/ Alyssa Edwards
Kick off your WorldPride Sunday with glitz, glam, and a whole lot of charisma at the official WorldPride Drag Brunch, starring none other than Alyssa Edwards, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars. Hosted by Minneapolis legend Sasha Cassadine, this star-studded brunch lineup also features Utica, Mercedes Iman Diamond, D.C. favorites Crimsyn and Druex Sidora, and will take place at Dirty Habit (555 8th St NW) inside Hotel Monaco on Sunday, June 8. Tickets include a brunch buffet two drinks, and admission to the show. VIP tickets include a pre-show meet and greet with Alyssa and reserved seating. This 21+ event still has tickets available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/74184188/world-pride-drag-brunch-walyssa-edwards-washington-dirty-habit
*WorldPride Street Festival and Concert
Then, as WorldPride DC 2025 comes to a fierce finale, get ready for a closing concert that bites back. Headlined by the unstoppable Doechii—fresh off her raw and fearless Alligator Bites Never Heal—this explosive night of music will be anything but ordinary. With powerhouse performances by Khalid, Brooke Eden, 2AM Ricky, Parker Matthews, and MkX, Sunday’s grand finale will leave you healed, hyped, and hungry for more. To purchase tickets, visit https://worldpridedc.org/events/concerts/
+FLOWER FACTORY WORLD PRIDE 2025 feat. DEEP CVNT MINI BALL DELUXE
Close out WorldPride 2025 in style with an iconic Sunday soirée hosted by Flower Factory and DEEP CVNT on June 8 from 3–9:30 p.m. at Zebbie’s Garden (1223 Connecticut Ave NW). This multi-floor celebration will feature superstar DJs, legendary performances, and pure queer radiance. Upstairs, dance to sets by Sekucci (NYC), Flotussin (Baltimore), and the Flower Factory crew. Downstairs, Deep Cvnt Mini Ball Deluxe takes over with music from ballroom legend and Renaissance producer Mike Q, plus a set from local favorite Znorthy, all presented by Girliepop. Come dressed to impress for floral-themed categories like Runway, Best Dressed, Performance, and Sex Siren. For tickets visit https://sickening.events/e/flower-factory-world-pride-2025
-RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Extravaganza
Celebrate WorldPride with the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 at the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW) for an electrifying night of drag, music, and pure queer joy. This high-energy event features dazzling performances by the top 5 queens of season 17, Sasha Cassadine and Mercedes Iman Diamond, with beats by D.C.’s own Cake Pop! keeping the party going all night long. Whether you’re a die-hard Drag Race fan or just here for the vibes, this is your chance to cheer on your favorite queens and revel in the art of drag at its fiercest. The event starts at 9 p.m. with tickets still available https://www.930.com/e/rupauls-drag-race-season-17-top-5-world-pride-closing-party/
-Horse Meat Disco: World Pride 2025
Join DJs Horse Meat Disco, Dangerous Rose, and Coach Chris as they end the WorldPride celebrations with their special edition of Horse Meat Disco. Beginning at 10 p.m. at 530 Penn Street NE, the genre defying DJs will play disco to soul, funk to house & beyond as Sunday slips away. For tickets visit https://shotgun.live/en/events/horse-meat-disco-world-pride-2025?uid=4386617
The Washington Blade’s second day of Pride on the Pier at The Wharf DC ended with a fireworks show on Saturday, June 7. The fireworks show was presented by the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The nation’s capital welcomed WorldPride this past weekend, a massive celebration that usually takes place in a different city every two years.
The Saturday parade attracted hundreds of thousands of people from around the world and the country. The state of Delaware, a few hours drive from D.C., saw participants in the parade, with CAMP Rehoboth, an LGBTQ community center in Rehoboth Beach, hosting a bus day trip.
Hope Vella sits on the board of directors and marched with CAMP Rehoboth. Vella said that although the parade took a long time to start and the temperature was hot, she was “on a cloud” from being there.
“It didn’t matter to me how long it took to start. With the current changes that are in place regarding diversity and inclusion, I wanted my face there,” Vella said. “My life is an intersection. I am a Black woman. I am a lesbian, and I have a disability. All of these things are trying to be erased … I didn’t care how long it took. I didn’t care how far it was going to be. I was going to finish that parade. I didn’t care how hot it was.”
The nearly two mile parade route didn’t feel as long because everyone was so happy interacting with the crowd, Vella said. The group gave out beads, buttons, and pins to parade watchers.
“The World Pride celebration gave me hope because so many people came out. And the joy and the love that was between us … That gave me hope,” Vella said.
Vella said that people with disabilities are often overlooked. More than one in four Americans have disabilities, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vella said it was important for her “to be out there and to be seen in my wholeness as a Black woman, as a lesbian, as a woman with a disability and to not be hiding. I want our society to understand that we exist in LGBTQ+ spaces also.”
Retired Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith is involved with CAMP Rehoboth and marched with a coalition of LGBTQ military members. Smith said they were walking to give transgender military members visibility and to remind people why they are serving.
“When we are not visible, what is allowed to take our place is stereotypes,” Smith said. “And so without visibility, people think all veterans are conservative and perhaps not open to full equality. Without visibility, they might think a small state with a farming background may be a place that’s unwelcoming, but when you actually meet the people who are from those places, it sets aside those stereotypes and the real authenticity is allowed to come forward.”
During the parade, Smith said she saw trans military members in the parade make eye contact or fist bump with transgender people in the crowd.
“They were seen. Both sides were seen during that parade and I just felt privileged to be able to witness that,” Smith said.
Smith said Delaware is a state that is about freedom and equality and is the first state for a reason. The LGBTQ community is engrained as part of life in the Rehoboth and Lewes areas.
“What pride means to me is that we must always be doing what is necessary to maintain our dignity as a community,” Smith said. “We can’t let what people with negative messaging might be tossing our way impact us and the celebration of Pride. I don’t see it as being self-promoting. I see it as an act of dignity and strength.”
World Pride 2025
WorldPride recap: Festival, parade, fireworks, and Doechii
D.C. turned out for a massive celebration tempered by new political realities
From Spain to Saint Lucia, Berlin to Brazil, travelers from around the globe began to arrive in Washington, D.C., for the biggest celebration of the LGBTQ community of the year. After two years of planning, over the course of nine days, one unified message of the strength of love against bigots that oppose the LGBTQ community emerged as WorldPride took over the city last week.
The long road to the successful events wasn’t met with open arms, though. As Donald Trump was elected president the year prior, the political climate in the U.S. became even more polarized, with the LGBTQ community — and trans people specifically — becoming targets for far-right figures.
This made it more difficult to ensure the safety of our transgender siblings within the LGBTQ community, especially while traveling to a city led by someone who has openly claimed them as enemies. InterPride, the group that runs WorldPride celebrations across the globe, even issued travel advisories for transgender and nonbinary people.
Additionally, the U.S. Park Service fenced off Dupont Circle — one of the centers of Washington’s LGBTQ community — just days before the celebrations began. After massive pushback, they took down the fences and allowed people to use the circle as a place to celebrate.
Despite the fears, scores of LGBTQ people poured into the capital just as rainbow banners, flags, posters, and messages of love and support covered every part of the city.
The long list of celebrations was supposed to begin on May 31 with a concert from Colombian pop superstar Shakira at Nationals Park.
“Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am sad and heartbroken that I will not be able to be in Washington, D.C., with you tomorrow,” said Shakira in a statement online. “I hope that I can come back to D.C. as soon as I am able.”
The event was intended to serve as both a concert and the welcome ceremony for WorldPride Washington 2025. Yet, less than 48 hours before she was supposed to mark the beginning of the global LGBTQ festival, she abruptly canceled, citing issues with her stage.
Despite the shaky start to the celebration, there was still music heard in the city — and not just Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” which jumped to 16 on the U.S. Spotify streaming charts. Singers from all backgrounds joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington to celebrate the “Freedom to Sing” in the International Choral Festival — spanning 17 days and numerous venues.
Sports also had its moment at WorldPride this year. The Capital Cup Sports Festival, produced by Team DC, works to end discrimination against LGBTQ people participating in sports and awards scholarships to local LGBTQ student-athletes. The sports festival included 15 different sports competitions across three days — from rugby to rowing.
There was also the WorldPride Film Festival, where filmmakers worldwide were encouraged to submit LGBTQ films of all genres and lengths to be screened during the WorldPride celebrations. From classic shorts like DC Gay Pride 1978 (1978), showcasing what Pride was like in the same city 46 years ago, to world premieres like Humans of Pride (2025), there was a myriad of motion picture art that showcased the LGBTQ community.
As the fight for LGBTQ rights began to shift from the street with bricks to the halls of parliaments and presidents’ offices around the globe, the focus turned to fighting for legislatively ensured human rights. To ensure that LGBTQ and minority rights are preserved in countries where they exist and to attempt to expand them in places without protections, the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference launched.
For three days, upwards of 800 people — most of whom have devoted their careers to creating a world where “dignity, equality, and respect” are at the foundation of governments — gathered. Speakers like Jessica Stern, Spanish Sen. Carla Antonelli, Peruvian Congresswoman Susel Paredes, and Mariann Edgar Budde of the National Cathedral of Washington were just some of the notable attendees.
The Pride celebrations really ramped up just as the Human Rights Conference started to wind down. On Friday, June 4, multiple parties began — including the sixth annual Pride on the Pier celebration (presented by the Washington Blade). This year, it was extended from one to two days in honor of WorldPride. On Friday, The Wharf in Southwest D.C. hosted a night of vendors, food, drinking, dancing, DJs, and — for the first time — a boat parade. Boats with LGBTQ people in their proudest outfits danced and waved up and down the river.
Another highly anticipated event was the WorldPride Music Festival: Global Dance Party. This mega two-day event brought together LGBTQ icons from a slew of styles like house, pop, drag, circuit, and techno. Performers — some of which included headliners Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan, Reneé Rapp, Kim Petras, Purple Disco Machine, RuPaul, Betty Who, Tinashe, and local talent like Ed Bailey, Fish House Funk, Dickerman, and Miscalculated — performed at the RFK Festival Grounds.
In addition to the Music Festival, there were two official WorldPride parties on Friday. “Full Bloom” brought together some of the East Coast’s most “iconic queer collectives and performers” — Flower Factory and Sweet Spot — with Capital Pride Alliance to host the dance party of the season. Floral outfits, carnival games, and a lot of sweaty dancing as far as the eye could see were the vibe of the night.
“I am at Full Bloom having so much fun. It feels like a county fair, but for gay people, and I’m having a blast with my community,” said Henry Hicks, a journalist originally from Tennessee.
“Queerness is about so much more than being able to get married and own property, queerness is about community. It’s about justice. It’s about liberation, and I feel like the ability to convene and express ourselves and really celebrate who we are outside of the confines of structures and institutions.”
Also happening at the same time was the “Woven Together” party by Daryl Wilson Promotions, set to celebrate the Black LGBTQ community with “energy, the music, the fashion, and the men — all under one roof.” The party took place at The Park on 14th and, as advertised, was filled with energy, music, bold fashion, and men.
On Saturday the 7th, Pride started just early enough to get a quick Bloody Mary in before the big events. The WorldPride Street Festival opened at 11 a.m., and included hundreds of booths — from vendors to nonprofits — and even a space for LGBTQ families to gather and allow their children to have their own space. The festival had something for everyone.
As street festival attendees set up their booths hours before, people further northwest began to prepare for the biggest Pride parade in Washington’s history. With more than 300 contingents and 40,000 people marching in the parade alone, it’s safe to say 14th Street had never seen this many LGBTQ people and allies.
Led by a 1,000-foot rainbow flag and Grand Marshals Renée Rapp and Laverne Cox, to say it was a party would be an understatement. It was a cacophony of sound and rainbow sights that included people shouting messages of love in nearly every language. Tequila shots were shared in flasks on the curb while people dressed in everything — from full leather outfits complete with pup masks to pasties, jockstraps, and fishnets. The parade was a true display of queer individuality and joy.
A special local legend got married during the parade — Freddie Lutz of the Northern Virginia gay bar Freddie’s married his partner of 28 years, Johnny Cervantes, while riding down 14th Street in a chapel float. The couple celebrated their wedding shortly after at Freddie’s, where parade and WorldPride attendees were invited to join them.
Another part of Washington’s Pride celebrations — the 17th Street Block Party — also began to ramp up as the parade made its way down 14th Street. The annual party, taking place in the city’s first “gayborhood,” was alive with drag performers, friends taking pictures and sipping drinks, and lovers wearing their queerness on their sleeves — or in many cases — sleeveless tank tops.
“We are gangbusters on 17th Street — it is amazing,” said Georgia Katinas, whose family owns and runs Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, a cornerstone of the Washington LGBTQ community since its opening 76 years ago. “It’s been hot like this since we opened at noon, packed full of the most diverse, wonderful people we’ve ever met. We are so happy.”
Randy Downs, who soft-launched his and his boyfriend Rick Bennett’s pizza place, Protest Pizza, just for the Pride celebration, shared how he felt opening a queer-run restaurant at the peak of Pride.
“It’s busy, non-stop, and incredible,” Downs said. “The energy is amazing and the block party is incredible as well. It hasn’t hit home yet.”
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the parade began to wind down—six hours after it kicked off at 2 p.m. The energy from the march spilled directly into the street festival, blending into one big, joyful queer celebration. Down Pennsylvania Avenue, performers delivered some of the greatest—and gayest—shows of their careers. Kristine W, CeCe Peniston, and David Archuleta lit up the stage, framed perfectly by the Capitol dome. The night wrapped with a show-stopping performance by Cynthia Erivo who, from afar, looked like she just might have been defying gravity.
While Erivo lit up the Capitol Stage, fireworks burst over The Wharf for the second night of Pride on the Pier. Booms, “oooohs,” and “ahhhhhs” echoed along the river as the sky exploded in every color of the rainbow. Before and after the dazzling display, DJ Farrah Flosscett kept the energy high with a set full of queer pop anthems, spinning under the open sky.
Later that night, the Sapphic side of the LGBTQ community came out strong for “Unraveled: Women’s Party” at The Park at 14th. An all-female DJ lineup took over the four-story bar, filling each level with music as Harlem star Jerrie Johnson hosted the event for a crowd of more than 5,000 queer women, femmes, trans, and non-binary baddies who showed up—and showed out.
Kinetic Events have become a cornerstone of the D.C. circuit scene, so it was only fitting that the “Fabric of Freedom” party would close out the weekend with a bang. Hundreds of mostly scantily clad men—dressed in harnesses, jockstraps, and not much else—descended into Burhta for a night of sweat, bass, and liberation. Queer stars Pabllo Vittar and Alyssa Edwards (RuPaul’s Drag Race) headlined the night, alongside a stacked roster of DJs and go-go boys who kept the massive space—three dance floors and 10,000 square feet—alive until the early morning hours.
The next day at 9:30 a.m., folks started to gather on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to get ready for the International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom. As the speakers began to arrive and check in, other event organizers started passing out signs. The rally and march, which lasted more than four hours despite the rain, had an impressive turnout.
The L.O.V.E. WorldPride Chorus started the event, performing “Freedom” in bright pink shirts on the memorial’s steps, followed by Dee Crank of the Navajo Nation. There, she spoke about her experiences being a trans Indigenous woman and encouraged everyone to listen to those who are most oppressed. “The fight for freedom starts with listening,” Crank said.
Ashley Smith, Capital Pride’s board president and a board member of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, followed. He spoke with ferocity as he explained that now is the time to stand up for what’s right—especially for our trans siblings who are being ostracized by people a few thousand yards away in the White House and Capitol.
Multiple other speakers came up and spoke as the sky got darker and the rain began to fall, but amazingly—the crowd didn’t seem to dwindle.
Among the notable speakers, activist and comedian Mimi Gonzalez came out and sang a modernized version of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor.
“At first I was afraid. I was petrified. Kept wondering, ‘What in the world are they thinking? D.C. for WorldPride?’” Gonzalez sang-spoke as laughter rose from the crowd. “Consider this country’s leader who wants to rid the world of us—even he’s a little queer, having just broken up with Musk! Gay boys, lesbians, and trans. Look around the rainbow world, holding hands. So much love and unity, so much power when we’re one. There’s no stopping all of us. Our love outshines the sun,” she sang as cheers from the crowd grew louder.
For four hours, speakers from all walks of LGBTQ life came and spoke—Tyler Hack from the Christopher Street Project emphasized the importance of supporting politicians who are looking out and working on behalf of trans Americans. Kamala Harris made a video telling the LGBTQ community to keep the faith and to keep fighting. Even multiple RuPaul’s Drag Race stars came out—including Mrs. Kasha Davis, who spoke with the Blade after getting off stage.
“The political nature of this is that we’re in this period of negativity and of hate, and what we need to do is show up for one another,” the drag queen said as her rainbow leopard print dress and gigantic pink updo stood out against the marble of the monuments around her. “And what we really need is more of our allies to continue to show up. And I mentioned in my talk about painting your nails. I mean, any way that you can show up to support your family, your neighbors, your community. That’s what this is all about. Because we’re finding that more and more people are not siding with that hate. Yes, the conservatives are loud, but we can be louder.”
As the group from the rally began to walk toward the Washington Monument, chants supporting trans kids and keeping LGBTQ people safe could be heard from yards away. The rainbow-clad group, holding umbrellas and signs, made their way down the Mall until they met up with Pennsylvania Avenue, as the final event of WorldPride took place.
The closing concert took place at the end of the WorldPride Street Festival once again, as MkX, Parker Matthews, 2AM Ricky, and Brooke Eden sang their hearts out to the growing crowd. Just as the sky began to clear up, one of the headliners of the night, Khalid, started his set and performed his radio hits.
Doechii, the Grammy-winning performer, sang and rapped her most popular songs from her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal. She performed in true Doechii style, exuding confidence and love under the rainbow lights, ultimately finishing with an encore of “Nissan Altima.”
“I love y’all,” she said into her alligator-green microphone, walking back into her swamp-inspired set. “What are y’all doing after this? Are y’all partying? I want to party! I’ll see y’all later!”
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