(Photo courtesy of The Capital Pride Alliance)

Capital Pride Returns to Washington, DC This Week!

June 5, 2023 Vacationer Staff

LGBTQ+ revelers are turning up this week to celebrate Capital Pride in Washington, DC. It all comes on the heels of Sydney World Pride passing the baton to the District as the host city for the 2025 World Pride. Even though the global event is two years away, and coincides with Capital Pride’s 50th anniversary, the excitement this year will be palpable!

Like most Pride celebrations, the city started celebrating early with the Mr., Mx, & Miss Capital Pride Pageant last month, with this year’s theme, “Peace, Love, Revolution!”

The festivities continue tonight at 7:30 with OUTspoken: A Night of Queer Expression at Busboys and Poets (Brookland). All gender identities, especially transwomen and cis-women, are encouraged to share their words on the mic. Tickets are sold for $15 (Ally), $20(Protestor), and $25 (Changemaker). All proceeds will go to the Capital Pride Alliance and the Pride 365 Fund.

In addition to the Busboys and Poets event, there’s more to come! So, here’s a quick rundown of a few events scheduled this week, including Pride Festival headliners Idina Menzel and Hayley Kiyoko featuring 90s singers Debbie Gibson and Shanice Wilson, and Drag Queen Monet X Change!

Take a look at a few events coming up this week to celebrate Capital Pride:

Thursday, June 8

Rooftop Pool Party (must be 21+ years of age)
Where: Penthouse Pool and Lounge, 1612 U Street NW 4^th Floor, Washington, DC 20009
Time: 8 pm – 12 am
Cost: $20 to $35 (Get tickets here)

Kick off the Capital Pride Celebration Weekend under the stars for a relaxing evening with Capital Pride Alliance. Enjoy music, cocktails, and appetizers, and mingle with some special guests cooling off in the pool.

*Tickets include entry, poolside food, and three (3) drink tickets (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

Friday, June 9

RIOT: Opening Dance Party (must be 18+ years old)
Where: Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE, Washington, DC
Time: 9 pm – 3:30 am
Cost: $35-$75 (Get tickets here)

This gigantic dance party features a star-studded drag performance line-up including Alaska Thunderfuck and Tatianna from RuPaul’s Drag Race, adult superstar Beaux Banks, and a crazy cast of DC’s most amazing performers: Blaq Dinamyte, Bumper, Druex Sidora, Evry Pleasure, Haus of Bambi, Jane Saw, Jaxknife Complex, KC B.Yonce, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, SHE, and Samson. Combine all that with DJs Lemz, Honey, and Ed Bailey. This is primed to be a completely insane experience to start Capital Pride weekend in DC!

Saturday, June 10

Crack of Noon Pride Parade Brunch (must be 21+ years of age)
Where: Viceroy Washington DC, 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Time: 12 pm – 3 pm
Cost: $60 – Brunch Buffet with Two Drink Tickets
$75 – Brunch Buffet & Bottomless Mimosas
(Get tickets here)

Enjoy Pride Brunch at this lively annual gathering on Parade Day! You’re sure to have a great time with a delicious gourmet brunch buffet and mimosas. Mingle and dine with the Pride Parade grand marshals, Pride 2023 Honorees, and other surprise special guests. Please note that bags/backpacks will be subject to search.

Block Party
Where: Between P & O intersecting with 17^th Street NW
Time: 12 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free to enter, but cost for onsite food and drink

Expect entertainment, plenty of food and beverages (including local vendors, food trucks, and restaurants along 17th Street), and good vibes all around ahead, during and after the parade. There’s also a beverage garden for those ages 21 and over to refresh and watch performers on the Block Party Stage.

Pride Parade
Where: Logan and Dupont Circle Neighborhoods, Washington, DC
Time: 3 pm – 7 pm
Cost: Free

Celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the historic Capital Pride Parade! This beloved tradition honors our history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Washington, DC while respecting the origins and importance of taking to the streets in our fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the Nation’s Capital.

Capital Trans Pride Pool Party (must be 21+ years of age)
Where: Penthouse Pool and Lounge, 1612 U Street NW 4^th Floor, Washington, DC 20009
Time: 8 pm – 12 am
Cost: Free – Ticket reservations are required and limited to one per person.

FREE event, but ticketing is required*
Light food will be provided, and
Full PENTHOUSE POOL menu and bar will be available for purchase.
MUST RSVP 24 hours before the event.
ID is required at the door due to age restrictions. CTP Volunteers will be there!

Cool off after the Parade with your guest for sipping, splashing, sunsets, and more! Enjoy music, and light appetizers with a cash bar, while mingling with some special guests and cooling off in the pool.

Revolution (must be 18+ years of age)
Where: WEG, 1235 W Street NE Washington, DC 20018
Time: 9 pm – 3 am
Cost: $35-$55 (Get tickets here)

Dance the night away at Revolution, the Official Capital Pride Saturday Party with renowned DJ Duo Thunderpuss will be taking the stage, providing an electrifying soundtrack that will keep the energy high throughout the night. With their legendary remixes and infectious beats, Thunderpuss will ensure a non-stop party atmosphere that will have you dancing all night.

Sunday, June 11

Pride Festival
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC
Time: 12 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free

Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival. Enjoy a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors. The Festival is the largest annual event in the national capital region and continues to be free to the public.

Pride Concert
Where: 3rd & Pennsylvania Avenue
Time: 12 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free

The Capital Pride Concert is a great way to cap off your celebration weekend. You will also experience entertainment on three stages, from international headliners to our best local and regional LGBTQ+ talent.