Celebrate Pride at a family-friendly festival, wave a rainbow flag at the Capital Pride Parade, two-step with friends at a DJ dance party, or attend a comedy show. Whichever way you choose to commemorate this month, it’s sure to be a good time.
Phillips after 5: Party with Pride
There’s a lot of after-hours excitement happening at Phillips After 5 this month. Watch dazzling performances, including an adult puppet show featuring Penny Pancakes. Plus, join a storytime and sample drinks from Spirits and Spice ($20).
Pride Family Day
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is a creative option for families celebrating Pride Month. Local groups GenOUT (the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s youth chorus) and DC’s Different Drummers will perform in between coloring, crafts, and DJ sets (free, registration encouraged).
Pride Run 5K
This historic cemetery is one of the few known graveyards in the world with a dedicated LGBTQ+ section. Run a 5K with DC Front Runners and Pride Run Foundation at the landmark in commemoration of Pride ($50).
Pride Flashband Showcase
Eight new Flashbands will perform covers of the greatest hits from queer artists and allies. Get ready to dance all night and sing along to music from Diana Ross, Cher, Hilary Duff, ABBA, and other icons ($34).
Pride Family Day
Families can participate in arts and crafts at Glen Echo Park’s Spanish Ballroom. Kiddos can ride the carousel, watch a puppet show, snack on rainbow treats, play on the playground, and snag complimentary tickets to Glen Echo Park Aquarium (free, RSVP encouraged).
Pride on the Pier
The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier is back. Head to District Pier to dance to the beats of a live DJ, check out performances, and enjoy more lively activities (free).
Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival
At Gays & Graves, visitors can learn about the LGBTQ+ activists and pioneers who are buried at the cemetery, shop LGBTQ+-owned small businesses, make buttons with Merry Pin, and attend a wreath-laying ceremony (free).
Dominick Pupa stand-up
If you want to add laughter to your celebrations, get tickets to comedian Dominick Pupa’s This Is Not a Pride Show But It’s June and I’m Gay standup show at The Comedy Loft ($35).
Glamfest
Glitter, deejay tunes, dancing, and live drag performances are part of this open-air fest with indie queer artists and musicians at Metrobar ($9.58).
Venus
Popular nightclub Berhta is hosting a dance party with three stages, live music, and food trucks. DJs and artists Rico Nasty, Yaeji, The Dare, and more are sure to bring the energy ($60).
17th Street Block Party
This annual celebration is a neighborhood-wide gathering. Restaurants and bars offer food and drink deals as attendees listen to live music and enjoy drag performances from area artists. Youngsters can visit Stead Park for glitter tattoos, an inflatable obstacle course, and more kid-friendly games (free).
Capital Pride Concert
Rapper Leikeli47, DJ Harrison, pop singer Lisa Lisa, and others perform at this year’s outdoor Capital Pride Concert. Take in views of the Capitol along Pennsylvania Avenue while catching shows across three stages (free, VIP $230+).
Capital Pride Parade
Capital Pride Alliance’s annual parade struts through DC streets in honor of the city’s LGBTQ+ history and community. Wave a rainbow flag in the air as marchers, performers, and decorated floats parade through parts of Logan Circle, Shaw, Downtown DC, and Penn Quarter beginning at 3 PM (free).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
