Photo by Jen Morrissey.
It’s Pride weekend, and there are a lot of ways to celebrate. Pride is more than just a parade, and this year is going to be one for the record books. While there are parties everywhere, here is a list of some of the best ones happening this weekend.
Friday
Blast Off! The Office Capital Pride Opening Party
Brightest Young Things and Capital Pride are throwing the biggest opening party this year at Dock 5 at Union Market. The theme is space, and there will be performances from Willam, the queen of Bounce Big Freedia, Pu$$Y Noir, DDm, and more. Tickets are limited so get them now as the party always sells out. Tickets are $25.
Union Market is located at 1309 5th Street NE
Booty Rex Pride Party
The much missed lesbian dance night is back and merging with the Anthology of Booty DJs for one epic all ages, two floor, pride party at the Black Cat. Featuring Natty Boom, Junebullet, Alex DB and DJ Joshua. This party is not to be missed. Tickets are $8.
Black Cat is located at 1811 14th Street NW
Saturday
Proud Garden Party: The Official Pre-Parade Party
Washington City Paper and Capital Pride team up for a garden party just off the parade route. Have some drinks and play some lawn games before heading to parade. Tickets are $15-$55.
The Secret Garden At O is located on O Street between 16th and 17th streets NW.
The parade is one of the largest in D.C. and is always a highlight. Last year the route was extended through Dupont, 17th Street and up through Logan Circle. The event starts at 4:30 p.m., but make sure to get there early to snag a good spot on the route.
F.U.S.E. Women’s Main Event
The ladies of LURe are at it again with another awesome event. Teaming up with Capital Pride, this party will take over Dirty Bar featuring three floors of DJs and dancing and a chance to meet the Capital Pride Headliners. Tickets are $15.
Dirty Bar is located at 1223 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Mixtape
Mixtape is a D.C. staple, and for the party’s 6th Pride event, DJs Shea Van Horn and Matt Bailer play The Howard Theatre. It is always a good time during the year but even better during pride. Tickets are $10
The Howard Theatre is located at 620 T Street NW
Babe Rainbow and Rich Morel’s Hot Sauce
Once again, Black Cat is throwing a two floor, all ages party with Babe Rainbow on top and Hot Sauce on the bottom. It is sure to be a wild night. Tickets are $10.
Black Cat is located at 1811 14th Street NW
Sunday
Capital Pride Festival
Hot 99.5 hosts Pride Festival, and this year there are more headliners than ever. Rita Ora, Bonnie Mckee, Karmin, Betty Who, DJ Cassidy and the top four queens from season 6 of Ru-Paul’s drag race all perform. The family friendly festival is jam packed with vendors, attractions and booths.
The Festival is located on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd and 7th streets NW.
U Street Music Hall has always been a queer friendly venue, and this year they host their first pride party. Nancy Whang of the Juan Maclean DJs alongside Honey Dijon and Honey Soundsystem. Tickets are $10 or free entry with a La Roux 9:30 Club hand stamp.
U Street Music Hall is located at 1115 U Street NW
