The District’s rich history in LGBTQ+ activism means that June’s annual pride celebrations have long been a mainstay of the city, and this year is no different.
While pride events might look a little bit different now than they have in past years –– the Capital Pride parade will be rerouted with cars only, for one –– but residents can still expect everything from pool parties to public history lectures and happy hours. Whether through in-person or virtual events, businesses and local institutions alike are offering dozens of ways for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to gather and celebrate.
DAY TO NIGHT
BRUNCH FEST: On Sundays we brunch. This weekend, visit participating restaurants across the District for food specials, drink deals, and entertainment. Participating spots include Taqueria del Barrio, Doi Moi, and Le Diplomate. Proceeds from the day will benefit local LGBTQ+ charities via the GivePride365 Fund — and patrons are encouraged to wear their colorful best.
June 13. Learn more here.
BLACK POOL PARTY: It’s pool season. This month, DC Black Pride and VIDA Fitness are teaming up to host the DC Black Pride Pool Party. The event will take place on the roof deck of the The Yards’ VIDA Fitness and will feature DJs, cocktails, and maybe some new friends. Proceeds from the event will go to DC Black Pride activities.
June 11. Learn more here.
CHEERS: Starting June 9, Hook Hall is partnering with the Capital Pride Alliance to host a mixer to celebrate local pride and support the organizations “responsible for producing Youth Pride, Silver Pride DC, DC Black Pride, DC Latinx Pride, Capital AAPI Pride, and Trans Pride.” Every reservation includes a bottle of rosé bubbly (and cabana reservations include even more).
Every Wednesday of June, beginning June 9. Learn more here.
DYKE MARCH: The event began in D.C. in 1993 as a way to create visibility for queer women, and returned to the capital in 2019 after a dozen-year hiatus. As the event description says, “dykes will march down the streets of D.C.” once again this year on June 11, heading from McPherson Square at 5 p.m. to a picnic in Dupont Circle at 6 p.m., for which people should bring their own picnic materials. Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring their masks, too.
June 11. Learn more here.
AWARD SEASON: Join the Capital Pride Alliance as it honors and celebrates leaders in the DMV region who have furthered civil rights for LGBTQ+ people. The awards will be held at Compass Coffee’s new event space at its Ivy City factory. The event will also present the music video premier of the song “Colorful” by SHAED, which features members of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community.
June 11. Learn more here.
PERFORMANCES
GAY MEN’S CHORUS: The show must go on — even (and especially!) when it’s virtual. Celebrate the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s 40th anniversary by streaming their newly released digital recordings. The show will be available for streaming at 7:00 p.m. and available through June 20th.
June 7 – June 20. Learn more here.
DRAG, HISTORY, AND A SHOW: Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade (the oldest LGBTQ+ publication in the country) are teaming up for a celebration of the history of drag in the region. The event includes two parts: a photo and video based exhibition and a live drag show (catered by Red Line Bar). Please note that tickets to either the exhibition and drag show may be purchased separately or as a bundle.
Every weekend in June. Learn more here.
PRIDEMOBILE: The event might look a little bit different than past years, but the Capital Pride Parade is not slowing down. Instead of tightly-packed crowds, this year, the event will feature a vehicle-only parade that will be visible in neighborhoods including Dupont, Logan Circle, and Capitol Hill. Please note that registrations for a “mobile float” are limited.
June 12. Learn more here, and view street closures below.
ART & EDUCATION
SHOW YOUR COLORS: All month long, D.C. residents are encouraged to join the month-long communal art project, “Paint the Town Colorful.” Participants are invited to decorate their public public-facing spaces (think: windows, balconies, store fronts) with full color — and take a self-guided tour to view your neighbors’ installations.
June 1 – 30. Learn more here.
PUBLIC HISTORY: Tune in to Dr. Eric Gonzaba’s lecture “Mapping the Gay Guides: Understanding Queer Spaces in Pre- & Post-Stonewall America.” The event is hosted by the city of Alexandria and explores Dr. Gonzaba’s digital project that highlights “often-ignored queer geographies.” The project is inspired by and builds upon the Damron Guides, a travel guide for gay men that launched in the 1960s.
June 10. Learn more here.
FAMILY PRIDE: Throughout June, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is hosting “Pride Family Zone,” a slate of virtual activities for the whole family. The lineup includes education, crafting projects (like DIY rainbow windsocks and pride flags), and taped performances.
Month-long. Learn more here.
RECORDING HISTORY: On June 12, the Washington Blade is partnering with the DC Public Library to make sure more of their editions and articles are available online. At the “Describeathon” participants learn how to create descriptions (i.e. “metadata”) as they make sure the LGBTQ+ newspaper’s earlier editions are catalogued. No prior experience with metadata or the Washington Blade is required.
June 12. Learn more here.
FAITH & PRIDE
NATIONAL PRIDE SHABBAT: This Friday, the Sixth & I synagogue is hosting National Pride Shabbat. The event is held in solidarity with #StillWe Celebrate Pride 2021, and plans to celebrate the diversity of the region’s Jewish community. Community members can stream the service online or register for an in-person seat. Please note that IRL reservations are limited and masks are required.
June 11. Learn more here.
MULTIFAITH SERVICE: Mid-month, Center Faith (the D.C. Center for the LGBT community) is hosting an interfaith service to celebrate Capial Pride theme’s “Still We.” The event is made to reach out to people of all faiths, sexual orientations, and gender identities in all communities. The event will streamed live via Zoom.
June 15. Learn more here.
EXERCISE
PRIDE RUN: Celebrate with endorphins by joining DC Frontrunner’s Pride 5K event. The offers both virtual and in-person options: runners/walkers can get in their 5K (3.1 miles) on their own or join the Frontrunners family at the Congressional Cemetery on June 12. Registration includes a medal and discounts for Pacers and DC Brau.
June 5 – June 20, with an in-person option on June 11. Learn more here.
PRIDE RIDE: Support the region’s queer-owned businesses and get in some miles, all at the same time. At the end of the month, goDCgo and We Ride DC are hosting a Pride Bike Ride that tours some of the District’s favorite local businesses — from Miss Pixie’s on 14th street to ThreeFifty Cafe and Hank’s Oyster Bar. The tour ends with one of the region’s latest protect bikes lanes en route to Dupont Circle.
June 26. Learn more here.
STREET CLOSURES
These streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Saturday, June 12 from noon to 3 p.m., according to D.C. police:
- Dupont Circle NW
- P Street from Dupont Circle to Logan Circle NW
- Logan Circle NW
- 13th Street from Logan Circle to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 12th-15th streets NW
- E Street from 12th-14th streets NW
This street may be closed to vehicle traffic on Saturday, June 12 from noon to 3 p.m.:
- 14th Street from Constitution Avenue to F Street NW
There will be no parking on these streets on Saturday, June 12 from about 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
- P Street from 23rd Street to Dupont Circle NW
- 20th Street from Q Street to O Street NW
- Massachusetts Avenue from 21st Street to Dupont Circle NW
- Connecticut Avenue from Q Street to Dupont Circle NW
- 19th Street from Q Street to Dupont Circle NW
- New Hampshire Avenue from Q Street to Dupont Circle NW
- P Street from Dupont Circle to Logan Circle NW
- Massachusetts Avenue from 18th Street to Dupont Circle NW
- Connecticut Avenue from N Street to Dupont Circle NW
- 19th Street from Sunderland Place to Dupont Circle NW
- New Hampshire Avenue from O Street to Dupont Circle NW
- 13th Street from Logan Circle to Pennsylvania Ave NW
- E Street from 12th-14th streets NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 12th-15th streets NW
- 14th Street from F Street to D Street NW
Reporting contributed by Rachel Kurzius
