(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined District officials and partners to highlight preparations for a busy season of celebrations, parades, and festivals. With many upcoming events, including WorldPride 2025, the Army 250 Parade, the FIFA Club World Cup, the OCTFME Summer Concert and Activation Series, and more, the District is prepared to welcome visitors from across the region and around the world.
“We are proud to be a city that brings people together, and when it comes to hosting major events, no one does it quite like Washington, DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “From parades and festivals to concerts and neighborhood celebrations, we know how to bring people together and showcase all the energy, culture, and pride that makes DC special. Last year, we hosted a record 27 million visitors. And when these events help us fill our streets, hotels, and restaurants – that’s good for jobs, good for local businesses, and good for our city.”
WorldPride 2025, which officially kicked off on May 17, is continuing with a series of high-profile events taking place throughout the city, including the WorldPride Opening Ceremony with Shakira at Nationals Park, the WorldPride Music Festival at the RFK Festival Grounds, the WorldPride Street Festival, and the WorldPride Parade. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC, and Pride celebrations are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. For a full calendar of events and resources, visit worldpridedc.org.
Residents and businesses are also encouraged to stay informed by texting WorldPrideDC to 888-777 for real-time updates on road closures, traffic changes, and transit information.
In addition to WorldPride, the District is gearing up for several other marquee events this summer, including:
- The Army 250 Parade, commemorating 250 years of the U.S. Army
- The FIFA Club World Cup, bringing international soccer to Audi Field
- LightReel Film Festival (June 4-June 7)
- DC/DOX Film Festival (June 12-June 15)
- National Capital BBQ Battle (June 21-June 22)
- CNN 4th of July Concert on the National Mall (July 4)
- Downtown DC Summer Concert Series (Mid-July)
- Majic Wednesdays at Sycamore & Oak (June 11-August 13)
- DC JazzFest at The Wharf (August 27-August 31)
- Broccoli City at Nats Park (August 8-August 10)
- Putt Across America (through September 1)
With over 27 million visitors in 2024, generating $11.4 billion in spending and supporting 11,500 jobs, DC’s tourism sector continues to play a critical role in the city’s economy. These summer events also advance the Mayor’s Growth Agenda, a bold plan to grow the economy, attract new jobs, and generate revenue by investing in high-impact industries like sports, entertainment, and hospitality. Learn more about the FY26 budget by visiting budget.dc.gov.
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