(Washington, DC) – Today, ahead of the official first day of WorldPride 2025, Mayor Muriel Bowser is welcoming residents and visitors from around the globe for three weeks of celebrations and events in Washington, DC. Festivities kick off on May 17 and run through June 8, with a full calendar of events designed to reflect the diversity within the global LGBTQIA+ community, including the WorldPride Parade, the Opening Concert—headlined by international superstar Shakira—and the WorldPride Festival, featuring performances from Doechii and Cynthia Erivo.
“Washington, DC is ready to welcome visitors from across the country and around the globe for WorldPride 2025,” said Mayor Bowser. “This year is also special because it marks 50 years of Pride celebrations in DC, another testament to our city’s long history of leading on LGBTQ+ rights. This is a unique opportunity to share our DC values with the world and bring people together in celebration of community and most of all—pride.”
Other highlights include the 17th Street Block Party, in DC’s historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, and the Diversity of Pride series, which will elevate the voices and experiences of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. A full list of WorldPride events and more information on times, locations and accessibility resources can be found at worldpridedc.org/events.
“This is the perfect time, and DC is the perfect place, to showcase and celebrate the unity and diversity of our LGBTQIA+ community,” said Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. “With over 200 events planned across all eight wards, we’re amplifying the full breadth of our community and inviting the world to celebrate with us.”
The Capital Pride Alliance is also celebrating 50 years of LGBTQIA+ advocacy and pride in DC, and has been a driving force in bringing WorldPride 2025 to life. Since its founding, the organization has worked to uplift the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community through visibility, education, and community engagement. In 2022, Washington, DC and the Capital Pride Alliance earned the honor of being selected to host WorldPride 2025, marking a historic first for the nation’s capital and only the second time a US city has been chosen.
WorldPride 2025 will bring visitors from around the globe to Washington, DC and follows last year’s record-breaking year for visitation, with 27+ million visitors coming to DC in 2024.
Residents and attendees are encouraged to attend celebrations across the city, including:
LGBTQIA+ Flag Raising Ceremony
Join Mayor Bowser and the DC Council to raise the LGBTQIA+ flag at the John A. Wilson Building.
- When: Wednesday, May 21 at 3:30 pm
- Where: John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Register here: www.tinyurl.com/DCFlagRaising2025
District of Pride Showcase
Enjoy local LGBTQIA+ talent through iconic drag, music, dance, poetry, and comedy performances.
- When: Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 pm
- Where: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW
- Register here: www.bit.ly/DOP2025
Capital Cup
Experience an LGBTQIA+ sports tournament featuring athletes from across the globe competing in 19 different sports.
- When: Friday, May 30 through Wednesday, June 4
- Where: Multiple venues
- Register here: https://worldpridedc.org/events/capital-cup-sports-festival/
Capital Pride Honors
Celebrate 50 years of annual Pride celebrations in DC, honoring legends in the local LGBTQIA+ community who paved the way for others.
- When: Thursday, June 5 at 7 pm
- Where: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW
- Register here: https://worldpridedc.org/events/capital-pride-honors/
WorldPride Parade
Walk with Mayor Bowser and the LGBTQIA+ community in the WorldPride Parade, celebrating 50 years of Pride in DC.
- When: Saturday, June 7 at 2 pm (Meet-up at 12 pm)
- Where: Franklin D. Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street NW
- Register here: www.tinyurl.com/WorldPrideParade2025
Residents and visitors can stay informed by texting WorldPrideDC to 888-777 to receive text updates on road closures, transit impacts and weather-related concerns.
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