FamousDC’s Guide to Pride
The most fabulous party of the year is here. This Saturday, join a quarter million people in the streets of the District for the Capital Pride Parade, which celebrates its 41st anniversary this year – in a big way.
Since the parade’s inception in 1975, the LGBTQ community has made large strides toward equality, and the party has gotten bigger and bigger every year. This year’s theme? “Make Magic Happen” According to the Capital Pride Alliance website, the theme “speaks to the power we have as a community to effect change that strengthens the LBGTA movement locally, regionally and nationally.”
The parade is just one piece of the twelve day celebration which initially kicked off June 1 and includes tons of events, performances and elaborate outfit changes.
Here’s FamousDC’s Guide to Pride, which is sure to get you out on the crowded streets and ready to join the celebration.
Stake out a spot to watch the parade
The Capital Pride Parade is one of DC’s craziest block parties. It only lasts for three hours (from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.) and it’s completely free to watch. More than 200 groups of performers, floats, local politicians, local businesses, and community organizations will march a 1.5 mile course from Dupont Circle and through Logan Circle, ending at the 14th St. NW corridor at S St. Here’s a map of the parade; be sure to find a spot on the sidewalk and throw some elbows to get the best possible view of the show.
Expect great floats from Uber and Marriott, and appearances from Leslie Jordan (of “American Horror Story”), Meghan Trainor, Washington Capitals’ goalie Braden Holtby and the DC Cowboys Dance Company.
Get decked out
What you wear to DC Pride is of utmost importance. Whether you want to go all out or stick with some tasteful rainbow accents, here are some of our favorite ensembles from past parades to inspire you. Just remember, it’ll be pretty hot outside on Saturday, with temperatures forecasted to climb into the 90s.
Keep the party going!
The parade is just the beginning. Let it hype you up to come back on Sunday for the Pride Festival and Concert. The festival, which begins at noon and lasts til 7 p.m., will feature around 300 exhibitors, food vendors, and local businesses at Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd and 7th streets. Grab food from viral sensation Buredo, Tiki Grill, and Crave and head toward the pulsing music at any of the festival’s three main stages.
Headliners Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor go on at 6 and 7 p.m., respectively, on the main stage at 3rd and Pennsylvania. Admission to the festival and the concerts are free, but if you want to get close to the action in the pit by the stage, tickets cost $35.
