This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC. Which makes it even more exciting that the city and the Capital Pride Alliance is hosting WorldPride 2025. The celebrations began on May 17 and run through June 8, with plenty of opportunities to come together to support the LGBTQ+ community, and the ongoing fight for equality, visibility, and justice. At Arlo Washington DC, we’re proud to be hosting a number of WorldPride events. Here are more details on those, as well as other Pride events in Washington DC, from DC Pride parades and parties to places to eat as you celebrate (and protest). Washington, DC
WorldPride 17th Street Block Party
On Friday, June 6, head to DC’s historic Dupont Circle neighborhood (aka the city’s “Gayborhood”) for WorldPride’s 17th Street Block Party. Organized by the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and Dupont Circle Main Streets, the Friday afternoon celebration (5pm–10pm) will feature local food from over two dozen beloved neighborhood restaurants, an outdoor beverage garden, and plenty of live entertainment. The festivities continue again on Saturday, June 7, from 12p–10pm.
WorldPride Rooftop Dance Party
Keep the Pride vibes going on Friday, June 6, with a night of dancing and drag on the rooftop of Arlo Washington DC. The WorldPride Rooftop Dance Party at ART DC kicks off at 9pm and the revelry runs right through to 2am. The party will be hosted by the fabulous Bombalicious Eklaver, with fierce performances by Dustyn Dawn, Chanel Janaè Chloè, and Aave Blue, and DJ Huh? on deck. This is 21+ event, and is free with RSVP.
WorldPride Parade
The marquee event, the WorldPride Parade, will be held Saturday, June 7. A special edition of the annual Capital Pride Parade, this WorldPride Parade acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ communities in Washington, DC, and the importance of taking to the streets to fight for equality. The parade begins at 2pm at 14th Street and T Street, NW. The afternoon will also feature a post-parade concert and a Camp Pride Family Area, where kids can unleash their creativity and play.
Nudes & Neutrals Rooftop Day Party
For a post-parade celebration on June 7, head on over to Arlo Washington DC, where the ART DC Rooftop is hosting an unforgettable Sunset Day Party. The dress code is Elevated Casual, so dress to impress as much as the panoramic views you’ll enjoy from this stunning rooftop venue. The Nudes & Neutrals Rooftop Day Party runs from 6pm–10pm, and you can get tickets here.
National Trans Visibility March
Bring your signs and your resolve to shift power to the National Trans Visibility March on Sunday, June 8. Join your fellow citizens to push back against policies meant to erase Trans lives. Marchers will assemble from 7:30am at the Human Rights Campaign Headquarters to walk together to the Rally that begins at 9am. You can find more information here.
WorldPride Drag Brunch
Sunday Brunch gets a WorldPride spin at Arlo Washington DC on Sunday, June 8, with a celebratory WorldPride Drag Brunch from 11am–2:30pm. Guests will enjoy unlimited tapas brunch plates for $60 per person, along with drink specials and high-energy performances by Queens De’ior Kouture, Nadia Cole, Jalah Nicole, and Ervena Chloe. DJ ALVAMP will provide the soundtrack, and Bombalicious Eklaver is the day’s host. RSVP here.
Local Bites
All this parading and protesting, and celebration of LGBTQ+ lives requires stamina, so don’t forget to visit DC’s best restaurants and bars during WorldPride to keep your energy up. At Arlo DC, Chef Pepe Moncayo’s restaurant Arrels serves fresh takes on Spanish classics, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Highlights of the sophisticated beverage menu include sangria, crisp gin and tonics, and—during WorldPride—special Pride-themed cocktails. Proceeds from the sales of these drinks will be donated to The Trevor Project.
Elsewhere in the capital, other queer-friendly eateries to consider during WorldPride include Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse (a longtime second home for the city’s gay community), and Cafe Riggs, which is offering specialty cocktails named for famous gay icons such as James Baldwin, Harvey Milk, and Elton John during Pride.
At Her Diner, the WorldPride events include brunch, a RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party and dance party, a night of show tunes, and nightly happy hour deals. Over at Perry’s, which has for decades been a drag brunch go-to, drag shows will take place twice every Sunday during WorldPride. Perry’s is also featuring a specialty cocktail for Pride, with half the proceeds from the drink benefiting LGBTQ+ nonprofit the Pride 365 Fund.
As you make your WorldPride DC plans for 2025, don’t forget that if you need a welcoming place to stay close to all the action, Arlo Washington DC is a stylish and friendly choice. Arlo Hotels lives the values of Pride year-round, and you can see the full lineup of Arlo DC Pride events here.
