WorldPride 2025 Transforms Washington, DC into a Global Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride and Unity

Marking 50 Years of Pride in the Nation’s Capital with a Vibrant International Festival

From May 17 to June 8, 2025, Washington, DC will host one of the most remarkable LGBTQ+ celebrations in history—WorldPride 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Pride in the capital city.

This historic milestone is being commemorated through a comprehensive international festival designed to inspire, empower, and unite the global LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Themed “The Fabric of Freedom,” the event series embraces the diverse identities, cultures, and backgrounds that weave together to form a rich tapestry of unity and resilience.

Throughout these three weeks, the nation’s capital will be enlivened with events ranging from cultural showcases and dynamic discussions to unforgettable concerts and festive parades.

Attendees from across the world will be invited to partake in an inclusive celebration of freedom, pride, and community.

Below, find a detailed guide to some of the festival’s key highlights and experiences, alongside important travel information to help you plan your visit to WorldPride 2025.

Festival Highlights and Signature Events

01. WorldPride Partner Events – Ongoing Throughout Festival

In solidarity with the global Pride movement, Washington’s metropolitan region will host an array of official partner events that run alongside the main schedule.

These gatherings will include vibrant parties, cultural exhibitions, community forums, and inclusive social meet-ups. Noteworthy events slated include:

• Full Bloom Festival (June 6): A celebration of flourishing LGBTQ+ culture and artistry.

• Pride Boat Parade on the Pier (June 6): A dazzling maritime procession showcasing decorated boats celebrating Pride.

• Concert featuring Betty Who (June 7): A live performance by the acclaimed pop artist, set to energize audiences.

Participants are encouraged to explore the full partner event calendar to customize their festival experience.

02. Paint the World with Pride – May 16 to June 30

As part of the citywide celebration, colorful and inspiring installations will brighten neighborhoods across DC and its surroundings.

The Paint the World with Pride initiative invites community participation through a virtual interactive map showcasing larger-than-life art pieces symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride, history, and freedom.

Those interested in joining this creative endeavor will be able to register for participation, adding their own vibrant expressions to the fabric of the city during this period.

03. DC Latinx Pride – May 16 to June 8

DC Latinx Pride returns with the empowering theme Libre Soy (“I Am Free”), highlighting the intersection of Latinx heritage and LGBTQ+ identity.

Organized by the Latinx History Project, this series features over 20 events that celebrate Latinx culture, activism, and artistry within the LGBTQ+ community.

Events will include panel discussions, film screenings, dance parties, and workshops focused on fostering solidarity and amplifying Latinx voices.

04. Trans Pride – May 17

The trans and non-binary community will be honored at DC Trans Pride, hosted at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

This day-long event includes workshops, open dialogues, and programming aimed at empowerment, visibility, and advocacy for transgender rights and inclusion.

This gathering provides an essential space for education, healing, and celebration within the trans community and its allies.

05. DC Silver Pride – May 21 & 27

The rich contributions and ongoing vitality of LGBTQ+ older adults will be recognized through DC Silver Pride.

The festivities will begin with a Resource Fair and Tea Dance on May 21, featuring live music by The Experience Band & Show, community networking, and dancing.

On May 27, the speaker series titled “How We Got Here and What We Do Now: Wisdom and Stories from Silver Pride Legends” will share inspiring stories from trailblazing elders, preserving the history and vision for future generations.

06. DC Black Pride – May 23 to 26

Since its inception in 1991, DC Black Pride has remained a pillar in honoring the Black LGBTQ+ community.

This year, the event will take place at the Capital Hilton, delivering a potent mix of cultural performances, educational forums, and social celebrations designed to foster unity and resilience.

Attendees can expect dynamic programming reflecting the diversity and strength of Black LGBTQ+ experiences.

07. WorldPride Film Festival – May 27 to 29

In partnership with the Queer Film Institute, the WorldPride Film Festival will showcase a curated selection of LGBTQ+ stories through documentaries, narrative features, and shorts.

Screenings will be hosted at venues across Washington, DC, highlighting international perspectives and artistic expressions.

This festival segment offers a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and cultural exchange.

08. International Choral Festival – May 23 to June 8

Choral music enthusiasts will enjoy daily 45-minute pop-up performances by the renowned Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) alongside guest choruses from the GALA Choruses network.

These performances will be staged at various iconic locations citywide.

Do not miss the GMCW’s annual Pride Show scheduled for May 31 and June 1, promising high-caliber musical celebration.

09. Capital Cup: Sports Festival – May 30 to June 4

Team DC, the city’s hub for LGBTQ+ sports leagues, will host the Capital Cup, a week-long festival featuring a diverse range of sports including dodgeball, pickleball, rugby, volleyball, and the 2025 International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) Swimming Championship.

The festival fosters community, competition, and camaraderie, inviting athletes and fans alike to engage.

10. WorldPride Welcome Ceremony and Concert – May 31

The festival’s grand opening event will be held at Nationals Park, featuring an electrifying concert by global superstar Shakira as part of her Women Don’t Cry Anymore World Tour.

The evening will include inspiring keynote speeches, a reception honoring Capital Cup athletes, and a tribute to the LGBTQ+ community’s history and ongoing contributions.

11. Human Rights Conference – June 4 to 6

The Global Pride Human Rights Conference, presented by the Capital Pride Alliance with human rights leaders worldwide, will convene to address inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.

Attendees will participate in workshops and dialogues designed to amplify marginalized voices and advance LGBTQ+ rights internationally.

12. Capital Pride Honors – June 5

At this formal gala, the Capital Pride Alliance will honor exceptional advocates and leaders who have made significant strides for LGBTQ+ equality within the National Capital Region and beyond.

The evening promises live music, gourmet dining, and a celebration of those championing outreach, education, and activism, including members of the global InterPride community.

13. WorldPride Music Festival: Global Dance Party – June 6 & 7

For the first time in history, the largest LGBTQ+ music festival will light up DC to commemorate 50 years of Capital Pride.

Featuring three stages with a diverse lineup, headliners include Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo), Troye Sivan, RuPaul, and Trisha Paytas.

Hosted by Jake Resnicow’s Dreamland and produced by Insomniac Events and Club Glow, this two-day event promises the ultimate global dance party experience.

14. WorldPride Parade – June 7

The iconic WorldPride Parade will march down Constitution Avenue, stretching nearly 20 blocks, as festively decorated floats and performance groups celebrate LGBTQ+ pride.

Following the parade, the Capitol Concert Stage will feature a post-parade concert headlined by Cynthia Erivo, providing a spectacular conclusion to the day’s celebrations.

15. WorldPride Street Concert and Festival – June 7 & 8

Expanding the already massive Capital Pride Festival and Concert into two days, the National Mall will host hundreds of thousands of attendees.

Participants will enjoy food and beverage gardens, interactive exhibits, games, and performances by both local talents and national headline acts.

16. International March on Washington and Rally – June 8

Following the path of historic LGBTQ+ activists, the International March on Washington and Rally will traverse the city and culminate at the U.S. Capitol.

This powerful demonstration honors the ongoing fight for freedom and equality worldwide.

17. WorldPride Closing Concert – June 8

The festival finale will take place at the Capitol Concert Stage with electrifying performances by artists including Doechii, Khalid, 2AM Ricky, and others, sending off WorldPride 2025 with an unforgettable celebration.

18. Taste of Pride – Ongoing Through June

Throughout the multi-month WorldPride celebration, DC’s neighborhoods will spotlight participating Capital Pride restaurant partners in a rotating schedule.

Food lovers can sign up for a free digital passport to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene while supporting LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses.

Planning Your Visit and Staying Connected

WorldPride 2025 is designed to be accessible, safe, and inclusive.

Attendees are encouraged to check official resources regularly for updates on scheduling, ticketing, and health guidelines.

Whether attending events, joining the parade, or exploring DC’s cultural offerings, this festival promises an immersive experience celebrating the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identity and community.