Washington, D.C., is celebrating the 50th
anniversary of its LGBTQ+ pride celebrations this year, and in a considerable
way, by hosting WorldPride, a global
event that attracts participants worldwide.
Scheduled for May 17-June 8, it will attract as many as
three million people, according to organizers — making travel plans in advance crucial
for anyone interested in attending.
“Washington, DC is where people come to make their voices
heard,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president
and CEO of Destination DC, the city’s tourism organization. “With its
rich history of advocacy and activism for LGBTQ+ rights, the nation’s capital
has consistently been a beacon of progress and equality. For this landmark
event, there’s a strong focus on advocacy, celebrating milestones and pushing
the conversation forward.”
“DC is proud to be one of the most inclusive cities in the
world, with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents in the U.S.,” Ferguson
added. “It’s this vibrant community that looks forward to showcasing 50 years
of Pride traditions with visitors from around the globe. As a city renowned for
hosting large-scale events safely and securely, and with the full support of
the mayor’s office, Washington, DC is ready to welcome the world for
WorldPride."
The timing and location of this year’s WorldPride is
critical, according to CJ Marino, president of Monte Carlo Travel, a NEST
affiliate travel agency. “My best advice about getting the most out of
WorldPride is to go, be proud and be heard,” he said. “We are in a very
sensitive time. The LGBTQ+ community has made so many strides, and we are
facing an impasse. The rights that have been fought for are being challenged. As
a gay man who is almost 60, it’s very concerning that we should even have to
defend ourselves and fight for basic recognition and rights. Time to move
forward, not backward.”
Here's an overview of how to experience WorldPride.
WorldPride Bus. (Photo Credit: Ted Eytan for Capital Pride)
Pride Events Around
Washington D.C.
With the theme of Fabric of Freedom, this year’s WorldPride
aims to convey a message of unity and a global call to action. The program
includes a robust array of arts, culture, activism and entertainment in
multiple neighborhoods around the city — from Trans Pride on May 17 to the
International March on Washington and Closing Ceremony on June 8.
Among the can’t-miss moments:
- A Welcome Concert headlined by Shakira on
May 31 at Nationals Park.
- The WorldPride Human Rights Conference
(June 4-6) will address LGBTQ+ issues internationally.
- The Global Dance Party at RFK Festival
Grounds (June 6-7) featuring Jennifer Lopez, Troye
Sivan, Sofi Tukker and other performers.
- The Capital Pride Parade and Festival
(June 7-8), capped by a free concert featuring Cynthia Erivo and headliners
including DOECHII and Khalid.
Where to Stay: Pride-Perfect Packages
A variety of hotels across Washington, D.C. are rolling out
the rainbow carpet with WorldPride
packages that make it easier to make the experience more immersive.
- In the NoMa district, the Morrow Hotel offers two standout options: the Stay with Pride package
includes accommodations, a Pride Pack with themed gifts and a 10% donation
to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention
organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Meanwhile, the Love is Love package includes champagne, Le Labo bath
products, and rainbow petals on the bed.
- The Hotel, AKA Washington Circle, welcomes
guests with a specialty cocktail, $50 food credit and pride swag.
- The Hotel Zena offers
a Pride & Protest package
that turns the stay into a creative activism hub with materials to make
protest signs and buttons.
- The Kimpton
Hotel Monaco is home to
a Free to Fly suite, decorated with florals and butterflies, as a
visual ode to love, transformation and inclusiveness by local artist
Michelle Ison.
For a complete list of packages, visit WorldPride DC’s hotel guide.
Capital Pride Festival. (Photo Credit: Ted Eytan for Capital Pride)
Tips for Pride Travelers
Time is running short, but it’s still not too late to book a
trip for WorldPride. Many hotels still offer availability and discounted
packages. The key is to plan ahead,
choosing travel dates that allow for attendance at the most interesting events.
Indeed, there are activities and events for just about every
demographic within the LGBTQ+ community during WorldPride. The DC Black Pride, Latinx Pride, and API Pride events, for example,
showcase and celebrate the city’s diverse queer communities.
Foodies, meanwhile, might also want to be around for Taste
of Pride, which will stage culinary happenings on May 15 that involve chefs and
restaurants from various parts of the city. And those looking to learn more
about the history of LGBTQ+ rights may want to visit Pickets, Protests and
Parades, an outdoor exhibit that will be visible at Freedom Plaza from May
17-July 7.
Music lovers should
consider arriving before May 22, when Opera on Tap will bring a night of free
classical music from LGBTQ+ composers, librettists and poets, and works featuring
LGBTQ+ stories and figures.
WorldPride 2025 is set to be one of the most significant
events in recent years in a city that has witnessed countless marches for civil
rights, equality, and inclusion.
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