WorldPride Washington 2025 Guide: Headliners, Parade and more

WorldPride is coming to Washington, DC in 2025 – and the nation’s capital is pulling out all the stops. This isn’t just any Pride; it marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in DC and promises to be the city’s most spectacular Pride ever. Over three weeks from May 17 to June 8, 2025, Washington will host millions of visitors.

A Historic WorldPride in the Nation’s Capital

Washington, DC was home to one of the first gay rights organizations in the world and has long been central to LGBTQ+ culture and civil rights. The city’s first Pride celebration in 1975 was just a one-day block party with about 2,000 attendees – fast forward 50 years, and we’re looking at a world Pride expected to draw 2–3 million people, including tens of thousands of international visitors. The theme for WorldPride DC 2025, “The Fabric of Freedom,” speaks to the unity in diversity that binds the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting how far we’ve come and the challenges we continue to face.

Hosting WorldPride during this milestone year is especially meaningful for DC. The election of the Orange Person set LGBTQ+ rights back a long way, especially for trans people. The political dimension of WorldPride will be all the more important this year.

WorldPride Events and Headliner

Over the three-week festival, WorldPride DC 2025 will showcase an incredible lineup of events. From parades to parties, here are some must-see highlights of the WorldPride schedule:

WorldPride Opening Ceremony & Concert (May 31): The festivities kick off in grand fashion at Nationals Park with a spectacular opening show. Global superstar Shakira headlines the concert, bringing her electrifying tour to WorldPride DC for a night of music and hips that do not lie. Expect VIP guests and dignitaries to welcome the world as DC’s Pride anniversary is officially ushered in.

WorldPride Music Festival (June 6–7): For two nights, the RFK Festival Grounds will transform into an epic three-stage music festival. Pop icons Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan are set to headline this extravaganza, supported by a star-studded lineup including acts like Kim Petras, Marina, and even a DJ set by RuPaul.

WorldPride Parade (June 7): The iconic Capital Pride Parade becomes the WorldPride Parade for 2025, taking over DC’s streets in a dazzling display of pride. The route will wind through historic neighborhoods (think Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and down 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue) with the U.S. Capitol as a backdrop.

International March & Rally (June 8): In the spirit of past civil rights marches on Washington, WorldPride will feature an International March on Washington for Freedom.

WorldPride Closing Festival & Concerts (June 7–8): The festival culminates in a free two-day street festival along Pennsylvania Avenue, open to all. By day, enjoy hundreds of vendors, food trucks, art exhibits, and community booths celebrating global LGBTQ+ culture. By night, the main stage lights up with headline performances: Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo will sing on June 7 and hopefully not cry too much, and rising superstar Doechii will rock the finale on June 8. These post-parade concerts will keep the energy soaring as Pride weekend closes, and will even feature the ceremonial “passing of the torch” to the next WorldPride host city.

Where to Stay for WorldPride

The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. is our premier accommodation partner for WorldPride Washington. Just two blocks from the White House and perfectly positioned along Pennsylvania Avenue, this legendary hotel has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests for over 160 years. This is a lush place to retreat to after your WorldPride activities.

LGBTQ+ Nightlife: Pride After Dark

Washington’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is well worth exploring, and during WorldPride it will be on a whole new level. After the daytime events and official concerts, the party continues citywide.

Start in Dupont Circle and the adjacent 17th Street corridor – home to some of the city’s classic gay bars and restaurants. You can kick off your evening at a place like JR.’s Bar or Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse (a gay-owned institution) for dinner and drinks. Then head to U Street/Shaw, a nightlife hub that hosts popular venues like Nellie’s Sports Bar (famous for its drag brunch and rooftop, often a meetup spot during Pride) and The Dirty Goose for craft cocktails. Shaw is also where you’ll find Number Nine, a two-level gay bar perfect for starting a bar-hop.

If you want to dance, Adams Morgan and Downtown offer options. In Adams Morgan, check out Pitchers/A League of Her Own, a multi-level LGBTQ bar complex (Pitchers for the guys, ALOHO for women and non-binary folks) that often throws WorldPride-themed parties. Downtown, many clubs will host official WorldPride party nights: for instance, Kinetic and other promoters are planning mega dance events with top circuit DJs. The official WorldPride Main Event party (billed as “Fabric of Freedom”) will unite thousands of partygoers at a huge venue for the largest Pride rave in DC’s history – expect high-end light shows, surprise performances, and a crowd dressed to impress (or undress!).