It’s time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride like you’ve been waiting two years for this moment. The Capital Pride parade and festival are back in full, plus there are Pride Month celebrations throughout Maryland and Virginia
Washington, D.C., boasts one of the largest and most energetic pride celebrations in the country — and Capital Pride is making a big comeback in 2022 after scaling back celebrations the past two years due to COVID-19.
Capital Pride's theme this year is reUNITED, which organizers say speaks to both the joy of coming together again, and activism in the face of anti-LGBTQIA+ rights legislation in the country.
There are many events to celebrate the different stripes of pride, including Black Pride, Trans Pride and more, throughout the DMV region.
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When Is the 2022 Pride Parade in Washington DC?
The Capital Pride Parade will take place Saturday, June 11 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organizers say it will be one of the largest pride parades D.C. has ever seen.
The parade route will go through the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods. Here’s a map of the parade route.
Before or after the parade, check out the Pride Block Party from noon to 10 p.m. on 17th Street NW near Church Street. There will be local DJs from noon to 3 p.m., followed by entertainment hosted by JRs bar and Citrine until 10 p.m.
The Scene
The most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia
When Is the 2022 Capital Pride Festival and Concert?
On Sunday, June 12, the Capital Pride Festival will take over Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 7th and 3rd Streets, near the National Mall. There will live entertainment, beverage gardens and food for sale. More than 300 organizations will be on site from noon to 7 p.m.
The Capital Pride Concert will be on two stages at the festival.
DNCE, featuring lead singer Joe Jonas, will headline the events on the Capitol Stage at 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Other performers include singer-songwriter Vincint and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winners Willow Pill and Symone, who are set to join DNCE on stage. Expect live music from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a sunset dance party until 10 p.m.
The Monument Stage on Constitution Avenue and 6th Street is also set to have performers from noon to 7 p.m.
Two beverage gardens will stay open until 9:30 p.m.
The festival and concert are free to attend, although you can buy upgraded tickets to the VIP Concert Zone.
Where Are Other LGBTQIA+ Pride Celebrations in Maryland and Virginia?
Annapolis Pride includes a parade and festival on Saturday, June 4.
Reston Pride kicks off Saturday, June 4 at noon with a festival and performances until 6 p.m.
Alexandria Pride is scheduled for Saturday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.).
Greenbelt Pride is set to host its first festival on Saturday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Roosevelt Center.
Arlington Pride debuts on Saturday, June 25 at Rosslyn Gateway Park. There will be live music and entertainment, family-friendly activities, games and more, ARL Now reports.
Baltimore Pride runs June 20-26, and the parade is set for Saturday, June 25.
Montgomery County Pride is June 21-26. The Pride in the Plaza festival is set for Saturday, June 26 from noon to 8 p.m.
Prince George’s County is hosting pride events all month long, including many geared towards kids and parents such as Family Pride story time and a Rainbow Festival on Saturday, June 4 at the New Carrollton library.
What Are Other Pride Month Events, Activities and Things to Do?
Trans Pride Pool Party
Saturday, June 11, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
VIDA Penthouse Pool and Lounge (1612 U St NW 4th Floor, Washington, D.C.)
Enjoy a sunset pool party celebrating Trans Pride after the big parade. You must register for this free event.
WONDERLAND
Saturday, June 11, 8 p.m.
HQO (1385 Canal Street SE, Washington, D.C.)
This “Alice in Wonderland meets Willy Wonka meets Studio 54” party features two DJs, three dance floors and immersive projections, Scorpio Entertainment says. Tickets start at $75 and come with an open bar.
Trek Bicycle’s Riding for Pride 2022
Hop on a bike to show your pride, plus raise money for the Trevor Project. Trek Fairfax will host a ride on June 5 at George Mason University. Trek Arlington Clarendon will host a ride in Rock Creek Park on June 9. Follow those stores on Facebook for more information.
Registration is recommended but not required.
Once Upon a Prom
Friday, June 24
The St. James in Springfield, Virginia
Ninth through 12th-grade students from Northern Virginia are invited to a special prom party. In addition to dancing and a live DJ, there will be a trampoline park, VR games, an obstacle course — and the chance to meet drag queens and kings.
“Pride Prom is an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ students from all over the DMV to attend a prom with pride, dress however they are most comfortable, and dance without fear with whomever they choose,” Safe Space NOVA says.
Tickets are listed at $36.32. Here’s more information.
In The Life: A LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration Ballroom Workshop
Friday, June 24, 7-10 p.m.
Kentland Community Center (2413 Pinebrook Ave, Landover, Maryland)
Did you watch FX’s “Pose” and want to learn everything about ballroom? Learn everything about voguing, drag and ball culture at this series of workshops aimed at youth aged 10 to 21.
Workshops will cover choreography in heels, male runway, female figure runway and vogue, then the celebration will conclude with a mini ball.
Professional models and runway coaches Diva Davanna and BRENT, vogue cocach Lawrence Garson and celebrity choreographer Iran “Bang” Paylor will be on hand to share their secrets.
It’s free and open to the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Pride in the Vines Celebrating love in Loudoun Wine Country
Saturday, June 25, noon to 6 p.m.
Forever Farm & Vineyard (15779 Woodgrove Rd, Purcellville, Virginia)
Catch the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., and Potomac Fever at this Pride event outside Purcellville. The chorus is set to perform two sets between 2-4 p.m.
If you want to make a day out of it, grab a “Passport to Pride” and hit up Williams Gap Winery and Two Twisted Posts. Anyone who visits all three will be entered into a prize drawing.
District of Pride Showcase
Thursday, June 30, 7 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre (1215 U Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.)
Rayceen Pendarvis is set to host this showcase elevating some of D.C.’s best queer performance artists. Here’s more info.
Follow our coverage of LGBTQIA+ stories and Pride Month here.
PAST EVENTS
“Unbreakable”
June 4 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre (1215 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.)
“Unbreakable” is described as a musical about queer history, and it’s making its East Coast debut right in D.C.
The Washington Gay Men’s Chorus and award-winning stage stars will belt out stories from American LGBTQIA+ history. ASL interpretation is available at 3 p.m.
Library of Congress Author Talk: James Kirchick
June 9, 7 p.m.
Library of Congress Coolidge Auditorium
This event is for local history buffs. Journalist James Kirchick is set to discuss his book, “Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington.” It’s free but tickets are required.
