It's time to spread some love.
That's right: After weeks of anticipation, the best LGBTQ+ pride celebration in the country (yup, the best) is beginning.
Capital Pride goes all month, but expect D.C. and our friends from around the country to turn out for the parade, block party, concert and festival during the day and then countless parties once the sun goes down. Go put on some glitter and celebrate loudly and proudly.
At the parade, make sure to keep an eye out for the NBC4 Telemundo 44 bus, and wave to some of our reporters, anchors and meteorologists.
Capital Pride, Day by Day
We have a full guide on how to celebrate Capital Pride, from tips on where to catch the parade to a list of deals, right here.
Here's are some top highlights.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Friday
RIOT: The Pride Opening Party
June 7, 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Road NE)
Enjoy a huge lineup of artists at D.C.'s most rave-like venue.
BOOTY REX Queer Pride Party
8 p.m. until late
Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Music and drag performances at a party where organizers warn, "our gaiety is dangerous." Tickets cost $15 before fees.
Saturday
Free Pick
Capital Pride Parade
Saturday, June 8, starting at 4:30 p.m.
From Dupont Circle Metro to U Street Metro
We all know what happens here. Check out our Pride Guide for more information.
Free Pick
Capital Pride Block Party
Saturday, June 8, 4-10 p.m.
15th and P Streets NW
The Pride Block Party is usually a true hootenanny in the streets — Especially when the weather is nice and sunny like it will be this weekend. This is where you go to play games, dance to music, grab drinks, brave the port-a-potty and visit food trucks.
The event is free to the public, but donations are encouraged and go to the Capital Pride Alliance and LGBTQ+ partner organizations.
Free Pick
Pride on the Pier
Saturday, June 8, 2-9 p.m.
District Pier at The Wharf
This event concludes with D.C.'s first pride fireworks display — But expect music and refreshments for sale all day.
Pride Drag Show
9-11 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing, 209 M Street NE, Washington, D.C.
D.C.'s first totally gay-owned brewery gets in on the pride action with what is sure to be a raucous drag show.
Free Pick
Pride Movie Night
The Tasting Room, 1600 King St, Alexandria, VA
Enjoy an outdoor screening of The Birdcage with summer cocktails and a movie snack menu. The Pride Movie Night al fresco screening of The Birdcage will run in a loop all night on Saturday, beginning at 3 p.m., then at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday
Free Pick
Capital Pride Concert
Sunday, June 9 from 1-8 p.m.
Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street NW
Marshmello and Zara Larsson are headlining the 2019 Capital Pride Concert, which is free and open to the public.
Free Pick
The Festival
Sunday, June 9 from 12-10 p.m.
Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street NW
Find three entertainment stages, a beverage garden, kids zone and NBC4 here.
Mixtape Pride Party
10 p.m.
9:30 Club, 815 V St NW, Washington, D.C.
Show up for Matt Bailer, Lemz, Tezrah, and Keenan Orr and visuals by Ben Carver. Tickets start at $18.
Pride at Secrets
9 p.m. to late
ZiegfeldsSecrets, 1824 Half St SW, Washington, D.C.
Prepare to dance to the talents of DJ Steve Henderson.
All Weekend
Believe it or not, there are some other great events happening this weekend around this district.
Lost Boy Cider Grand Opening
June 8-9, 12 p.m.
317 Hoofs Run Drive, Alexandria, Virginia A new cidery is opening in Alexandria this weekend, and the grand opening includes food trucks. Learn more here.
DC Jazz Fest
June 7-16
Locations vary based on artist
This is the 15th annual DC Jazz Festival, designed to provide enriching and entertaining jazz performances and programs to introduce people of all ages to jazz. Ticket prices vary based on which artist you want to see, but there are plenty of free performances. You can check out the entire schedule and lineup (with prices) here.
Celebrate Fairfax! Festival
June 7-9
12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax Virginia
This annual festival has more than 300 exhibitors, food vendors, and interactive activities, including live concerts on eight stages, a petting zoo, the Fairfax County Karaoke Championship and carnival rides. This year's performers include Better than Ezra and Smash Mouth. The fun begins on Friday at 6 p.m., and you can get tickets here.
Virginia Renaissance Faire
June 8-9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania Virginia
This is the last weekend that this year's Virginia Renaissance Faire will be up and running, so if you want to eat a turkey leg, dance with villagers or parade with the Queen, now is your last chance. Tickets are $12 for guests age 7 and up, and free for children 6 and under. You can only buy tickets at the gate.
Free Pick
United States Air Force Band Concert
11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m.
The Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum
The United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass Quintet will be playing near the Space Race section of the Air and Space Museum this Friday. The concerts are all free, and will each last about 20 minutes.
DC Dyke March
June 7, march begins at 6 p.m.
Ends with rally at Dupont Circle
With a spotlight on the issue of affordable housing in D.C., this politically-oriented march will head from McPherson Square to Dupont Circle on Friday evening. Take note, though: The march is not officially sanctioned by the government, although organizers do hold a permit to rally in Dupont Circle, organizers told the Washington Blade. Event organizers have also ignited controversy by taking some pretty radical stances, including banning "nationalist symbols," including pride flags showing the Star of David, DCist reports.
Truckeroo Food Truck Festival
4-11 p.m.
The Bullpen at Nats Park, 1201 Half St. SE
Truckeroo is a monthly festival that takes place until September at the Bullpen near Nats Stadium, and showcases the best food trucks in the D.C. area. It is a family friendly event with live music, drinks, games, and more. Learn more here.
Free Pick
Music at the Monument: U.S. Navy Commodores
5-8 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial
This free, outdoor concert series features a variety of artists all summer long. Following an acapella opening by SONUS Choir, the U.S. Navy’s premiere jazz ensemble, Commodores, will perform starting at 6:30 p.m. No tickets are required, but attendees may donate to non-profit Music at the Monument here.
For Saturday
Free Pick
Smithsonian Dinosaur and Fossil Hall Opening Ceremony
10:15 a.m.
National Museum of Natural History, National Mall entrance
After a 5-year-long renovation process, the Smithsonian's dinosaur and fossil hall is reopening as the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time on Saturday, June 8. The first 300 visitors to the National Mall entrance of the museum will be able to participate in the opening ceremony at 10:15 a.m. Learn more here.
Free Pick
Free Open Play at The Fields at RFK Campus
12 p.m.
RFK Stadium, 2400 E Capitol St.
DC Fray is hosting free open play for soccer and flag football at the fields just opened near RFK Stadium. The new facilities include three turf fields for sports like kickball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball and more. Also around are a pavilion and plaza, a playground and picnic area, and walking/biking paths with improved river access. The event is free, but requires registration.
All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Boil/Port City Takeover
2-7 p.m.
Bar Elena, 414 H St. NE
If you like crawfish and beer, get your fill of both at Bar Elena this Saturday. The bar will be making crawfish, potatoes and corn and hushpuppies, while Port City Brewing will be providing beers. There will also cocktails and wine. Tickets are $45, but include unlimited food, two drink tickets, tax and tip.
Free Pick
Music at the Monument: DC Youth Orchestra
5-8 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial
Talented kids of all ages will perform for free at the National Mall on Saturday. The DC Youth Orchestra Program has toured in 22 countries, collaborated with well-known musicians and played for presidents and diplomats. The concert is part of free series featuring different artists through September 14.
For Sunday
Michael Che's Liberal But Gangsta Tour
7:30 p.m.
The Miracle Theatre, 535 8th St. SE
SNL's Michael Che will be in town this weekend as part of his tour, "Michael Che's Liberal but Gangsta Tour". The show also features Cipha Sounds. The show starts at 7:30, but doors open at 6:30. Get tickets here for $39.75.
