It's getting to be the most joyful and rainbow-fueled time of the year: Capital Pride! D.C. is bubbling with parties, talks and activism opportunities all leading up to the big parade on Saturday, June 9.
Here's your weekend guide to some of the best Pride events:
Saturday, June 9
The Capital Pride Parade
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Starts at 22nd and P streets NW and ends at 14th and R streets NW.
Judy and Dennis Shepard, the parents of Matthew Shepard, will serve as the Grand Marshals for this year's parade. Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, was abducted and killed in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998. Since his death, his parents have become advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
"For the past two decades we have tried to create a legacy not only for our son, but for all those without a voice who experience hate and discrimination, especially those individuals more marginalized in our community yet more impacted by hate violence," the Shepards said.
Plan to get there on the early side to beat the crowds. Prepare to get rained on because storms are in the forecast.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Sunday, June 10
Capital Pride Festival and Concert
12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd and Seventh streets
Enjoy food, exhibitors and entertainment at the festival. Come by NBC4 and Telemundo 44's booth to meet our anchors and reporters, get your face painted at Milk Bar or dance to music from Keri Hilson, Asia O'Hara, Max and many more artists at multiple stages across the festival. Here's a map of the grounds. It's free to attend, but there is a suggested donation of $10 to $20.
35th Annual Capital Pride Interfaith Service
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, 474 Ridge Street NW
Faith leaders aim to demonstrate how religious communities ally with LGBTQ+ people in a service that's geared toward all traditions.
Pride Parade Wine Tasting for ALL!
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cork and Fork, 1522 14th Street NW
Sample pink wines with your fellow revelers. Tickets cost $5 and organizers expect lines.
