This year marks 50 years of pride celebrations in the nation’s capital and the rainbows will be flying. Piggybacking on the WorldPride Washington DC events happening in the District from May 17-June 8, local organizations are getting in on the action, too. Celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community at these events in Northern Virginia and the District.
Show Your Pride: Light Projection and Block Party
Arlington County government officials will kick off WorldPride DC by unveiling artwork from projectionist Robin Bell and muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer. Gather at Center Plaza on May 16, 8-10 p.m., and meet the artists. Come back May 17, 6-10 p.m., for another projection and a block party with a DJ and food vendors. Note that the rain dates for this event are May 30 and 31. // 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Trans Pride DC 2025
This community-driven organization is dedicated to supporting trans, nonbinary and gender-diverse communities in and around D.C. A daylong conference on May 17 includes workshops, panel discussions and a keynote address, plus networking opportunities and a resource fair. Tickets are available here and include lunch. The location is shared with attendees only after registration. Note that the National Trans Visibility March will be held June 8.
Learn about the Pride Flag and Grow a Rainbow
Designed for elementary-age kids, this story time event on May 29 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Arlington Public Library’s Shirlington branch will tell the story of activist Harvey Milk and how the Pride flag came to be. Afterward, kids can do a science project to grow their own rainbows. Admission is free. // 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Rosslyn Live: Drag Show
Head to Rosslyn’s Gateway Park on May 29 from 6-8 p.m. for a 90-minute show titled A Drag Salute to Divas and Divos, starring drag queen Shi-Queeta Lee and featuring impersonations of Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and Lady Gaga. Be ready to sing and dance along. Tickets are $10. // 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Arlington Pride at WorldPride
Don’t miss the third-annual Arlington Pride Pageant, hosted by Shi-Queeta Lee, on May 30 from 7-10:30 p.m., when one preeminent queen will take home the crown. Return the next day for an all-day indoor Pride Festival (May 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.) featuring local talent and programs to build a sense of community. Stop by the Drag Brunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., then join a speed dating event for 21-and-ups from 2:30-6:30 p.m. The revelry continues at an After Party from 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Ticket prices range from $30-$250. // Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Richmond Highway, Arlington
Capital Cup Sports Festival
The D.C. area has one of the most extensive local networks of LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues, according to WorldPride Washington D.C. See them in action or join the fun May 30-June 4, with sporting events at multiple venues, including pickleball, flag football, golf, soccer, volleyball and the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K on June 1. New to this year’s Armed Forces Cycling Classic is a Pride Ride, open to cyclists of all abilities, on May 31 at 7 a.m. The13-mile closed course starts and ends in front of the Capitol in D.C., but crosses in and out of Arlington mid-route.
MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Celebrating Spring Family Series
The June 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., gathering of this weekly event will give guests a chance to make Pride Parade hearts and personalize a bandana while musician Rook Richards plays tunes. // 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Queer Art Party
Make your own Pride flair (think hat, tote, button and/or signage) during this June 4 event from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library’s makerspace, aka The Shop. A teens-only version of the same event, designed for students in grades 6-12 will be held earlier that day, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and a Family Art Night is taking place on June 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. // 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington (Virginia Square)
Equality in Business: A Pride Month Breakfast Connection
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the locally Equality Chamber of Commerce for a speed networking event at Crystal City Sports Pub on June 5, 8-9:30 a.m. // 529 23rd St., S., Arlington (Crystal City)
Capital Pride Parade
A D.C. tradition, this year’s Capital Pride Parade kicks off June 7 at 2 p.m., featuring a procession of ornate floats and grand marshals traveling from Logan Circle, down 14th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. Register here to participate or purchase tickets ($40) to sit in the shaded grandstands at 1400 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. After the parade, head to the corner of Third Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., to see performances by Kristine W, CeCe Peniston, David Archuleta, and Wicked star and Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo. From noon-6 p.m., June 7-8 kids can have a blast at Camp Pride at John Marshall Park (400-448 C St., N.W.), a fun zone with crafts, Drag Story Hour, a Pride Bands Alliance-hosted instrument petting zoo and more.
International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom
Gather for a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on June 8 at 9:30 a.m. and stick around for the noon march to the Capitol, which culminates in the WorldPride DC Street Festival and Closing Concert featuring performances by Brooke Eden, Khalid and Grammy-winner Doechii. Participants of all ages are welcome to join this celebration of human rights and the LGBTQ+ community, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. // 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Dance with Pride!
This free dance party at Lubber Run Community Center on June 20, 1-3 p.m., will feature songs by LGBTQ+ icons and recent chart-toppers. // 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington (Buckingham)