You can find answers to many of your questions about the Capital Pride Parade here or throughout this site. If you still can’t find your answer, contact us at [email protected].

Q: How do I find the parade fees and register my contingent for the parade?

A: Parade Fees and Registration 

Q: How do I find the parade confirmation packet for confirmed parade registrants?

A: Parade Packet 2017 (2018 Packet will be distributed by mid May.)

Q: Do all the walkers in my contingent need to be at the staging area during our line-up window? 

A: No.  At least one member of your organization must be present at your line-up spot on your staging road.  That member must check in with your color marshal to confirm your organizations participation.  Check with your color marshal for the approximate time you should invite the rest of your walking contingent to join you at the staging area.  NOTE: this rule only applies to walkers; all vehicles must be in place during their line-up window.

Q: When does my contingent find out where they will be in the final parade line-up?

A: The final line-up will be released after June 1. The line-up will include your staging street and line-up time window.

DO NOT MISS YOUR LINE-UP TIME. Once your line-up time window has passed, vehicles will not be permitted to drive into the staging area of that street. This is to ensure the safety of the waiting walking contingents. If possible, we will try to accommodate late vehicles at the last staging area. The parade has five staging streets.

Q: How long is the route and what should we prepare for?

A: The route is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes to complete. If this is too far a distance for members of your group, be sure your group has one official parade vehicle permit. Due to time constraints, we are required to remove any walkers that are unable to keep pace with the parade. At a minimum, have plenty of bottled water and sunscreen for your participants.

Q: What are the requirements and limitations of vehicle/float permits, size, and more?

A: All vehicles in the parade are required to have 2018 Capital Pride Parade vehicle permits. Each entry comes with one permit, and additional permits are $75 each. Your permit will be emailed to you with the line-up time. Any commercial vehicles that normally require a Commercial Drivers License to operate are required to have a CDL operator.

Float dimensions may not exceed 9’ wide x 53’ long x 14’ high (street to highest point). Trailers must be towed by an accompanying vehicle and have a turning radius of no less than 90 degrees. ALL FLOATS MUST HAVE RAILS.

Q: What is this year’s theme?

A: The 2018 Capital Pride Theme is #Elements Of Us. More Information

Q: Where and when does my contingent need to arrive the day of the parade?

A: Your line-up email will detail the staging street and the time you must arrive.

Q: On the day of the parade, where is contingent and volunteer check-in?

A: The information booth will be near 22nd and P Streets. Vehicle contingents are NOT required to check-in at the desk. Vehicles will check in with their color marshal when they enter the staging area. Restrooms will be available at the Church of the Pilgrims (23rd Street between P & Q)

Q: When is the Parade Volunteer Orientation Meeting?

A: The Parade Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for at May 17 at Loews Madison Hotel.

Q: Where can I find information on leasing a trailer that we can decorate to be our float?

A: The Contingent Information page contains information on vendors that may be able to assist you.

Q: How do I register additional vehicles or motorcycles?

A: Add-on’s are not permitted due to over capacity.

Q: Are there any limitations for items we can give away during the parade?

A: If your contingent is planning to give away any items along the parade route, they must be tossed out to the crowd. Do not pass out giveaways, as crowds will gather and cause major delays in parade traffic. Spectators are not permitted to approach parade contingents. Your contingent’s marshals should help enforce this – their goal is to keep your contingent safe. Please note that giveaways should not be thrown or whipped at the judges.

Q: How can I keep up-to-date with all relevant parade information for my contingent?

A: If you have registered, you should receive e-mails from a parade liaison. If not, please contact [email protected]

Q: What awards will be given to contingents this year?

A: There will be awards given to the different contingents within the parade. Previous years’ awards included:

• The Architect Award (This award is for the Contingent that best incorporates and represents the annual Pride theme with great emotional content and outstanding presentation)
• The Tina Turner Award for Best Decorated Float (Best float or decorated vehicle)
• The Nancy Sinatra Award for Best Marching Contingent (Best walking or marching – no float or vehicles)
• The Dame Edna Award for Best Visiting Contingent (Best group from outside the DC Area)
• The Liberace Award for the Most Outrageous (The unexpected, over the top, brilliant, unique)
• The New Kids on the Block Award for the Best New Contingent (The best new contingents to Capital Pride Parade)
• The Elizabeth Taylor Award for the Best Non-Profit Contingent (The best non-profit group contingent)
• The Village People Award for the Small Group Contingent (The best small group contingent for those under 15 people)
• The Harvey Milk Award for the Public Sector Contingent (The best public sector group)
• Judges’ Award (Awarded at the Judges’ discretion, for crowd engagement overall excellence)

We encourage you to make your section of the parade the most entertaining possible for the thousands of revelers along the parade route. Consider costumes, entertaining routines, and/or props. Of course, think “safety first” when planning, but look at your contingent and also think “what would the crowd like to see?”