Momentum Builds as WorldPride Washington, DC Kicks Off in 90 Days
The Stage is Set for the World’s Largest LGBTQ+
Gathering May 17 – June 8
Washington, DC (February 17, 2025)–Today, the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) announced operational and programmatic updates as the countdown to WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 continues. Now 90 days from kick-off, the landmark multi-week event is on track to announce both eagerly anticipated planning milestones and impressive fundraising goals.
This week, as outlined below:
- The new WorldPride 2025 website launches, offering an interactive platform to explore everything happening.
- A new initiative launches that will award $500,000 in grants to partners across the community looking to activate during WorldPride.
- CPA announces a timeline of major announcements to include community forums, marquee entertainment lineups, and partner events around the region.
- Major sites, attractions and businesses across the city have announced events, exhibitions and free things to see and do during WorldPride.
- New hotel packages have been added by properties around the city, including WorldPride sponsors Marriott and Hilton.
With the full support of the mayor’s office, its office of LGBTQ affairs, and additional financial backing from legacy sponsors, alongside a growing list of committed corporations, community businesses and individuals, WorldPride DC 2025 is expected to be the largest international event in Washington, DC this year. Three million attendees (inclusive of two million visitors and one million regional participants) are expected from May 17 through June 8, 2025, during which the Welcome Concert featuring Shakira, the Capital Cup Sports Festival, DC Black Pride, an International March and Rally on Washington, and much more will take place.
Major updates are outlined below. Media interested in speaking with a CPA or partner agency spokesperson should contact [email protected].
Re-launched today, the new, updated hub of information is designed to provide information about all official and affiliated WorldPride 2025 events, tips on exploring DC’s diverse neighborhoods, travel planning, and answers to FAQs. Users can discover Washington, DC’s eight wards and the capital region with activities for all ages.
Included within the new website is the new Paint the World with Pride initiative highlighting hundreds of local businesses and organizations standing in solidarity with WorldPride DC 2025. Users are encouraged to submit additions from all over the world as the global LGBTQ+ community connects both online and in person.
How to Get Involved
Anyone interested in getting involved in WorldPride – as a volunteer, a sponsor, or a partner, is encouraged to attend a meeting and mixer on February 20 at Her Diner (2004 18th St NW, Washington, DC). Full details are available at http://www.worldpridedc.org/mixer.
WorldPride Community Workshops & Trainings will also take place on March 19 and April 23 at 899 North Capital Street NE. The events are open to the community, and provide forums to hear from presenters, partners and agencies about how the city is preparing for this global event. The gatherings are also opportunities to learn more about permitting and licensing for those interested in organizing partner events and programs.
Additional information on all WorldPride programs and engagement opportunities can be found online at www.worldpridedc.org/get-involved/.
New Community Grant Program Now Open
The Capital Pride Alliance, supported by the WorldPride Fund, is seeking proposals from businesses, community-based organizations, and Pride groups to create bold, innovative, and diverse programs, initiatives, and events that elevate the WorldPride experience.
This program provides a unique opportunity to bring fresh visions of Pride to life—whether it’s an interactive art installation, a cultural showcase, a groundbreaking panel discussion, or an electrifying performance. Grants are being offered from $5,000 to $50,000 to support projects that go beyond traditional Pride events and create inclusive, dynamic, and community-centered experiences.
Applications will be available starting today, February 17 through March 17 at 5:00pm and can be found at https://worldpridedc.org/get-involved/rfp-grant-application/. To login applicants create a Pride365 community account at https://capitalpride.my.site.com/Community/s/login/.
New Events Announced
The call for partner events and performers opened in October 2024. The performer application remains open through February 28 and the Partner Event Application is ongoing. Individuals, groups, venues, promoters and local businesses interested in being a part of WorldPride programming are encouraged to apply. To date, over 300 applications from local LGBTQ+ artists have been received, and over 25 exciting events have been added to the calendar, with scores more to be announced in the coming weeks.
The next major updates related to WorldPride programming are as follows:
February 18 (tomorrow!) – Lineup announcement for the WorldPride Music Festival: Global Dance Party at RFK Festival Grounds on June 6 and 7
February 24 – Announcement of the Taste of Pride neighborhood restaurant promotions taking place through June
February 27 – A major announcement related to the official WorldPride Nightlife Parties and partners
March 5 – An announcement about key entertainers slated for the free WorldPride Street Festival & Concert taking place June 7 and 8 on Pennsylvania Ave
CPA Executive Director, Ryan Bos said, “We look forward to sharing this moment with our community and we encourage everyone to come together and enjoy all these various events, celebrate with us, and continue the fight for equality. We are a very diverse and close community and the significance of WorldPride coming to DC the same year as the 50th anniversary of Pride in DC allows us to showcase just how special the LGBTQ+ community in DC truly is.”
Updates and new confirmed events are outlined below, with more being added every week. Everyone is encouraged to explore www.worldpridedc.org/events/ for up-to-date information.
Continuing February 19 (started in January and will continue through June)
WorldPride Book Club
A monthly virtual discussion of books that celebrate LGBTQ+ authors and stories. The series provides opportunities to meet fellow readers from across the world.
April 3
Mr, Mx, & Miss Capital Pride Pageant at The Schuyler
Apply today for the chance to compete for the Mr, Mx, & Miss Capital Pride 2025 title!
May 16 – June 8
DC Latinx Pride
Join us for DC Latinx Pride 2025: ¡Libre soy!, a groundbreaking series of 20+ events that honor the resilience, culture, and history of Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. From lively fiestas to thought-provoking community events, this celebration brings together local and international voices to uplift our shared roots and the generations of activism that have shaped our identities.
Opening May 17
Pickets, Protests and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington at Freedom Plaza Rainbow History Project’s largescale exhibit sits along the 2025 Parade route, telling the origin story of local Pride activities and how the pickets and protests of the 1960s led to parades and celebrations of the 2020s – and all the politics and drama in between.
May 17-18
TransPride Washington, DC
TransPride Washington, DC is a community-driven organization founded over a decade ago by Savanna Wanzer. The group is led by trans individuals dedicated to empowering and uplifting Trans, Non-binary, and gender-diverse communities in the Washington, DC area. Through advocacy, education, and celebration, it creates inclusive spaces where individuals can connect, share experiences, and thrive.
May 23-26
The annual event announced the theme “Freedom” to guide this year’s programs, which will take place around the city over Memorial Day weekend.
May 23 – June 8
Choral Festival
Each day the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) will present a 45-minute pop-up choral performance that include ensembles of GMCW (Potomac Fever, Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and 17th Street Dance) and other GALA choruses from around the country*.
May 27-29
WorldPride 2025 Film Festival
Filmmakers worldwide are invited to submit LGBTQ+ films of all genres and lengths (features and shorts) to be screened across various venues in D.C. The festival is being produced by the Queer Film Institute and the WorldPride 2025 Arts & Culture Committee. Submissions are open.
May 30 – June 4
Washington, DC boasts one of the most extensive local networks of LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues in the world. In partnership with Team DC, each of these leagues—along with their athletes, administrators, and volunteers—welcome athletes from around the world to the inaugural Capital Cup Sports Festival.
June 1-4
AAPI Pride
AAPI Pride celebrates the intersection of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) identities within the LGBTQ+ community.
June 3
Trixie Mattel’s Solid Pink Disco: Blonde Edition at Echostage
Wear pink, pop on your best blonde wig, and get ready to party with drag legend, cosmetics entrepreneur, and pop culture icon Trixie Mattel. Tickets are available.
June 4-6
By focusing on inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, WorldPride Washington, DC aims to center the voices of those most marginalized in the LGBTQ+ community. The conference will include opportunities to hear from guest speakers and participate in workshops highlighting queer history, erasure/visibility, and issues that greatly impact the global community.
June 5
House Down Boots: WorldPride Boots at Flash
Glitterati Productions and Flash present a house music experience celebrating everyone’s inner queer club kid, featuring three levels of music, world-class sound, and a fiercely all-queer lineup.
June 5
Capital Pride Honors, presented by Giant, at the National Building Museum
Every year, CPA acknowledges outstanding individuals, leaders, and activists in the National Capital Region who have furthered causes important to the LGBTQ+ community. In recognition of WorldPride DC 2025, awards will honor individuals from the global InterPride community and will be recorded and live streamed to a global audience.
June 6 & 7
Empoderando Líderes
A celebration of Latinx LGBTQ+ excellence in the workplace honoring the achievements of Latinx LGBTQ+ professionals in leadership roles, showcasing how their unique identities and cultural heritage fuel their professional success.
June 7
17th Street WorldPride Block Party
A Capital Pride tradition, 17th Street will be busy and fun, with more local traditions on a global scale to be announced as details are finalized.
June 8
International March on Washington & Rally
Following the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr., Marian Anderson, and countless others who have demanded freedom, the day’s events will feature renowned LGBTQ+ activists and leaders from around the world.
Media Access
Media interested in applying for credentials to cover any official WorldPride events can submit professional information beginning on March 3, 2025. Access is not guaranteed, and applicants will receive status updates per the schedule provided online. Affiliated and partner event access may be at the discretion of the venue, artist, or another entity.
About The Capital Pride Alliance
The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), located in Washington, DC, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community all year long, through educational programs, major events, fundraising, outreach and advocacy, providing platforms for visibility, and supporting the work of our many community organizations and local businesses.
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