Countdown to WorldPride in Washington, DC Begins
DC will host the historic global celebration May 23 - June 8, 2025
Washington, DC (September 24, 2024) – Washington, DC, the official host of WorldPride DC 2025, will mark the 50th anniversary of the city’s Capital Pride celebrations concurrently with WorldPride, May 23 - June 8, 2025. Interpride, the international association representing more than 400 Pride organizations in 70 countries, along with hosts at the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), are delighted to mark this momentous occasion with an estimated three million visitors from around the globe. WorldPride DC will feature a vibrant and innovative slate of programming and cultural events to inspire, connect, and empower the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the U.S. capital city and everything it has to offer.
Washington, DC will welcome the world by hosting a massive Opening Ceremony and Concert on Friday, May 30. The welcoming event will also kick-off the inaugural Capital Cup, a WorldPride Sports Festival, which will unite LGBTQ+ athletes and leagues in friendly celebration and competition. The opening ceremony event will include remarks, a flag-raising ceremony by key dignitaries, food and drink, and an interactive light display and live concert. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.
To coincide with the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in DC, the Capital Pride Alliance is partnering with leading organizations in the field of Human Rights for the International WorldPride Human Rights Conference. By focusing on inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, WorldPride aims to center the voices of those most marginalized in the LGBTQ+ community. The conference will take place Wednesday, June 4 through Friday, June 6 with speakers and the full program to be released at a later date.
The celebrations will continue with the ultimate Global Dance Party. The two-day music festival will feature three stages with top artists from diverse musical genres. This unique event will take place at the RFK Festival Grounds Friday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7. More details on select performers will be announced in the coming months. Those interested in joining the waitlist for exclusive access to the next wave of tickets can register online here.
The iconic WorldPride Parade, emblematic of the historic Pride movement, will take place on Saturday, June 7. Spanning nearly 20 city blocks, the grand setting of Constitution Avenue will provide participants with an unparalleled backdrop to celebrate and embrace the full rainbow of the community. Featuring ornate floats, celebrity marshals, and a vast array of groups representing the LGBTQ+ community, the parade route will be flanked by the National Mall, featuring awe-inspiring monuments, museums, and cultural institutions.
The WorldPride Festival and Concert will extend to two days during WorldPride Weekend, running Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 8 on the National Mall. The Festival will feature hundreds of tented exhibitors including LGBTQ+ organizations, artisans, food and drink gardens, and carnival style games. The celebrations will also include multiple stages and dance parties, featuring multicultural and multilingual performances, local talent, and national headliners.
The weekend will continue with a Rally and March on Sunday, June 8. Following the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr., Marian Anderson, and countless others who have demanded freedom, the Rally will begin on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and feature renowned LGBTQ+ activists and leaders from around the world. The march route will follow the grand avenues of Washington, DC for optimum visibility, and culminate at the U.S. Capitol.
WorldPride will conclude with an epic Closing Ceremony on the National Mall, featuring incredible entertainment and performances by a variety of notable artists. The evening will showcase a montage of the week’s past events and an interactive art installation for attendees to leave their mark. The public will also witness the passing of the torch to the next WorldPride host destination, complete with performances by international acts.
For the latest news and updates, visit WorldPrideDC.org. If you are interested in learning more about WorldPride, please opt in here for a range of forthcoming announcements and events.
For press inquiries and questions about WorldPride, please contact worldpridedc@lindarothpr.com. Media opportunities with organizers and participants will be available now throughout the events in 2025. A press credential process will be announced to enable media access to all of the programming and events surrounding WorldPride. The credential application will be available in the coming months.
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.
About InterPride
InterPride brings together Pride organizations from around the world, as well as regional, national, and local Pride networks, therefore contributing to the global coordination of Pride efforts. InterPride has over 375 member organizations in over 70 countries. Its work impacts millions worldwide through our members, InterPride is also the owner and licensor of the WorldPride brand, and InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, the official podcast powered by InterPride.
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