Travel Tips for Attending WorldPride in Washington DC

Washington, D.C., is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of its LGBTQ+ pride celebrations this year, and in a considerable way, by hosting WorldPride, a global event that attracts participants worldwide. 

Scheduled for May 17-June 8, it will attract as many as three million people, according to organizers — making travel plans in advance crucial for anyone interested in attending. 

“Washington, DC is where people come to make their voices heard,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, the city’s tourism organization. “With its rich history of advocacy and activism for LGBTQ+ rights, the nation’s capital has consistently been a beacon of progress and equality. For this landmark event, there’s a strong focus on advocacy, celebrating milestones and pushing the conversation forward.”

“DC is proud to be one of the most inclusive cities in the world, with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents in the U.S.,” Ferguson added. “It’s this vibrant community that looks forward to showcasing 50 years of Pride traditions with visitors from around the globe. As a city renowned for hosting large-scale events safely and securely, and with the full support of the mayor’s office, Washington, DC is ready to welcome the world for WorldPride."

The timing and location of this year’s WorldPride is critical, according to CJ Marino, president of Monte Carlo Travel, a NEST affiliate travel agency. “My best advice about getting the most out of WorldPride is to go, be proud and be heard,” he said. “We are in a very sensitive time. The LGBTQ+ community has made so many strides, and we are facing an impasse. The rights that have been fought for are being challenged. As a gay man who is almost 60, it’s very concerning that we should even have to defend ourselves and fight for basic recognition and rights. Time to move forward, not backward.”

Here's an overview of how to experience WorldPride. 

Pride Events Around Washington D.C.

With the theme of Fabric of Freedom, this year’s WorldPride aims to convey a message of unity and a global call to action. The program includes a robust array of arts, culture, activism and entertainment in multiple neighborhoods around the city — from Trans Pride on May 17 to the International March on Washington and Closing Ceremony on June 8. 

Among the can’t-miss moments:

• A Welcome Concert headlined by Shakira on May 31 at Nationals Park.
• The WorldPride Human Rights Conference (June 4-6) will address LGBTQ+ issues internationally.
• The Global Dance Party at RFK Festival Grounds (June 6-7) featuring Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Sofi Tukker and other performers.
• The Capital Pride Parade and Festival (June 7-8), capped by a free concert featuring Cynthia Erivo and headliners including DOECHII and Khalid.

Where to Stay: Pride-Perfect Packages

A variety of hotels across Washington, D.C. are rolling out the rainbow carpet with WorldPride packages that make it easier to make the experience more immersive.

• In the NoMa district, the Morrow Hotel offers two standout options: the Stay with Pride package includes accommodations, a Pride Pack with themed gifts and a 10% donation to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Meanwhile, the Love is Love package includes champagne, Le Labo bath products, and rainbow petals on the bed.
• The Hotel, AKA Washington Circle, welcomes guests with a specialty cocktail, $50 food credit and pride swag.
• The Hotel Zena offers a Pride & Protest package that turns the stay into a creative activism hub with materials to make protest signs and buttons.
• The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is home to a Free to Fly suite, decorated with florals and butterflies, as a visual ode to love, transformation and inclusiveness by local artist Michelle Ison.

For a complete list of packages, visit WorldPride DC’s hotel guide.

Tips for Pride Travelers

Time is running short, but it’s still not too late to book a trip for WorldPride. Many hotels still offer availability and discounted packages. The key is to plan ahead, choosing travel dates that allow for attendance at the most interesting events.

Indeed, there are activities and events for just about every demographic within the LGBTQ+ community during WorldPride. The DC Black Pride, Latinx Pride, and API Pride events, for example, showcase and celebrate the city’s diverse queer communities.

Foodies, meanwhile, might also want to be around for Taste of Pride, which will stage culinary happenings on May 15 that involve chefs and restaurants from various parts of the city. And those looking to learn more about the history of LGBTQ+ rights may want to visit Pickets, Protests and Parades, an outdoor exhibit that will be visible at Freedom Plaza from May 17-July 7.

Music lovers should consider arriving before May 22, when Opera on Tap will bring a night of free classical music from LGBTQ+ composers, librettists and poets, and works featuring LGBTQ+ stories and figures. 

WorldPride 2025 is set to be one of the most significant events in recent years in a city that has witnessed countless marches for civil rights, equality, and inclusion. 

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