One of the nation's largest African-American Pride events, DC Black Pride takes place in Washington, DC in mid-May - from May 17 through May 25 in 2009. The week's worth of parties and festivities culminates with several key events the final weekend of DC Black Pride, May 23 and May 24 (which also happens to be Memorial Day Weekend in 2009). Many of the events take place at DC Black Pride's official host hotel, the gay-friendly (and quite swank) Renaissance M Street Hotel
Also keep in mind that Washington, DC's main gay pride event, Capital Pride takes place not long after, in mid-June.
DC Black Pride produces dozens of events and parties, starting on Sunday, May 17, with Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride, held at the long-running Bachelor's Mill gay club, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Then during the week, you can attend meetings, a DC Black Pride Interfaith Service, and an official DC Black Pride Kick Off Party on Thursday night (again at Bachelor's Mill).
During the main weekend of DC Black Pride, check out such key parties as Friday night's Super Fly Fashion Show at the Renaissance M Street host hotel, followed by the Fly Life Fashion Show After Party at 930 Nightclub.
On Saturday, the Renaissance M Street hotel hosts a number of workshops throughout the day, the Pure Throwback Film Festival, an evening Poetry Slam & Stone Groove Soul Cafe, and the Feel the Funk '70s Pure Love Party.
And Sunday's major drawing card is the Pure Love Unity Festival, from noon until 6 pm at the DC Armory, featuring performances by Amerie and Crystal Waters. Then in the evening, starting at 9 pm, Daryl Wilson Promotions and DC Black Pride present Pure Love Unity Dance at Bravo Bravo Nightclub.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, such as Washington Blade and the Metro Weekly for details. Another helpful resource is Destination DC's official Gay and Lesbian Travel Site.
Shop for the best hotel deals in Washington, DC during the city's Black Pride Festival.
