One of the nation's most prominent Gay Pride events, Capital Pride takes place in Washington, DC, in mid-June (the weekend of June 8 and June 10, 2012) but with many events throughout the preceding week) and draws legions of participants from all over the country.
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Details regarding Capital Pride 2012 will be posted here as they become available. In the meantime, here's a look back at last year's event:
Although the main components of Washington, DC Gay Pride are the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, and the Annual Capital Pride Street Festival the following day, the city's Pride festivities actually include a number of parties, gatherings, and activities that take place during the 10 days or so leading up to the big weekend - here's a full calendar of events with more details on the various activities, including Pride Idol, a Pride Ride, Trans-Pride Day, a Gay Men's Chorus concert featuring Jennifer Holliday, and LGBT Wedding Expo, and more. Also, in late May, thousands of GLBT people of color turn out for Washington DC Black Pride.
On Saturday evening at 5:30 pm, the Capital Pride Parade commences in the Dupont Circle neighborhood around P and 23rd Sts. NW. From here it moves east along P Street, turns northwest at Dupont Circle along New Hampshire Avenue, cuts east on R Street, turns south down 17th Street, then rejoins P Street and moves east to 14th Street, where it makes a final turn south and ends at 14th and N Sts. NW, just north of Thomas Circle. Here's a detailed map of the parade route. Performing that evening are Venus D Lite of RuPaul's Drag Race, Blair Michaels, Consuelo Costin, and Jenna Drey.
On Sunday, from 11 am until 6 pm, in the shadows of the U.S. Capitol Building, more than a quarter of a million people will attend the Capital Pride Street Festival, which takes place at Pennsylvania Ave. NW, just northwest of the Capitol grounds. The festival includes several stages with live entertainment (Jennifer Holliday, Sabrina Johnston, Zayra, Ziegfelds and the Ladies of Illusion, and the DC Gay Men's Chorus are among the dozens of performers), plus speakers, a family section, and much more.
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 Metro Weekly and the Washington Blade for details. Another helpful resource is Destination DC's official Gay and Lesbian Travel Site.
