Destination DC - Momentum Builds as WorldPride Washington, DC Kicks Off in 90 Days

The Stage is Set for the World’s Largest LGBTQ+ Gathering May 17 to June 8 

The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) has 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. 

New highlights include: 

• Marking the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride, Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan will headline the celebrations.

• The new WorldPride 2025 website has launched, offering an interactive platform to explore everything happening.

• A new initiative has launched that will award USD$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.

World Pride Parade

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.

Another major update is the new website www.worldpridedc.org. This hub 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.

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.

How to Get Involved 

Anyone interested in getting involved in WorldPride - as a volunteer, a sponsor, or a partner, can find more details via 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 through to March 17 at 5:00pm and can be found at https://worldpridedc.org/get-involved/rfp-grant-application/.

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.

END

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. 

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organisation for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.washington.org.

For more information please contact: 

Trade:Corey Marshall at Canuckiwi on +64 21 555 463 or emailcorey@canuckiwi.com

Media:Natalie Brown at Canuckiwi on +61 (0) 422 565 001 or emailnat@canuckiwi.com