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From iconic neighborhoods and historic landmarks to under-the-radar hangouts, discover 12+ ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture in the nation's capital.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
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Deepen your knowledge with a guided tour. Hone in on LGBTQ+ history with Art with Tosca, Unscripted Tours or DC Cycling Concierge's Pride Ride. You can also book an excursion with an LGBTQ+-owned company like A Tour of Her Own or Politico-turned-tour guide Andrew Rawls' Fiat Luxe, which donates a portion of the tour fee to the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC.
Visitors can also take a free tour of the Supreme Court (Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), where people have gathered to celebrate landmark decisions – including the June 2015 ruling that made same-sex marriage legal.
“No longer may this liberty be denied. No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were,” wrote Justice Anthony M. Kennedy in the majority opinion.
The National Museum of American History's collection features a number of iconic items from queer history, such as archival photos of the Stonewall Riots, buttons from civil rights protests and Gay Comics from the 1990s. The National Gallery of Art has a guide to LGBTQ+ artists in its collections and for WorldPride, the Capital Jewish Museum is hosting an exhibit titled "LGBTJews in the Federal City."
The District has a stacked lineup of LGBTQ+ bars. Catch the big game at Pitchers or Nellie's (DC's first gay sports bar), dance all night at As You Are or kick back with a cold one at Red Bear Brewing Co., the District's only 100 percent gay-owned brewery. Whichever vibe you're chasing, you'll find it in DC.
A few blocks east of Dupont Circle you'll find the signature rainbow-colored crosswalks of 17th Street NW. Stop by spots like JR’s (a DC favorite since 1986 that hosts Retro Fridays, Sunday Fundays and drag-themed trivia on Wednesdays) or Dito’s (located in the basement of Italian restaurant Floriana). In an unofficial nod to the neighborhood’s LGBTQ+ scene, look for the “Frank Kameny Way” street sign at 17th and R streets. Kameny, an astronomer by trade, became a gay rights activist when he was fired from the U.S. Army in 1957.
LGBTQ+-friendly favorites like Hotel Zena, Eaton and the Embassy Row Hotel are perfectly poised for exploring DC's historic gay neighborhoods. Each is fabulous for an afternoon hangout, happy hour or late-night drinks – all with a stunning view. Want to hit more rooftop hotsspots? Take your pick.
The neighborhood may be known for heating up at night, but Adams Morgan's cozy restaurants and trendy shops also make it a must-see during the day. Explore the storefronts in and around 18th Street NW for some of the best thrifting and bites in the city.
Dupont Circle, DC's original "gayborhood," remains one of the District’s most popular swaths of real estate, boasting a happening scene of restaurants and shops, plus outdoor activities (pick-up chess game anyone?) on its central grassy circle. You’ll want to pop into Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café, a longtime independent bookstore with a robust LGBTQ+ section.
LOVE by Lisa Marie Thalhammer
Some of DC's best artworks can't be found inside museum galleries – the city's murals and public artworks are not to be missed. Venture to the National Gallery of Art's sculpture garden to see Robert Indiana's AMOR. Lisa Marie Thalhammer's "Love is For Everyone" climbs up the side of the Little Gay Pub in Logan Circle, while her rainbow LOVE mural lives in a Shaw alleyway. Nearby, the massive but somewhat-hidden "Together" can be found at 1309 9th Street NW.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
The region’s theater and performing arts scene is one of the best in the country and taking in a show is an obvious add to any itinerary. Browse the lineups at spots like Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (Penn Quarter) and Atlas Performing Arts Center (H Street NE). Engaging and progressive works are produced all across the city.
The District goes big with weekend drag brunches, from award-winning restaurants like Officina and Perry's to breweries like Red Bear and City Tap House and fun-loving spots like Throw Social. If brunch isn't your scene, it's easy to find more drag shows and happenings throughout the city.
Free events, must-attend exhibits and galas galore make up the DC year-round calendar. Check out the brimming list of annual LBGTQ+ events, and don’t miss top things to do this weekend, month and year-round.
You can also get active with local organizations like Capital Pride or the DC Front Runners, a running, walking and social club that meets four days a week for group runs and walks at 23rd & P Streets NW, usually followed by a relaxed social gathering.
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