FOOD FOR THOUGHT
America’s Main Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, will host 300 or so
exhibitors at the Capital Pride Festival, June 10. Purveyors of goods
and services will set up shop between 7th to 3rd Streets NW from
noon to 7 p.m. Food and drink will be available until 9:30 p.m. and
entertainment on three stages goes until 10 p.m. The festival is free,
though purchased tickets are required for admission to VIP Pride
Concert areas. GETTING THERE: Metro Green Line to Archives/
Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter.
DANCE TO THE MUSIC
Washington’s largest single-day annual event is the Capital Pride
Concert, which drew a crowd of 300,000 last year. This year’s
headliners include Grammy winner Alessia Cara, and Troye Sivan.
Concert admission is free, though purchasing VIP access brings
perks like access to a private bar with complimentar y beer and wine,
discounted cocktails and a backstage view. A ticket to the Concert Pit
Zone enables prime viewing in front of the Capital Concert Stage. The
music starts at noon and ends with a dance party from 8 to 10 p.m.
GETTING THERE: Metro Green Line to Archives/Navy Memorial/
Penn Quarter.
OTHER WAYS TO SHOW YOUR PRIDE
The four-day party kicks off June 7 with an evening Rooftop Rally. An
opening party is June 8. And a Crack of Noon Brunch follows on June 9.
All three events require tickets. Contact CapitalPride.org for specifics.
WHERE TO HANG BEFORE AND
AFTER CAPITAL PRIDE
Washington has long boasted a vibrant and diverse LGBTQ scene.
Historically, the hub of gay life was around the Dupont Circle
neighborhood. That’s still the case, though gay-owned and managed
establishments are popping up in many neighborhoods, including
Logan Circle and U Street NW between Vermont and 6th Street.
EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE
The Capital Pride Parade, June 9 from 4:30-7:30 p.m., attracts 200-plus
participating organizations. This year’s theme is “Elements of Us.” It
follows a 1.5-mile route starting at 22nd and P Streets NW and wraps
up at 14th and R Streets NW. Arrive early for premium viewing spots,
since this parade always draws a crowd. GETTING THERE: For the
starting point, take Metro’s Red Line to Dupont Circle. Access to the
end point is from the Green Line U Street/African American Civil War
Memorial/Cardozo.
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
In Dupont Circle, Kramerbooks & Afterword Café is a local institution,
with a healthy selection of LGBTQ books. Also in the area is JR’s Bar
(1519 17th St. NW), a longtime gay bar with fun theme nights. Town
Danceboutique, the city’s largest gay nightclub (2009 8th St. NW in the
Shaw neighborhood) features drag shows and multiple dancefloors
and lounges. But get there soon. The site has been sold to a developer
and closes for good at the end of June. Nellie’s, the city’s first gay
sports bar (900 U St. NW), hosts Friday dance parties, karaoke and
game nights. A few doors down, The Dirty Goose serves craft cocktails
in the lounge and on the rooftop deck. And in Logan Circle, don’t miss
Number Nine (1435 P St. NW) happy hours that stretch until 9 p.m., or
the diverse, laid back atmosphere of Trade (1410 14th St. NW).
For updates on LBGTQ events year-round, check out the city’s official
tourism website at Washington.org/lgbtq.
For the second year, Capital Pride is throwing a block party on June 9
from 4 p.m. -10 p.m. on 15th Street NW between P and Church Streets.
Enjoy live music from the Block Party Stage (dancing encouraged),
then relax with an adult beverage in the Logan Beverage Garden. Need
to refuel? Some of D.C.’s finest food trucks will be heating up their
grills. GETTING THERE: Metro Red Line to Dupont Circle
SUMMER 2018 71 FLYWASHINGTON.COM