#FlyWashington Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 73

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