Pride 2022 in DC: Your Guide To Pride

The lively Dupont and Adams Morgan neighborhoods in DC have long been the center points of queer culture in the city with compelling histories. As welcoming and warm gathering places for the LGBTQ+ community, both neighborhoods, within walking distance of each other, are now home to many diverse communities and LGBTQ+ owned businesses, including one of the last-standing lesbian bars in the country A League of Her Own (ALOHO), and establishments that have been around for over 70 years like the world-famous Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse.

 

Strolling the streets of Dupont and Adams Morgan these days, you’ll find Pride flags hanging in windows and painted on roads, among other signs of the deep roots of LGBTQ+ culture in these areas; and similarly, the vibrance of the communities and culture within them.

 

So what better place to celebrate what organizers of Capital Pride Alliance are calling the largest Pride event DC has ever seen? From rooftop pool parties and concerts to block parties and food festivals, this year’s Pride week is loaded with non-stop fun for all – especially for those who are looking to explore the many sights and sounds of DC’s most well-known LGBTQ+ neighborhoods. Starting this week, check out some of Pride’s “Greatest Hits,” in Dupont and Adams Morgan.

 

 

17th Street Northwest is considered a Pride destination for LGBTQ+ foodies, and this year’s event is no different. Starting at 12PM, explore an eclectic mix of restaurants, food vendors, beverage gardens, and live performances by special guests such as Baphomette, Dabatha Christie, Evry Pleasure and more. You’ll want to bring dancing shoes and an appetite.

 

On Saturday you’ll want to check out the Official Capital Pride Parade, taking over the streets of the Dupont circle and Logan circle neighborhoods from 3PM to 7:30PM. The modified parade route in 2022 is focused on honoring the history and evolution of queer neighbourhoods in DC and their role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Find the official Parade map here.

 

 

Hungry? Head to Teddy & the Bully Bar for a Pride-themed brunch at this contemporary restaurant themed around Teddy Roosevelt’s favorite indulgences. The Teddy Mac & Cheese (smoked cheddar, gouda, parmesan and herbed bread crumbs) and the made-to-order waffles are contenders for a brunch to remember. Wear your Sunday Pride best and expect delicious eats and vivacious live entertainment.

 

 

Less inclined to attend events and prefer to celebrate at your own pace? There are still many great ways to join in on the fun while supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations in DC.

 

 

Rainbow History Project provides a self-guided walking tour of the Dupont neighborhood, choc-full of the area’s most pivotal moments in the neighborhood’s history, legendary queer-owned businesses, compelling stories, and contributions to DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Print your copy of the tour here.

 

 

Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner – Annie’s (Paramount Steakhouse) is arguably one of the most well-known LGBTQ+ landmarks in DC, located in the Dupont neighborhood. With a deep history of LGBTQ+ gathering, Annie’s is considered such a cornerstone of queer history in DC that the Pride Parade was planned specifically to include Annie’s on the route.

 

Through the 50s and 60s, the then-called Paramount Steakhouse was a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people at a time when being queer was illegal. It also was a sanctuary for HIV-positive members of the community during the AIDS crisis. After being affectionately renamed “Annie’s” after one of the charismatic bartenders who earned a place in the hearts of many patrons, more than 70 years later, the establishment is still thriving – and considered a non-negotiable stop on any DIY Pride tour.

 

 

Head slightly North to Adams-Morgan and you’ll find Pitchers, a queer-friendly sports bar and self-titled “Bar for Everyone”. Boasting dart boards, tv screens, video games, and more, you definitely don’t want to miss this stop.

 

 

Directly above Pitchers you’ll find ALOHO – A Queer Women’s Bar and one of the last standing 21 lesbian bars in the USA. Winner of the 2022 HER Top 25 Queer Community Landmarks in DC, ALOHO prides themselves on cultivating an atmosphere of welcomeness, LOTS of rainbows, expertly crafted specialty cocktails (named after their bartenders!) and delicious eats, including a llate-nightmenu. All Pride Week they are hosting special events – Trivia, drag shows, queer prom, and more. Check out the menu and events calendar on their Facebook page. (You may even enjoy it so much you leave with an ALOHO t-shirt from their merch shop.)

 

 

 

There’s no better way to cool off than an evening pool party on a rooftop at sunset. Starting at 7PM, head to the VIDA Penthouse Pool and Lounge for poolside cocktails, appetizers and mingling with special guests, while taking in the beautiful view. Saturday’s pool party theme is Trans Pride and features Taylor Lianne Chandler and Consuella Lopez. Register on the Capital Pride Alliance website.

 

 

Head to echostage to catch some of the LGBTQ+ community’s best artists and performers, including a special performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner SYMONE. Tickets available here.

 

 

Drag Brunch is the perfect way to reset and get ready for another day of Pride celebrations. For $55+, enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch, with a portion of proceeds from cocktails going to LGBTQ+ charities.

 

 

Just a short jaunt from Dupont, Dirty Habit is hosting We Say Gay, an event with Bombalicious Eklaver (voted the District’s Best Drag Queen in 2019 and 2021) and menu curated by Chef Edgar Escalante. Delicious food and drink, including rainbow churros and signature cocktails, are on the menu.

 

Pride week closes out with perhaps the most anticipated (and delicious!) Pride Festival. Starting on America’s Mainstreet, Pennsylvania Avenue at 12PM, attendees can browse over 300 exhibitors, enjoy a diverse selection of delicious food and beverages, explore the three event stages featuring performances by DNCE featuring lead singer Joe Jonas, RuPaul’s Drag Race winners Willow Pill and SYMONE, and more. Ending with a sunset dance party, Pride 2022 will surely be an event to remember.

 

For more information on Pride Week 2022, head to Capital Pride Alliance’s website.

 

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