Washington DC Capital Pride Guide

Washington DC Pride is one of the most inviting parades DC has ever seen, and in 2015, you can officially celebrate 40 years of pride in the Nation’s Capital! This year’s theme is Flashback, so make sure to dress up so you can emerge yourself into your favorite time period.

At SpotHero, we’re all about making sure trips are as simple as possible. We’ve done the research for you, and gathered where to park to be near the celebrations, where to stay, what to do, and how to get there.

Where to Park:

Whether you’re road tripping with your best friends, or driving locally – we wanted to give you some tips on where to park to be near all the action. To help you get acquainted with SpotHero, we are happy to announce our partnership with Capital Pride! By partnering with Capital Pride, we are able to provide donations to the cause, and help customers redeem 5% off their parking reservation! Simply enter the promo code below to donate and save.

spothero-capital-pride

 

Where to Stay:

Washington Hilton – Centered right in the heart of Washington DC, this Hilton Hotel is near the parade route, and surrounded by some of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. Boasting some of the best nightlife and entertainment in DC, you can head to nearby Adams Morgan, Woodley Park and the U Street Corridor.

Capital Hilton – Near the route of the parade, and within walking distance of the Capital Pride Festival, Capital Hilton is not only close to the excitement of Capital Pride, but also historical landmarks such as the Whitehouse.

Embassy Row Hotel – In the heart of the gayest-friendly D.C. neighborhood, The Embassy Row Hotel offers an unbeatable location steps from the metro, one of the city’s only rooftops, and stunning city views of Dupont Circle and Embassy Row.

What to do:

Pride Parade presented by Marriott
June 13th, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Dupont and Logan Circle neighborhoods, Washington, DC

Catch parade trinkets and enjoy variety with the The Capital Pride Parade. Traveling 1.5 miles, the parade extends through Dupont Circle and 17th Street and ends in the Logan Circle neighborhood. The Parade will include more than 170 contingents decorated to impress.

Cherry Fund & Capital Pride Afterhours
June 13th, 3:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Tropicalia Lounge, 2001 14th St., NW, Washington, DC
$35 advance, $40 door. 21+

Capital Pride partnered with The Cherry Fund to bring visitors an unrivaled after-hours event, featuring the beats of DJs X Gonzalez and Sean Morris. Beginning at 3:30AM and ending at 9:30AM, you’ll leave the party just in time for brunch.

#UndergroundThrowdown
June 13th, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
1847 Columbia Rd., NW, Washington, DC
18 to enter. 21 to drink.

Submerge yourself underground to enjoy Capital Pride’s liveliest dance party! Consistent with this year’s theme of Flashback, you can enter a wonderland that warps you through the biggest dance hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s! This 40th anniversary multi-level celebration is not to be missed!

Pride Festival presented by Live! Casino
June 14th, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pennsylvania Ave., NW, between 3rd and 7th St., NW, Washington, DC

A full day of entertainment, music, food, drink, education, and celebration. The festival is open to everyone, and there is no fee for entry, although a donation is kindly suggested upon arrival.

Pride Concert presented by Hot 99.5
June 14th, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

If you haven’t lost your voice already, it’s time to scream your heart out to some of today’s hottest artists come together to celebrate Pride. Shout along to your favorite tunes from your favorite performers including Carly Rae Jepsen, Katy Tiz, Amber, En Vogue, and Wilson Phillips! Headliners are announced May, 21st, 2015.

Closing Party
June 14th, 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
1639 R St. NW, Washington, DC
Tickets: $5 – Ages 18+

Don’t lose momentum – keep the celebration going for the Official Closing Party of Pride in the Nation’s Capital. Dance to your favorite tracks surrounded by new and old friends!

How to get Capital Pride Parade and Festival:

If you’re coming from Baltimore:

Get on MD-2 S and E Conway St to I-395 S. Hop on I-95 S to MD-97 S/Georgia Ave in Forest Glen, Silver Spring. Take exit 31 from I-495 W. Take 16th St, Blagden Ave NW, Beach Dr NW and Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy NW to P St NW in Washington

If you’re coming from NYC:

Take I-95 S, New Jersey Turnpike S, I-95 S and Baltimore-Washington Pkwy to East Capitol St NE/Whitney Young Memorial Bridge in Washington. Take the East Capitol Street exit from District of Columbia Hwy 295. Continue on East Capitol St NE/Whitney Young Memorial Bridge. Take C St NE to 22nd St NE.

Happy Pride, DC! If you have any further recommendations of great ways to enjoy the weekend, reach out to us on Twitter or on Facebook.