Washington, D.C. Black LGBT Pride

One of the nation's largest African-American Gay Pride events, attracting more than 50,000 participants, DC Black Pride takes place in Washington, D.C. in late May over Memorial Day Weekend each year.

The several days of parties and festivities culminate with a number of key events the final weekend of DC Black Pride. Many of the events take place at DC Black Pride's official host hotel, which this year is the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown.

DC Black Pride comprises dozens of events and parties, which have typically included several men's and women's parties, a speed dating night, town hall meetings on a variety of topics, a myriad of different workshops, an exhibit hall, awards reception, a poetry slam, and a festival to close out the event.

Also keep in mind that the annual Capital Pride Festival takes place not long after, in early June, so if you want more pride events, just stick around for another month to check out one of the nation's biggest LGBT celebrations.

Events at DC Black Pride

Over the course of five days, DC Black Pride hosts a long list of events to celebrate this annual tradition including a kick-off party at the Felt Lounge in the MGM Hotel.

In 2019, the "The Set Up: Welcome to DC Party" took place at Power Nightclub followed by an official meet and greet and happy hour at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown. It included events like open mic nights, speed dating, and parties.

There were also free workshops in the morning, then hanging out and getting to know like-minded folks at the Legendary Chill Out Day Party at the Park, followed by poetry slams and dance parties.

The 2019 event also included the Sounds of Pride Concert, a pool party, and a finale rooftop day party at Big Chief at 2002 Fenwick Street NE. For details on future dates and schedules, keep an eye on the DC Black Pride website.

Where to Stay and What to Do for DC Black Pride

Besides the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown, another hotel suggestion by the organizers is Chinatown's The Pod DC located at 627 H Street NW.

While DC Black Pride already offers a slew of events and parties, there are also other notable LGBT attractions in our nation's capital that you won't want to miss on your Memorial Day Weekend trip to Washington, D.C.

Note that many of Washington, D.C.'s gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout DC Black Pride Week; be sure to pick up local gay papers, such as Metro Weekly and the Washington Blade for details.