The U.S. capital shone as bright as its famous monuments for WorldPride this year, and I had the glitter-soaked pleasure of soaking up the full rainbow experience. From iconic landmarks to sweat-dripping dancefloors, Washington D.C. offered a perfect Pride pilgrimage for queers who wanted to celebrate hard-fought freedoms, protest presidential pushbacks, soak in culture and party hard in one walkable, welcoming, wonder-packed city.
Where to Stay: The Ven at Embassy Row
Your WorldPride home should be as fabulous as your fits, and The Ven at Embassy Row delivers. Located just steps from Dupont Circle—D.C.’s beloved gaybourhood—this Tribute Portfolio Hotel balances sophisticated design with heartfelt hospitality. With a breezy rooftop pool, relaxed lobby lounges, and artful, calming rooms, it’s the ideal HQ whether you’re here to protest, party, or peruse the Smithsonian.
WorldPride Highlights: Parties, Parades, and United Community Spirit
The energy of WorldPride DC was nothing short of electric, and the city pulled out all the stops to make it a celebration to remember.
The Pride Parade was truly a sight to behold — winding from historic U Street all the way down to the Capitol Building, where thousands of revellers lined the streets, waving flags, dancing, and cheering under the summer sun. Marching against the backdrop of such iconic American architecture gave the whole event an extra emotional weight — a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how visible we’ve become.
But the real showstopper was the two-day music festival at JFK Showgrounds, a massive, open-air queer utopia that welcomed hundreds of thousands of LGBTs. With multiple stages, food trucks, art installations, and a constant stream of dazzling performances, the event was a love letter to diversity and creative expression. The lineup was stacked with international stars and beloved local acts, including my best friend, Troye Sivan, who lit up the stage with a euphoric headline set. Watching the crowd lose themselves to Rush under the twink-lit sky was one of those spine-tingling Pride moments I’ll never forget.
Nightlife: Shirtless Shenanigans
Every great gay night out in D.C. starts with a drink at The Little Gay Pub, where the staff treat you like a regular before you’ve even ordered. It’s charming, cruisy, and absolutely essential if you’re new in town and want to make some friends before hitting the dancefloor.
From there, the messier fun begins. For shirtless madness and bass-heavy beats, Bunker is your underground playground. Packed, pulsating, and proud, Bunker delivers top-tier chaos beneath the city streets.
Craving something more sultry and seductive? Slide over to Crush Bar, an intimate lounge that brings sexy energy and serious cocktails. Or, if your heels can handle it, head on to KIKI for high drama, outrageous drag, and infectious pop.
If you’re not a dancefloor darling and beers and banter are more your mix, swing by Pitchers Bar DC, the city’s largest LGBTQ+ sports bar, with expansive patios, game rooms, and a dedicated lesbian bar, A League of Her Own, next door. It’s where Pride parties meet game day energy, and it’s as inclusive and fun as it is massive.
See the Sights: Big Monuments & Sobering History
You’d be doing yourself a disservice not to soak up the iconic sights. Snap that classic selfie outside The White House, marvel at the towering Washington Monument, and breathe in the gravitas of the Capitol Building — which I was lucky enough to explore thanks to a personal tour arranged by Senator Richard Blumenthal’s office (special thanks to Zach, Kurtis and the team there for organising such an incredible and unique behind-the-scenes look).
On the cultural front, D.C. boasts a mind-boggling lineup of museums. My must-visits included the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, both of which are deeply sobering and sadly echo the struggles that continue today. For awe and wonder, check out the Air and Space Museum, and make time for a reflective walk through Arlington National Cemetery.
Eats: Fuel for the Fabulous
Between parades and parties, you’re going to need sustenance — and D.C. delivers. Start with SOST (Some Of the Sum of Things), a modern African fusion gem in the Logan Circle area that serves up creative small plates and cocktails in a sleek, vibey space. The dishes are playful, unexpected, and designed to be shared — much like your Pride playlist.
For comforting classics, you can’t beat Dupont Italian Kitchen and the attached DIK Bar. The pasta is hearty, the wine flows, and the crowd is as warm and friendly as you’ll find anywhere in the city. It’s even walking distance from The Ven, so you’ll be out of your heels and into your robe faster than you can say “drag brunch.”
Talking of brunch, Arlington’s campy gem Freddie’s Beach Bar also doubles as a great bite-and-a-beer stop, with burgers, seafood and cocktails served alongside fabulous drag shows.
Getting Around: Step, Tap, and Go
Coming from Auckland, I was immediately taken aback by how walkable and accessible D.C. is for a city of its size. I wandered from the monuments to the queer enclaves of Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U Street, and Adams Morgan without breaking a sweat (That’s a lie, he was already dripping from Bunker — Ed.). You can also zip across town via Metro: just tap your debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay — no need to fuss with tickets or kiosks.
WorldPride D.C. brought together politics and partying, monuments and music, reflection and revelry. It’s a capital city that gives queer travellers the space to be loud, proud, and fully present.
🔗 For more information, visit washington.org.
✈️ Book flights at United.com.
🏳️🌈 Travel Proud with Booking.com.
This trip was made possible by Booking.com and its Travel Proud programme, which champions inclusive travel for LGBTQIA+ adventurers. With nearly 43% of Kiwi queer travellers having faced discrimination on the road, Booking.com is making strides to change that.
Look for properties recognised with the Travel Proud badge —these accommodations have received training to create a more welcoming experience for all guests, regardless of identity. Because everyone deserves to feel at home, no matter where they travel.
Todd Lacey, Regional Manager, Booking.com for Oceania says “At Booking.com, we passionately believe that everyone should be able to travel and experience the world in their own unique way.
