Get Out! It's the Capital Pride Parade & Block Party on Saturday, June 10, 2023

by Peggy Robin

All throughout Pride month in June there are fabulous events, activities, festivals, and parties, but the big one is the Capital Pride Parade -- and it's this Saturday, starting at 3pm at 14th & T Streets, then following a 1.5 mile route through the Logan Circle and Dupont Circle Neighborhoods, ending at 2ist & P Streets.

It's free and open to all -- and it's better than free: If you find a good spot in the crowd, close enough to passing floats and marchers, you are sure to come out with a bunch of freebies, as the parade participants toss out beads, bracelets, and candies and hand out water bottles, paper fans, and all kinds of brand-stamped merch & swag. My tip: Bring a tote bag!

Here's the info from the official Pride Parade website: 

Saturday, June 10, 2023

3:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Logan & Dupont Circle Neighborhoods, Washington, DC

We welcome you to celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the historic Capital Pride Parade! This beloved tradition honors our history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Washington, DC, while respecting the origins and importance of taking to the streets in our fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the Nation’s Capital.

Please see our 2023 Parade route:

Staging: On 15th Street NW, between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm

Step off: 14th Street at T Street NW, at 3:00 pm

Finish: P ST at 21st Street NW

Spectator Experience: Capital Pride Block Party

Saturday, June 10

Time: 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Between P & Q intersecting with 17th St. NW, Washington, DC

Expect entertainment, plenty of food and beverages      (including local vendors, food trucks and restaurants along 17th Street) and good vibes all around ahead, during and after the parade. There’s also a beverage garden for those ages 21 and over to refresh and watch performers on the Block Party Stage. The Block Party is located between P & Q intersecting with 17th St. NW.

ADA Accessibility

There will be a dedicated accessibility zone at the beginning of the Parade route, in front of the announcement stand, to accommodate individuals with wheelchairs and in need of ASL.

Make a reservation will be required to guarantee your space.

Family Zone

The Capital Pride Alliance is committed to providing a safe and festive space along the Parade route for families and children.

Join us on June 10th from 12PM-5PM at Stead Park for a day of family fun and children’s activities! Hosted by Playtime Project, the event will take place adjacent to the Capital Pride Parade and will include games, cooking demonstrations, crafts, and a drag story hour.

We’re excited to have participation from the following partners:

• National Children’s Museum
  
• DC Central Kitchen
  
• Drag Story Hour DC (12:30PM & 2PM)
  

Please note that the Capital Pride Parade begins at 3PM. A designated family area for parade viewing is located on P Street east of 17th street NW.

Due to construction, the entrance to Stead Park is located through the alley on P street between 16th & 17th streets. We thank the Friends of Stead Park for hosting this event for the second year!

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The "Get Out! highlighted event of the week is posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv and on All Life Is Local on Thursdays.