Your Guide To Capital Pride 2017 This Weekend

WASHINGTON, DC — Tens of thousands of people will head to The District to celebrate the annual Pride Parade this weekend. The most visible event is Saturday's parade, on it's 42nd year, but the Capital Pride Alliance is also planning fresh, new events like the Capital Pride Block Party.

There's a ton going on, so Patch put together this Pride Guide to help you scope out your options and have a great time supporting, learning and celebrating.

Friday:

Head out to the Rainbow Warehouse at 9 p.m. Friday night for the Official Pride 2017 Opening Party. Capital Pride and Bright Young Things are partnering together to bring you a night of live music, dancing and more. The theme is "Rainbow Resistance" and attendees are encouraged to dress accordingly. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here. The last six years have been sold out, so don't wait until the night of to look for tickets!

Saturday:

Saturday is a busy day for Pride goers. Get the day going with the Capital Pride Brunch at The Showroom, complete with a brunch buffet, open bar, Meet & Greet with Pride VIPs, dancing, surprises and more. There are two brunch events — the "Crack of Noon" full brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the "Liquid Brunch" from 1-4 p.m. Both events feature bottomless champagne and mimosas, Tito’s Vodka, Bloody Mary’s, cocktails and Beer Institute Sponsored Beer. "Crack of Noon" tickets are $100 per person, and "Liquid Brunch" tickets are $65 per person. Visit the Facebook page for up-to-date information, and purchase tickets here.

After you're liquored-up from brunch (if that's the way you roll), head over to the Capital Pride Block Party from 3:30-10 p.m. on 15th St. NW between P Street and Church Street. This is a Capital Pride first, and sponsors include McDonald's of Greater Washington, DC and Marriott International. The block party is adjacent to the Pride Parade and will include entertainment, food and a beer garden. Entry is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP here.

The Capital Pride Parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. from 22nd and P Streets, NW. The Pride Parade will travel 1.5 miles through Dupont Circle and 17th Street, through Logan Circle and ending along 14th Street corridor at S Street at around 7:30 p.m. Expect floats, vehicles, walkers, entertainment, politicians, community groups, drag queens and much more. Here's a look at the parade route, courtesy of Capital Pride Alliance:

The celebration doesn't stop there. After the parade the Official Men's Party of Capital Pride will get going at The DC Eagle at 10 p.m. You can purchase tickets here. The Capital Pride Main Women's Event also starts at 10 p.m. at The Howard Theatre. Get your tickets here. There will be live performances, DJs, bottle service and more at both events.

>> See Related: McDonald's To Use Rainbow Fry Boxes For Capital Pride Parade

Sunday:

The Equality March For Unity & Pride mobilizes LGBTQ+ communities, their loved ones and their allies. The march has a particular focus on those who have been actively silenced and neglected — in the fight to affirm and protect their rights, safety and humanity. Line up is at 9 a.m. and the march will start at 10 a.m. at I Street and 17th Street NW. The rally will end at the National Mall. Find out more info here.

After the march, head over to Pennsylvania Avenue for the 42nd Annual Pride Festival presented by Live! Casino & Hotel from 12-7 p.m. Expect a day full of entertainment, music, food, drink, education and celebration. The Pride Festival includes three stages of national and local talent and will host 300 exhibitors including local and community groups, national sponsors, local businesses, food vendors, restaurants and businesses looking to promote their services to the pride community. The festival is open to everyone and there is no fee for entry, but donations are very much encouraged. Click here for more details.

The 2017 Pride Concert goes from 2-8 p.m. in front of the U.S. Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street. The headliners include Miley Cyrus, Tracy Young, Tinashe, The Pointer Sisters, Vassy and RuPaul's Drag Race. Check out the event page here.

End the weekend with the Capitol Sunset Dance Party on Pennsylvania Avenue from 8-9:45 p.m. Enjoy the electronica sounds of celebrated DJ Tracy Young and dance in the middle of the street in front of one of the most iconic American buildings, the U.S. Capitol, as the sun is setting. This dance party is free and you can RSVP here.

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Photo: Pixabay