Your Guide To Capital Pride 2018 This Weekend

WASHINGTON, DC — Hundreds 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 43rd year, but the Capital Pride Alliance is also planning fresh, newer 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, JUNE 8:

Earth, Wind, Glitter & Fire: Put on your best 70s outfit and head to Studio Xfinity DC at 715 7th St. NW. for a Silent Disco Jam. This official pride opening party goes from 6-9 p.m. and is hosted by Capital Pride, NBC4 and Telemundo 44. Get ready for all things ABBA in anticipation of this summer’s release of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Space is limited and guests are asked to RSVP ASAP to chris.wang@nbcuni.com. Tickets start at $25.

DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K: The sixth annual race kicks off at 7 p.m. at Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. The race is sold out and there is no waiting list. Click here for the race guide.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9:

Capital Pride Brunch: Saturday is a busy day for Pride goers. Get the day going with a gourmet brunch at the Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW. Attendees can enjoy complimentary mimosas and vodka drinks, performances and more. Ticket sales end at 11:30 a.m. Friday and will only be sold at the door if space allows.

Pride On The Pier at the Wharf: The first Pride on the Pier features an exciting array of activities and entertainment. The event, sponsored by The Washington Blade in partnership with Lure DC and Wharf DC, will go from 12-3 p.m. at Wharf DC, 1100 Maine Ave. SW. Click here for more information.

Capital Pride Parade: The parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. at 22nd and P Streets, NW. The parade will go through the Dupont and Logan Circle neighborhoods and end at 14th & R Sts. NW. at around 7:30 p.m. Expect floats, vehicles, marchers, politicians, community groups and much more. The Grand Marshals are Judy and Dennis Shepard, the parents of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in Wyoming in 1998 for being gay.

See the parade route below, courtesy of Capital Pride Alliance:

Capital Pride Block Party: The second annual block party returns with entertainment, food, beverages and more. The party is at 15th. St. NW. Donations are encouraged and go to support Capital Pride Alliance and LGBTQ+ partner organizations.

>> See all Saturday events here.

SUNDAY, JUNE 10:

Capital Pride Festival: Expect a day full of entertainment, music, food, drink, education and celebration on historic Pennsylvania Avenue. 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.

Capital Pride Concert: The concert goes from 12-8 p.m. in front of the U.S. Capitol. This is the largest annual event in the national capital region and is attended by more than 300,000 people. Alessia Cara is headlining the concert, with other performances by Kim Petras, Kristina Kelly and the Cobalt Cast, MAX, Ella Fitzgerald, Keri Hilson and more.

>> See all Sunday events here.