Thursday, May 21 – Saturday, May 24
House and Ballroom Leadership Community of Practice Summit for HIV CBOs and Local Collaborative Partners
The Westin DC Downtown
Schedule
Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25 are the official DCBP 2026 dates. There are some special pre- and post-DCBP events.
Events, times and locations are subject to change. Only official DC Black Pride events are listed on this page. If an event is not listed below, it is not an officially recognized DCBP event. All events being held in the Westin Washington, DC Downtown (host hotel) are complimentary unless otherwise noted.
Please note that there may be event photographers or videographers present at all DCBP events. Any persons attending events consent to have their photo taken and their likeness used by the Center for Black Equity for promotional purposes.
Social Events and Parties
Social events and parties are a very important part of DCBP. CBE has partnered with several organizations to provide various social events and parties. The social events and parties are planned and managed by the organization listed. If an event, social event or party is not listed on this page, it is not an official DC Black Pride event. Our partners are:
- Daryl Wilson Promotions, LLC: Wet Dreamz (Men)
- Positive Effects: G-SPOT The Ultimate Day Party (All)
- Thurst Lounge: QuenchFest (All)
- Women in the Life Association: Women in the Life (Women)
- Xavier Entertainment: Supreme Fantasy Erotica (Men)
Thursday, May 21
Schedule is still being finalized. More events will be added. Times and details are subject to change.
6 – 9 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant
The Westin DC Downtown
The Mr. & Miss DC Black Pride Pageant is a night of glamour, talent, and fierce competition as contestants bring charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent for the crown. Rooted in the DMV’s Black drag and entertainment legacy, it channels the New Black Renaissance with bold looks, big performances, and undeniable artistry. Expect a show that celebrates the history, beauty, and diversity of Black LGBTQ+ brilliance.
For more information and to become a contetant, contact Christian France Braxton at 202.486.0058 or facebook by May 14.
7 – 9 p.m.
All Gays Go to Prison
The Westin DC Downtown
Comedian Anthony Oakes workshops his new hour about addiction, incarceration, recovery, and redemption.
Anthony Oakes is DC Comedian who has performed on some of the most legendary stages in the country. His current special, Sweet Little Oakes Boy, is on Apple TV and Prime Video. Join him for DC Black Pride as he workshops his new hour about his former addiction, incarceration, his recovery, and how he found redemption.
Hosted by the hilarious Apple Brown Betty with TJ So Silly, Howl Cooper, and featuring Patrice Deveaux. DJ Art.is will be spinning on the 1's & 2's. Libations will be provided by Drink Alchy. Images by RGF ENT.
This will be a magical night in an intimate space. We look forward to sharing our gifts with you.
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. (LSS 9:45 p.m. Sharp)
10th Annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball
The Westin DC Downtown
10 p.m. — 2 a.m.
The Pre Game [Wet Dreamz]
Icon DC, 2001 11th St NW, WDC 20001
Official VIP Party Pass Pickup
Friday, May 22
Schedule is still being finalized. More events will be added. Times and details are subject to change.
Thursday, May 21 – Saturday, May 24
House and Ballroom Leadership Community of Practice Summit for HIV CBOs and Local Collaborative Partners
The Westin DC Downtown
2 – 10 p.m.
Pride Help Desk Open
The Westin DC Downtown
Have questions? Need help? Come to the ballroom level in the Westin Washington, DC Downtown (host hotel) to get answers.
3 — 9 p.m.
Welcome Reception [Wet Dreamz]
Westin DC Downtown, 999 9th St NW, WDC 20001 (DC Black Pride Host Hotel)
Official VIP Party Pass Pickup
5 – 9 p.m.
Rainbow Row: Organization & Vendor Expo
The Westin DC Downtown
6 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
DC Black Pride Opening Reception
The Westin DC Downtown
ASL interpreters will be available.
Durand Bernarr will bring a live show that sets the tone for the weekend. The night will be hosted by comedian Anthony Oakes. Special performances include Bang Garçon, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell, and Bennu Byrd.
10:30 p.m. — 4 a.m.
3000 Men Block Party [Wet Dreamz]
Karma DC, 2221 Adams Pl NE, WDC 20018
Saturday, May 23
Schedule is still being finalized. More events will be added. Times and details are subject to change.
Thursday, May 21 – Saturday, May 24
House and Ballroom Leadership Community of Practice Summit for HIV CBOs and Local Collaborative Partners
The Westin DC Downtown
9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Pride Help Desk Open
The Westin DC Downtown
Have questions? Need help? Come to the ballroom level in the Westin Washington, DC Downtown (host hotel) to get answers.
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Rainbow Row: Organization & Vendor Expo
The Westin DC Downtown
11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Workshops
The Westin DC Downtown
ASL interpreters will be available.
Be enriched.
1 – 3 p.m.
DC Black Pride Writers Forum
The Westin DC Downtown
ASL interpreters will be available.
Black LGBTQIA+ writers from across genres gather for a candid conversation about craft, lived experience, and the business of writing. Panelists share work, compare process, and offer practical insight on publishing and building stories that reflect community. Books will be available for purchase, with the conversation hosted by Anthony Green of Cagedbirds Productions.
Featured Writers
G. Winston James
Saffy
Jahrobi Ihsan
Christian Richardson
Delilah Belvedere
Stacy Nathaniel Jackson
Naomi Rivers
Yisreal Robinson
Dr. Brandy Nicole Brooks
3 – 6 p.m.
The New Black Renaissance: Generations Social
The Westin DC Downtown
A relaxed intergenerational social built for Black LGBTQ+ elders, trailblazers, and emerging leaders to connect across eras. Expect intentional mingling, light prompts that spark stories and learning, and space to trade resources, perspective, and support. It’s legacy in motion, building the New Black Renaissance through relationships that last beyond the weekend.
5 — 9 p.m.
Sip & Slide Day Party [QuenchFest]
Thurst Lounge, 2204 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
5 — 10 p.m.
Hot Boyz Takeover Saturday Day Party [Wet Dreamz]
Sandlot Uptown, 1900 7th St NW, WDC 20001
7 – 10 p.m.
Desire Without Definition
Presented by Beta Kappa Chapter and Beta Lambda Chapter of Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc.
Spark Social, 2009 14th St NW, WDC 20009
The Kapptivating Beta Kappa Chapter & Beta Lambda Chapter of Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. invite you into an after dark sapphic conversation where connection, desire, and identity take center stage. An evening of bold, unfiltered dialogue, elevated vibes, and real, unapologetic connection.
We’re going deeper...beyond expectations, beyond limitations...and definitely beyond surface-level conversations.
Dress Code: Come sexy. Come confident. Come as you are.
Pull up open-minded... leave transformed.
Come for the vibe... stay for the conversation.
5 – 10 p.m.
Black Pride Memorial Wknd Day Party
Presented by District Parties
Strand, 1400 I Street NW, WDC 20005
Get ready to celebrate Black Pride like never before this Memorial Weekend! Join us in person for a vibrant, unforgettable experience full of joy, culture, and community vibes. Bring your energy and your crew to connect, dance to three amazing DJ's DC has to offer, and honor together. It’s gonna be two nights to remember — don’t miss out on this amazing 2026 Black Pride celebration.
6 – 8 p.m.
DC Black Pride Mary Bowman Poetry Slam and Open Mic
The Westin DC Downtown
Ten of some of the best performance poets from around the country will compete for over $1,500 in prizes. Hosted by National Slam Champion Kenneth Something. Sponorsed in part by the Human Rights Campaign.
9 — 3 p.m.
Baddies on Baddies [QuenchFest]
Thurst Lounge, 2204 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
10 p.m. — 4 a.m.
The White Party [Wet Dreamz]
Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE, WDC 20018
Sunday, May 24
Schedule is still being finalized. More events will be added. Times and details are subject to change.
12 – 4 p.m. (Seating at 11 a.m.)
7th Annual Brunch & Babes
Presented by the Capitol Ballroom Council
Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave NW, WDC 20010
Calling all brunch and drag enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated return of Brunch & Babes. Tickets include brunch buffet, bottomless mimosas, drag performances.
12 – 6 p.m.
Do You Want To Get Funky With Me?
Presented by Women in the Life Association and National LGBTQ Task Force
The Continent DC, 110 Vermont Ave NW, WDC 20005
Enjoy brunch, then dance the day away at the Official DC Black Pride Funky Dance Day Party for Mature Women!
Come reconnect with the Women in the Life community. The delicious, a la carte brunch is 12-2 p.m., and the beats are 2-6 p.m. The food will feed your hunger, and the music from DJ Rich will feed your soul. The food and drinks are not free, but the party is! We need each other now more than ever.
Attire: Stylish. Must be 21+ w/ ID.
3 – 9 p.m.
G-SPOT The Ultimate Day Party
Presented by Positive Effects
Bravo Bravo, 1001 Connecticut Ave NW, WDC 20036
G-SPOT is a house-music day party built for the dance floor and the daytime fit. The DJ lineup features DJ Meesh (Michele Moore), DJ Rodnoy, and DJ Thommy Davis, bringing classic and current house cuts all afternoon. Expect high energy, a packed room, and a crowd that treats the day party like the main event.
5 – 8 p.m.
OUT/spoken
Undercroft Theatre, Mt. Vernon Pl. United Methodist Church (lower level), 900 Massachusetts Ave, NW, WDC 20001-4308
African-American Collective Theater (ACT) returns with its latest theater festival of original LGBTQ+ short play readings in observance of DC Black Pride Weekend -- an annual spring tradition since 1992.
5 — 11 p.m.
The Block Is Hot Day Party [Wet Dreamz]
The Bullpen @ Nats Stadium, 1201 Half St SE, WDC 20003
10 p.m. — 4 a.m.
Daryl Wilson Sunday Night Super Party [Wet Dreamz]
The Park at 14th, 14th St NW, WDC 20005
Monday, May 25
Schedule is still being finalized. More events will be added. Times and details are subject to change.
5 p.m. — 2 a.m.
Motion Monday [QuenchFest]
Thurst Lounge, 2204 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
