Schedule

Only official DC Black Pride events are listed on this page. If an event is not listed, it is not an officially sanctioned DCBP event. The majority of the events will occur in the host hotel, the Grand Hyatt Washington. All events being held in the host hotel as well as the Cultural Arts/Health and Wellness Festival are free. Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25 are the official DCBP event dates. There are some special pre- and post-DCBP events. Events and times are subject to change.

Special Room Names

In celebrating 25 years of DC Black Pride, we will pay homage to those who played major roles in the Black LGBT movement. Rooms in the host hotel will be renamed in honor of these trailblazers during workshops held on Saturday, May 23.

    Wanda Alston Room - Independence Level, Ballroom C & B
    Earline Budd Room - Independence Level, Ballroom E & D
    Welmore Cook Room- Independence Level, Ballroom G & F
    Bayard Rustin Room - Independence Level, Ballroom I & H

Social Events and Parties

Social events and parties are a very important part of DCBP. DCBP has partnered with several organizations to provide various social events and parties. The social events are planned and managed by the organization listed. If a event, social event or party is not listed on this page, it is not an official DC Black Pride event.

Female Parties - Unleashed DC 2015

A 2 Zee Events, Mad Max Media, MIMSOL Entertainment, Onyx Entertainment and TMS Entertainment, five of the most dynamic, trendsetting, fun and eclectic group of Lesbian promoters in the DC, MD and VA metro area, have teamed up as the official party promoters for female parties — Unleashed DC.

Weekend and indicvidual party passes are available. To purchase your party pass, visit Unleashed DC.

Male Parties - Wet Dreamz 2015

Omega Entertainment and Daryl Wilson Promotions have teamed up as the official party promoters for male parties — Wet Dreamz 2015.


  Thursday, May 21
     
7 p.m. – midnight   Welcome to DC “Unleashed” Rooftop Happy HourWelcome to DC “Unleashed” Rooftop Happy Hour
Midtown, 1219 Connecticut Ave NW, WDC 20036
Free before 8 p.m. | $5 after

Hookah available.

Music by DC’s own DJ MIM
 
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.   Genesis VIGenesis VI
Stonefish Lounge, 1708 L St NW, WDC 20036

Music by DJ Sedrick. Included for pass holders
  Friday, May 22
     
Noon – 9 p.m.   Pride Concierge Desk Open
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level Foyer
 
Noon – 1 a.m.   Game Room Open
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level
 
4 – 9 p.m.   The Wam Up Happy HourThe Warm Up Happy Hour
The Bachelors Mill, 1104 8th St SE, WDC 20003

Main pass distribution event.

Two drinks, free food and free admission included for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders.
 
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.   Opening Reception
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level, Ballroom IHGF
 
8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
(Check in begins
7:30 p.m.)
  LGBTQ Speed Dating/Networking
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level, Ballroom BCD

Hosted by Rainbow Connects

Speed Dating
 
9 p.m. – 4 a.m.   Annual 5000 Men Pride Mega PartyAnnual 5000 Men Pride Mega Party
Bliss Washington DC, 2122 24th Pl NE, WDC 20018

Featuring rising R&B star Mila J performing live.

4 floors, 4 DJs and dancers galore.

Free admission included for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders.

Bottle service available
.
 
10 p.m. – 3 a.m.   Pride CodePride Code
Vita Lounge, 1318 9th St NW, WDC 20001
$10 in advance | $15 at the door

World renowned iconic NYC's own DJ Jazzy Joyce on the 1s and 2s

Advanced tickets and tables can be purchased at UnleashedDCFriday.eventbee.com

  Saturday, May 23
     
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.   Pride Concierge Desk Open
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level Foyer
 
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Workshops Session One
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level

Before You Know It: Creating New Strategies to Live a Fuller Life
| Bayard Rustin Room (Ballroom I & H)
Moderator: Dr. Imani Woody, SAGE Metro DC
Panelists: Mr. Cedric Burgess, Mary's House, Mr. Wes Morrison, AARP DC, Michelle Lanchester, Esquire, Lanchester Law Firm

Can We Do It Standing Up First? | Wanda Alston Room (Ballroom C & B )
Presenter: Angie Harvey, Growth Advisor

MANDATE: WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? | Welmore Cook Room (Ballroom G & F)
Moderator: Ken J. Pettigrew and Terrance Payton

New York Life Blueprint to Financial Sucesss Workshop | Franklin Square
Presenter: Katiana Jolimeau, New York Life

The New Civil Rights and the Role of Gender in the #BlackLivesMatter Movement | Earline Budd Room (Ballroom E & D)
Presenter: Black Youth Project 100 (BYP 100)

Complete Workshop Descriptions

 
Noon – 1 a.m.   Game Room Open
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level
 
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.   Writers Forum
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level, Lafayette/Farragut Square

The Writers

1 - 2:30 p.m.   Transgender Community Town Hall - "Is This Our Time?"
Grand Hyatt Washington, Earline Budd Room

Moderator: Earline Budd

With same-sex marriage becoming a reality and with LGBT visibility at an all-time high, particularly transgender visibility has peaked even more than ever with the recent coming out of several stars in the mainstream media, many advocates are acknowledging the need to be more inclusive of transgender issues. In addition, many transgender people, especially people of color, are organizing to combat the transphobia which has led to violence and an epidemic number of unsolved murders of transgender individuals. What are some of the major issues that transgender people face, how can LGB and POC advocates and other allies support the emerging transgender leadership and movement? What are the strengths of the transgender community and how can we use these strengths to build solidarity with other communities?
1 – 2:30 p.m.   Workshops Session Two
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level

A Sharing in the Spirit – What is spirituality? | Franklin Square
Presenter: Rev. José M. Román

Another Closet?: Living Openly with HIV | McPhearson Square
Moderator: Aron Cobbs, Community Educator, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund

DENIM Presents ILLUMENATIONS A nation of Illuminated men! | Ballroom H
Presenters: Travis Wise, Maurice Eckstein and Marko Covington

MJ Harris Presents Maximizing Your Financial Future | Ballroom F
Presenter: Malcolm “MJ” Harris

PrEP | Ballroom G
Presenters: Robert E Graham IV and Jamal Redman, Us Helping Us, People into Living Inc.

Complete Workshop Descriptions

 
3 – 7 p.m.   Film Festival
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level, Ballroom A

Join the Smithsonian Latino Center and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) for the Black Pride Film Festival. From independent films to groundbreaking documentaries, the festival features:

BAIT 3 - 4 p.m. (including 10 minute Q & A)
BAIT (2014) directed by Lee Hayes
   
Finding Me: The Series 4 - 5 p.m.
Finding Me: The Series (2015)
directed by Roger S. Omeus, Jr.
   
Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People (2014) 5 – 7 p.m. (including Q & A)
Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People (2014) directed by Thomas Allen Harris

NMAAHC photography curator Aaron Bryant will introduce the documentary Through a Lens Darkly and facilitate an audience Q&A.

Complete Film Descritions

3 – 7 p.m.   Old School Music Dance Party
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St SW, WDC 20024
Admission: $35 in advance and $40 at the door (if available)

Presented by Mary’s House for Older Adults

Old School Music Dance Party
This multigenerational event will feature great soul food, drinks, door prizes and music for all ages. The Celebration of Life Award will be presented to Alan M. Dinsmore. Dinsmore has worked tirelessly in the field of aging for more than 40 years.

All ticket and cash bar sales will benefit the building fund of Mary’s House for Older Adults, Inc., a first-of-its-kind LGBT-friendly affordable residence for older adults in Washington.

Tickets can be purchased online at maryshousedc.org/party-with-a-purpose.html or by calling: 240-432-5996 or 202-277-2498.
 
3 – 9 p.m.   Day BreakDay Break All White Party
Bliss DC, 2122 24th Pl NE, WDC 20018
$20 in advance | $25 advance VIP | more at the door

Special surprise celebrity host Dej Loaf and the East Coast's Best DJs

Advanced tickets, VIP and tables can be purchased at blissdayprideparty.eventbee.com

 
3 – 9 p.m.   The Chill Out Ultimate Day PartyThe Chill Out Ultimate Day Party
The Park at Fourteenth, 920 14th St NW, WDC 20005

Free food and admission for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders

4 floors and a patio, 5 DJs.

Food & drink specials all day,

Metro to Mcpherson Square recommended as ideal transportation.
 
3 – 10 p.m.   Sexiest Day Party in DC “Candyland”Sexiest Day Party in DC “Candyland”
Stadium Club, 2127 Queens Chapel Rd NE, WDC 20018
$12 in advance | $15 at the door

Advanced tickets, VIP and tables can be purchased at dcdaycandy.eventbee.com
7 – 9 p.m.   Poetry Slam hosted by ButtaFlySoul
Grand Hyatt Washington, Constitution Level, Ballrooms CDE

ButtaflySoulThis year we look forward to brothas and sistahs bringing their best poetry and spoken word to the mic. 15 poets, 2 rounds, 3 cash prizes. Slam is made for the people: the audience relates to their stories, responds to their experiences, and is moved by the movement of words, voices, and their embodiment on stage. Hosted by the ButtaflySoul, come celebrate Black Pride through the words that become flesh, that celebrate our past, present, and future, and that highlight the fierce creativity and talent of the Black LGBTQ community worldwide.

How it will work: Sign-ups for the Slam will begin promptly at 6 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt. In the interest of time, there will be only 15 spots available for the 1st round of poetry. After the host opens the mic, a professional sacrificial poet sets the tone for Slam judging and the Slam will begin. Performances should be no longer than 4 minutes (a minute longer than the three minutes given as standard). Going over time will result in one point being taken from the total. A diverse set of five audience members will be chosen to judge, which will also be guided by audience reaction. After the first round, the five poets with the highest scores will move on to a second round.

 
9 p.m. – 4 a.m.   The Encore Mega Party The Encore Mega Party
Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE, WDC 20018

Hosted by Vivica Fox and featuring an electrifying live performance By Big Freedia The Queen Diva.

Free admission for for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders

3 DJs

Über recommended as ideal transportation
 
11 p.m. – 3 a.m.   Mega Women’s Event Pride “Empire”Mega Women’s Event Pride “Empire”
Howard Theater, 620 T St, NW, WDC 20001
$15 advance general admission; $30 advance VIP; $20 door general, $40 door VIP

Music by DC’s DJ MIM and TBA Special Guest DJ.

Advanced tickets and tables can be purchased at UnleashedDCSaturday.eventbee.com
 
3 – 7:30 a.m.   Insomniac Mega After-Party
Da Luft Restaurant & Lounge, 1242 H St NE, WDC 20002

Presented by Omega Entertainment and Daryl Wilson Promotions

Free admission for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders.

Keep the party going ’til the sun comes up. Great music, great food & refreshments.

All flavors hookah.
  Sunday, May 24
     
9 – 11 a.m.   Interfaith Service
Grand Hyatt Washington, Independence Level, Ballroom BCD

Join local affirming churches as we praise, pray, sing and give a message of celebrating our Black Pride through our faiths.
 
noon – 6 p.m.   Cultural Arts & Wellness Festival
Francis-Stevens Educational Campus, 2425 N St NW (near DuPont Circle), WDC 20037 (outside)

Hosted by ButtaFlySoul and Rayceen Pendarvis

List of Entertainers
 
7 p.m. – midnight
(showtime: 8 p.m.)
  Rock Hard Sundays at The House (for the fellas)
The House, 3530 Georgia Ave NW, WDC 20010 
Cover: $15 (split with DCBP)

Rock Hard Sundays
Rock Hard Sundays
is a new all nude, all gay male entertainment experience in DC brought to you by former D.C. Council member, Jim Graham.

Happy hour drink specials from 7 - 8 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m.

For VIP tables call 202-487-6646.

Cover will be split with DCBP to further support the Black Pride Movement.
 
3 – 9 p.m.   The Finale Day PartyThe Finale Day Party
Capitale, 1301 K Street NW, WDC 20005
$10 entry all day

Music by DJ KIDD SWAG and DJ L STACKZ

Tickets can be purchased at unleasheddcsunday.eventbee.com
 
3 – 10 p.m.   Epic Mega Day PartyEpic Mega Day Party
Washington Convention Center Main Ballroom, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, WDC 20001

Featuring K Michelle performing live and the Annual DASOUL Underwear Fashion Show. Showtime 8 p.m.

Free admission and food for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders.

3 DJs, 15 bars, dancers galore



Metro green & yellow lines to Mount Vernon Square recommended as ideal transportation
 
10 p.m. – 5 a.m.   Men N Demand Mega PartyMen N Demand Mega Party
The Park at Fourteenth, 920 14th St NW, WDC 20005

4 floors and a patio, 4 DJs.

Uber or Metro to Mcpherson Square recommended as ideal transportation.
  Monday, May 25
 
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.   Annual Us Helping Us Picnic at the Park (Free and Open to All)
Fort Dupont Park, 3600 Minnesota Ave SE, WDC 20019

Free food and refreshments for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders under Omega Entertainment and Daryl Wilson Promotions tent.
 
7 p.m.
(doors open at 6 p.m.)
  "MIGHTY REAL: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical"
Howard Theater, 620 T St, NW, WDC 20001
Tickets: $69.50 - $89.50. Limited VIP Tickets Available

Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical
"MIGHTY REAL" tells the life story of Sylvester through HIS music HIS way. Beyond all the trials, tribulations, glitz and glamor of his lifestyle, he was a symbol for being FABULOUS and unapologetically who he was through any adversity. This show takes you on a journey from his humble beginnings in L.A., his experiences with Two Tons ‘o Fun (The Weather Girls) and his love life all using his musical catalogue.

Purchase Tickets
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.   Last Call, The Grand Finale Last Call, The Grand Finale
Stadium Club, 2127 Queens Chapel Rd NE, WDC 20018

Free admission for Wet Dreamz 2015 pass holders.

Über and carpooling recommended as ideal transportation
  Saturday, May 30
 
7 p.m.
(doors open at 6 p.m.)
  "Sensuality II"
Howard Theater, 620 T St, NW, WDC 20001
Tickets $45 - $60. VIP Tickets Available

Sensuality II
Clouds In My Coffee is back for 2015 with SENSUALITY II, the story of two women in love traveling to Mary's House DC*. The couple have exciting stops along the way - Shi-Queeta Lee's Drag Emporium and Chocolate City Burlesque Palace among others. The love story continues...

*The show is a fundraiser for Mary's House DC, a LGBT senior living facility, scheduled to open in DC in the near future.

Purchase Tickets
 
 
 
 
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