Thursday, May 21 – Saturday, May 24
Capitol Ballroom Council Community Summit
The Westin DC Downtown
ASL interpreters will be available.
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:
- A 2 Zee Events and Party with Honey: Bliss Pride 2026 (Women)
- Daryl Wilson Promotions, LLC: Wet Dreamz (Men)
- Positive Effects: G-SPOT The Ultimate Day Party (All)
- The Official Big Boy Pride: The Big Boy Convergence (Men)
- Thurst Lounge: Thurstnik (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. & 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.
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. (LSS 9:45 p.m. Sharp)
10th Annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball
The Westin DC Downtown
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
Capitol Ballroom Council Community Summit
The Westin DC Downtown
ASL interpreters will be available.
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.
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.
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
Capitol Ballroom Council Community Summit
The Westin DC Downtown
ASL interpreters will be available.
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.
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.
6 – 9 p.m. (Onsite sign up begins 5:30 p.m.)
DC Black Pride Mary Bowman Poetry Slam and Open Mic
The Westin DC Downtown
The Slam provides a safe and inclusive space for Black queer artists to express their identities, challenge societal norms, and celebrate their intersectional experiences.
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.)
Brunch & Babes: The 5th Annual DC Black Pride Iconic Drag Brunch
TBA
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.
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.
Monday, May 25
Schedule is still being finalized. More events will be added. Times and details are subject to change.
