🪩 Choose your own DC Pride adventure

My Big D.C. Obsession

Once a week, I'll dive into the latest trends in D.C. food and culture, plus whatever's catching my attention online.

How To Pride

It’s feral, it’s sweaty, it’s beautiful, it’s my favorite weekend of the year. It’s Pride!

The Capital Pride Alliance may have pushed this year’s Pride celebrations back because of the UFC fight, but the city shows no signs of slowing down.

This year’s grand marshals, David Archuleta (who apparently is hot now?) and Monroe Alise, will kick off official Pride celebrations on Saturday and preside over the weekend's biggest events, including the 17th Street Pride Block Party, Capital Pride Parade and Capital Pride Festival.

If you’re looking for something different this year, I rounded up D.C.’s best unofficial Pride events for every type of Washingtonian — from carabiner-clutching sapphics to Speedo-clad ravers. Plus, I threw in a few tried and true Pride tips, like don’t wear a mesh tank and no sunblock (the next day is not pretty), where to fill up your water bottle, and critically, where to pee on the parade route.

It’s a great day to live in the gayest city in the world! Stay safe, stay hydrated, and let’s go make out a little.

On My Radar

My singular and opinionated observations of D.C. life, from restaurant openings and viral trends to that one cool bug I saw.

Seeking Buried Treasure Under the Lincoln Memorial

You know that scene in National Treasure where Nicholas Cage walks into the treasure vault under the church, glowing torch in hand? That’s what entering the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft feels like. Except that instead of gold and jewels you get to see the Emancipation Proclamation and archival graffiti that looks like it was done by a cursed toddler.

Located directly beneath the memorial, the Undercroft is D.C.’s newest addition to the National Mall. Inside, 122 concrete pillars entomb the dark chamber, which was built over 100 years ago to stabilize the marshland. Now, it’s opening to the public for the first time just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.

The $69 million space has been built out as a museum with interactive displays that explore President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and the stories of the local workers who brought the monument to life — very meta.

“ [It’s] the only space on the Mall that is a salute to the people that built the Mall,” Kevin Griess, the Superintendent of the National Mall, told me. “I hope people come here and, for a moment in their mind, take themselves back to that place and stand in those shoes and appreciate what it takes.”

Personally, I am just excited to have a place to escape the heat on that side of the Mall…even if it’s definitely haunted.

The museum opens officially on June 25. Tickets are free and can be reserved in advance or gotten on the same day at the Korean War Veterans Memorial kiosk. But they are going fast. Griess says about 60,000 have already been reserved.

DC, Honestly

Every week, I’ll answer a reader question on how to navigate D.C.’s food and events scene. What do you want to know? Fill out this form to get it answered!

I am SO glad you asked! First off, check out Spark Social, originally a booze-free queer bar, their mocktail selection is top-tier and events remain sober-friendly. They have a Sapphic Pride Day Party on June 27. Similarly, Binge Bar — an alcohol-free bar on H Street — is having a Pride burlesque show called Glitter on the Rocks on June 26.

For something larger, Fête de la Musique is a family-friendly outdoor music festival being held at the French Embassy on June 20.

Finally, there are endless cultural Pride events. There’s the Pride on Screen Film Festival at AFI Silver Theatre, the Pride and Belonging in African Art exhibit at the National Museum of African Art, and a queer fashion show at Transmission on H St.

Can’t Miss Events This Weekend

My top picks for events in the District this weekend. Become a member to get our full event guide in your inbox every Monday.

🎵 Home Rule Music Festival at The Parks at Walter Reed

Saturday, June 20 | Takoma | Free

Since launching in 2021, this local music fest is always one of the highlights of my year. Legends like Chuck Brown Band and Trouble Funk are performing, there’s local food, vendors, interactive art, and a vinyl fair.

🧀 Kara's Cheesemonger Invitational Trials at Henceforth

Thursday, June 18 | H Street NW | $70

If I had known being a cheesemonger was a career option, you wouldn’t be reading this. Help local Kara McGrath prep for the Cheesemonger Invitational in NYC by testing her pairings.

☀️Solstice Celebration at the Smithsonian

Thursday, June 18 - Sunday, June 21 | National Mall | Free

“Night at the Museum" nerds, this is your chance. The Smithsonian museums are open late for the Solstice this weekend with lots of programming (including a crazy DJ set at the African Art Museum). Who knows what magic may occur.

🌱 Juneteenth Foraging Workshop at Rhizome

Friday, June 19 | Takoma | $35

Learn to identify and work with local plants like pawpaws, mulberries, and black walnut at this Rhizome workshop. Try samples and recipes and learn about their indigenous histories.

🥳 Juneteenth Celebration at the Anacostia Community Museum

Friday, June 19 | Anacostia | Free

With Pride and Juneteenth falling on the same weekend, it's not getting nearly enough love. Fix that by showing up to this neighborhood block party with local bands, food trucks, pickling workshops, and a late-night roller skate.