WorldPride 2025 is expected to draw 3 million visitors—2 million from beyond the capital region—for a global celebration of LGBTQ+ pride. First held in Rome in 2000, WorldPride has visited cities like Toronto, Madrid, and New York. Now it is Washington, D.C.’s turn, with parades, concerts, and rainbow-lit landmarks.
Just across the Potomac River, Alexandria, Virginia, invites visitors to enjoy historic charm and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Local restaurants, hotels, and shops will roll out the rainbow carpet, backed by the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force and Safe Space NOVA. Experience a welcoming, family-friendly city celebrating diversity, unity, and love. To cap things off, 60+ exhibitors, food trucks, a drag story hour, and more take place on Saturday, June 8 from 3:00 till 6:00 p.m. at the 8th annual Alexandria Pride fair held on Market Square (301 King Street).
Bevvies, babes!
All are always welcome at Port City Brewing Company, but on June 14, the space will transform from brewery to drag hall to host Priday Market & Drag Show. Founded in 2011 by Bill and Karen Butcher, Port City Brewing Company has become a beer staple in Northern Virginia and the metro D.C. area. The beer garden provides ample outdoor seating (and access to food partner, La Tingeria) and the interior is decked out with the brewery’s many awards, including gold and bronze medals from the 2024 Great American Beer Festival.
For bubbles, search out Bar Jo located on the third floor of Josephine Brasserie & Bar, a French-inspired eatery in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Ask the server at the front door how to gain access to this ultra-limited, and exquisitely intimate setting offering 10 effervescents by the glass, a rotating cocktail selection, and traditional absinthe service.
Fantastic food
Continuing the French theme, one of Old Town’s best breakfasts is served at Café du Soleil (with a second location coming soon). Going beyond serving hot and iced organic coffee drinks and grab-and-go pastries, this spot down by the river prepares crepes to order and all food items are made from scratch. Sandwiches, toasts, and quiche round out the menu.
The LGBTQ-owned Hank’s Oyster Bar proudly serves the city’s finest selection of shellfish, including a proprietary oyster—the Salty Wolfe. It is salty! Most of the oysters at Hank’s are sourced in Virginia. At the helm of this establishment is Jamie Leeds, who named the restaurant after her father and brings well-respected culinary expertise to Old Town.
Sensational shopping
Step into a world of romance at the LGBTQ-owned Friends to Lovers bookstore. Friends to Lovers is the first bookstore dedicated to romance in the D.C. metro area. Owner Jamie Fortin saw a need and decided to fill it by creating both a space for women and queer people to gather and talk books, but also stock what many conventional bookstores do not carry.
Shop Made in Virginia is a modern-day incubator for creativity. The goal is to enable ideas, promote products, and inspire people by making their art, handicrafts, and talent available in a neighborhood like Old Town. Everything from lavender popcorn to earthen jewelry is created by VA makers, several of whom identify as LGBTQ+.
Get zhooshed
Get starstruck at Salon Monte, the pride and joy of Monte Durham. Hot off the success displayed in “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta,” Monte has rooted his talents in Alexandria. His spot has quickly become a magnet for stylish brides, Washington elite, and the curious fan. Monty displays his affection for Jackie Kennedy Onassis and pride in the United States Military tucked into a cozy spot in Old Town. Men, women, and anyone in between, can get cut, colored, and styled by Monte himself or a member of his design team. Make appointments well in advance.
Stay and slay
Many Alexandria hotels will be offering WorldPride packages including access to guest-only events, pop-up bars, and special rates. Hotel Heron, a chic 134-room boutique hotel in Old Town, was once the circa-1926 George Mason Hotel. On point décor is bird themed, but not overbearing. The property features KILN, a Mid-Atlantic restaurant; Francis Hall, a jewel-toned cocktail bar; and Good Fortune, Alexandria’s only hotel rooftop bar with panoramic Potomac views. Hotel Heron’s “Allies of Alexandria” package is available May 1 through June 30, 2025, and guests receive late check-out, Pride-themed swag, and a custom cocktail at Good Fortune—proceeds support the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association of Alexandria.