Despite the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle LGBTQ+ rights and diversity initiatives in the US, WorldPride has confirmed that they are determined to host their annual festival in Washington DC in June 2025 as planned. This week, organisers unveiled an incredible lineup of performers, including Kim Petras, Troye Sivan, Tinashe, and Jennifer Lopez.

The 2025 WorldPride Music Festival will take place on June 6 to 7 at the RFK Festival Grounds in Washington DC. Following the Opening Ceremony concert featuring Shakira on May 31, the two-day festival will feature 60 performances across three stages. Troye Sivan and Jennifer Lopez will headline the event with notable stars Kim Petras, Tinashe, Paris Hilton, Rita Ora, Tinashe, Zedd, Raye, Galantis, Purple Disco Machine and a Rupal DJ set to perform as well.

After she was announced as a headline act, Jennifer Lopez shared: “Pride began as a protest—a fight for love, equality, and visibility. I know how important it is to create a world where everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated for exactly who they are.”

She added: “This is bigger than music. It’s about standing together, lifting each other up, and showing the world the power of love. I can’t wait to share this unforgettable night with you all.”

 

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While some have expressed concerns about WorldPride going ahead in Washington DC amid the current political climate, organisers have pledged to host an epic festival in the capital city. They are looking forward to welcoming 3 million attendees with a variety of local performers, concerts, and cultural events, to create a global celebration of resilience for LGBTQ+ people across the world.

In recent weeks, a few notable corporate sponsors have withdrawn their support for LGBTQ+ initiatives citing DEI restrictions, but many longstanding sponsors have confirmed their plans to participate in WorldPride 2025. Almost all scheduled events are taking place on city or private property, so federal permits are not needed for those locations.

In a recent interview, Capital Pride Alliance executive director Ryan Bos told The Advocate: “One way or the other, WorldPride is happening, and it’s our responsibility to make sure that WorldPride meets the moment of this time.”

 

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Data from the Williams Institute at UCLA’s Law School shows that 14% of the adults in Washington DC identify as LGBTQ+, and Bos sees WorldPride as an opportunity to assert Washington DC as the “gayest city” in the country. He said: “This is a moment for us to reaffirm our place and remind the world that we will not be erased.”

In addition to the annual parade and celebratory performances, WorldPride 2025 will include a large-scale march and rally on Sunday, June 8, with tens of thousands of protestors expected to march through iconic downtown landmarks. The march will be a powerful protest, amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ people all over the world.

WorldPride also historically includes a human rights conference, with this year’s featuring LGBTQ+ advocates, activists, and human rights experts leading dynamic workshops to empower change.

 

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Every year, WorldPride promotes LGBTQ+ visibility through parades, marches, and street festivals. The largest WorldPride to date was held in New York City in 2019 during the 50th anniversary of The Stonewall Uprising, and 2025 promises to be an incredible event.

More details about the festival performances will be announced in upcoming weeks including special guest performances for the street festival and post-parade concert. Presale tickets are sold out, but anyone can join the waitlist to gain access to the next batch which will be released on Thursday, February 20. The general sale begins on Friday, February 21.