Event Dates
From: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
To: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
High Heel Drag Queen Race
Washington 2025
The DC High Heel Drag Queen Race is an annual event that is held each year on the Tuesday before Halloween.
High Heel Drag Queen Race 2025 Washington DC
The DC High Heel Drag Queen Race is an annual event that is held each year on the Tuesday before Halloween.
- Visiting D.C? Stay steps from the event on DuPont Circle. Stay at the Lyle DC, rated Superb with delicious breakfast options and spacious rooms.
The Race
Thousands of spectators flock to Dupont Circle to watch costumed drag queens show off their elaborate outfits and race down 17th Street.
- Next Edition: Tuesday 28th October, 2025
- Event Opens 5 p.m. Race Time: Begins at 9:00 p.m.
- This race began over 30 years ago, The origins of the high heel race can be traced back to when two men decided to race each other, in drag, from one bar to another.
- At the DC Drag Queen Race dozens of local residents dress in drag and show off their elaborate outfits.
- The event is a favorite of the Washington LGBT community but also brings a large crowd from around the region to enjoy an evening of Halloween fun.
- Entrance is free – Reserve your ticket in advance.
The Schedule
- 5:00 pm | 17th Street NW opens to pedestrians, costumed racers and spectators (S Street – P Street Along 17th Street)
- 7:00 pm | High Heel Racer Registration opens (R Street NW)
- 7:45 pm | Parade line-up (Church Street NW)
- 8:00 pm | Join Mayor Bowser in Parade
- 8:55 pm | High Heel Race Lineup (R Street NW)
- 9:00 pm | Mayor Muriel Bowser starts the Annual 17th Street High Heel Race
- 9:15 pm | Award designation and After Show @JR’s (Church Street NW)
17th Street D.C.
- 17th Street is the gay epicentre of D.C. in the Dupont Circle neighbourhood of Washington, D.C., just a few minutes walk from Dupont Circle Metro stop. The neighbourhood also has several gay long time favourites, including:
- Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse – a local favourite for over 60 years, famous gay Upstairs Lounge and busy weekend brunch.
- DIK Bar – Simple but delicious Italian dishes are served in this eatery with a patio & bar hosting regular karaoke nights.
- Floriana Restaurant – Intimate white-tablecloth bistro and home to cosy gay-popular Dito’s basement bar.
- J.R.’s Bar and Grill – Gay watering hole with a patio popular for happy hours, show tunes and videos. A must visit when in D.C.
Recommended Hotels in Washington D.C.
The following D.C. Hotels are close to the bars and clubs along Dupont Circle and a short ride/walk to the High Heel Race:
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High Heel Drag Queen Race Facebook
Gay Map of Washington DC
The gay bars in Washington are a little spread out most are within walking distance from Dupont Circle and U Street Metro stations, so we have chosen Hotels close Dupont Circle Metro gay bars as they have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Viceroy Washington DC offers pet-friendly accommodation in Washington, 4 minutes' walk from Logan Circle. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Private parking is available on site.
Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom where you will find bath robes, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Select rooms offer a seating area. In-room spa services and a yoga mat are also available for guests.
2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
This Washington, D.C. hotel is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from and boasts an on-site restaurant and bar. The White House is 1.6 km away.
Each modern room at the Royal Sonesta Washington DC features a flat-screen TV and plush bedding. Select rooms offer a deep soaking spa bath or a piece of fitness equipment. In-room massage and spa services are available.
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
This hotel is located at the top of just minutes from the historical landmarks of , D.C. The is 120 m away
The rooms at The Dupont Circle Hotel are furnished with large windows and marble bathrooms. Modern amenities include an iPod docking station, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Designer bathrobes are also offered.
1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Located 12 minutes’ walk from the , this Washington, D.C. hotel boasts in-room spa services and an on-site restaurant. Dupont Circle is 8 minutes’ walk away.
Decorated with bright red accents, the modern rooms at Kimpton Banneker Hotel feature a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, and a work desk. An en suite bathroom and a minibar are also included.
639 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Go-to gay bar for otter, bear, wolf etc.
● Insanely popular Beer Blast from 4-8pm on Sundays in spring and
summer.
● Friendly vibe with a diverse crowd.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
2014 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Friendly gay bar with regular drag shows
● Growing in popularity with high-energy weekend drag shows.
● Huge crowds for Sunday Funday
Fri-Sun 5pm-3am
1100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
● Upscale venue with excellent cocktails like espresso martinis and
Hendricks Negronis.
● Offers Jennifer Coolidge’s "holiday pour" as a wine upgrade.
● Famous for its selfie-worthy bathroom.
● Huge, pet-friendly outdoor patio.
Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am
1435 P Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005
● Great for day drinking on their outdoor patio or during happy hour.
● Upscale video bar with two levels of seating.
● Entertainment includes drag performances and RuPaul's Drag Race
watch parties.
Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am
1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
● Popular bar, dance club, and performance venue.
● Huge outdoor patio in the back for socializing, including a small
smoking area.
● Unpretentious vibe; great spot to meet people.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
915 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
● Features at least 4 bars spread across two levels with plenty of outdoor
space.
● Social and lively crowd ready to party.
● Upstairs dance floor with a cage that gets wild as the night progresses.
Mon-Sun 5pm-3am
913 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
● Rooftop is a great place to relax and socialize with friends.
● Homage to pop princess Britney Spears in the back staircase.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
● Known for excellent cocktails and gay-friendly atmosphere.
● Recently won No. 33 on the list of 50 best bars in North America.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
Washington, DC 200011940 9th Street Northwest
● Hosts gay events that draw hundreds of sexy, sweaty, shirtless men.
● Popular for its wild dance parties and underground vibe.
● Hosts the well-loved Peach Pit ‘90s dance party monthly.
● Mostly indie bands, healthy mix of LGBTQ+ patrons.
Mon-Sun 5pm-3am
2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
● Underground gay nightclub known for its wild parties.
● Famous for their underwear parties.
● Enter through a massive custom stonework steel door.
● Colorful murals, glittering chandeliers, and a kinky “fallout shelter”
pantry.
Fri-Sat 10pm-4am
2004 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
● Popular with locals and the drag community.
● Features a specialty cocktail named after the current winner of the Miss
Adam's Morgan Pageant.
Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun 10am-2am
2317 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
● Gay sports bar with a lively atmosphere.
● Beers, billiards, foosball.
Mon-Sun 12pm-3am / 4pm-2am
1520 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
● A queer café and cocktail bar, perfect for a chill evening or date night.
● Above Big Planet Comics, closes at 11 PM.
Mon-Sun 4pm-11pm
1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
● Premier spot for gay karaoke and bottomless mimosas.
● Drunken karaoke nights and Sunday brunch.
Mon-Sun 11am-2am
209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
● DC’s only fully LGBTQ+ owned brewery hosting drag bingo.
● Drag queen Desiree Dik hosts and performs twice per night.
209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
1836 18th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
● A cute neighborhood joint for lively conversation.
● Reliable cornerstone in DC’s gayborhood.
Mon-Sun 3pm-1am
1335 Green Court Northwest Washington, DC 20005
● A decades-old dive located in an alley off Thomas Circle.
● Fun happy hour specials and Thursday shirtless/underwear nights.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
● This gay bar tends to attract regulars who gather around the cozy downstairs bar. ● Yes, there is a real fireplace. Perhaps the most unassuming bar in D.C., and certainly among the most consistently fun
Mon to thur 1pm till 2am, fri to sun 1pm till 3am
U St Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
● Games on TV, drag events (bingo & brunch), ● poker nights & karaoke draw patrons to this casual Gay Bar
Tue to Fri from 5pm, Sat & Sun from 12pm
2319 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Lively, easygoing lesbian sports bar with a dance floor & event nights.
Open Thursday to Sunday
1519 17th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20036
● Originally opened in 1986, JR’s Bar has served DC’s LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years right in the heart of Dupont.
Open seven days a week
Recommended Hotels in Washington DC
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Washington DC that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Viceroy Washington
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Luxury, In-room Spa Services
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, luxury amenities
- Boasts luxury rooms with spa services, yoga mats, a 24-hour front desk, and fitness center for a premium stay.
AKA White House
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Central Location
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Marble baths, luxury linens
- Centrally located with fully-equipped kitchens, marble baths, luxury linens, 24-hour front desk, and exceptional service.
The Dupont Circle Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Near Metro Station
- Close to the gay district
- Large windows, marble bathrooms
- Offers elegantly furnished rooms with large windows, marble bathrooms, modern amenities, and proximity to Dupont Circle Metro.
Kimpton Banneker
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Vibrant Atmosphere
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, modern decor
- Modern rooms with vibrant decor, a sleek bar, breakfast and dinner options, plus morning coffee and tea service.
Video Of DC High Heel Drag Queen Race
Highlights from the 17th Street High Heel Race Washington D.C.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Washington
Washington, D.C. has a thriving LGBTQ+ community that plays a significant role in the city’s cultural, social, and political life. D.C. hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Capital Pride Festival and Parade, typically held in June, is one of the city’s most significant gay celebrations, featuring a parade, concerts, and other festivities.
Dupont Circle | Close to the city centre
Photo: Dupont Circle is home to some of Washington’s most popular gay bars
- Dupont Circle has long been considered the heart of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community.
- It is home to numerous LGBTQ+-friendly bars, restaurants, and businesses.
- The Dupont Circle Fountain, located in the center of the neighborhood, is a popular gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Many of the bars and clubs host special events during the annual Capital Pride Festival in late May.
Logan Circle
Adjacent to Dupont Circle, Logan Circle has also become a popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood. It offers a mix of bars, restaurants, & cultural attractions.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is known for its diverse & inclusive atmosphere. It has a mix of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, restaurants, & shops. it hosts LGBTQ+ events throughout the year.
U Street Corridor
The U Street Corridor is known for its historic ties to the LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant nightlife scene. With several LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the most popular and well-known shopping districts in D.C. The main shopping streets, M Street & Wisconsin Avenue, are lined with shops & boutiques.
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