Mayor Bowser to Host 38th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race

(Washington, DC) - On Tuesday, October 28, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs will join thousands at the 38th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race. DC residents and visitors are invited to take part in this beloved community tradition by cheering on costumed racers as they sprint down 17th Street NW in pride.

"After a successful World Pride, we are excited to host this very local event that really highlights the spirit and energy of DC," said Mayor Bowser. "We want people to come out to 17th Street, support each other, support the local businesses, and if you're racing, don't forget your heels!"

The 38th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race will kick off with music by DJ Alex Love beginning at 5 pm, followed by a live performance from local drag icon and host Cake Pop!. The evening will also feature performances by Pirouette, Ricky Rose, Bryce Brown, DC's Different Drummers, Cheer DC, Bang Garçon and Models Inc., Urban Couture, and 2024 Wammie Award winner Kyaira. Attendees can also take part in the annual costume contest, featuring categories including Best Costume, Best Heels, Most DC, and Most Pride.

The 17th Street High Heel Race first began on Halloween night in 1986 as a friendly wager between drag queens. Nearly four decades later, the event now attracts thousands of spectators and hundreds of racers each year, and has become a symbol of DC's vibrant LGBTQIA+ community and its many allies, celebrating both history and inclusion.

Earlier this year, WorldPride DC 2025 was a resounding success. Over 23 days, WorldPride generated $310 million in total economic impact, including $25 million in tax revenue for the District. With more than 300 partner events and approximately 1.2 million attendees, WorldPride and the annual High Heel Race exemplify DC's commitment and capacity to host world-class events.

"WorldPride was a major success for our community, movement and city and now we get to continue showcasing how DC does Pride every October at the High Heel Race," said Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs. "This is one of my favorite events of the year. Surrounded by thousands of community members and allies, I'm reminded of DC's unwavering commitment to being a welcoming city where LGBTQIA+ people are not just accepted, but celebrated."

For more information on the race and to register, visit tinyurl.com/2025HighHeelRace

When:
Tuesday, October 28
Festivities begin at 5 pm and race check-in begins at 7:30 pm
Mayor Bowser delivers remarks and kicks off the race at 9 am

Who:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs
Cake Pop!, Host, Entertainer
Alex Love, DJ, Entertainer

Where:
Starting Point: 17th Street and P Street NW
Stage: 17th Street and R Street NW
*Closest Metro Station: Dupont Circle Metro Station*
*Closest Bikeshare: 17th & P St NW *

Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to [email protected].

The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will provide a live feed of this event. To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN), or watch on Mayor Bowser's Facebook or X.

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Bluesky: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos
Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser