Pop princess Kim Petras is officially in her “main character at the rave” era. The Grammy winner caused a frenzy online after debuting a snippet of her unreleased song “Freak It” at the Balenciaga Couture after-party in Paris, and the internet is already begging for the full version.
Hosted in the intimate salon on Avenue George V, the celebration marked a symbolic final bow for designer Demna’s tenure at Balenciaga. Naturally, the guest list was stacked: Naomi Campbell and Margo XS hit the decks, and The Cobrasnake was on hand to document the haze of fashion, sweat, and cigarette smoke. But it was Kim who stole the spotlight, not with a runway walk, but with a surprise banger that had the crowd, and fans online, going feral.
Photo: The Cobrasnake/Nylon Magazine
Welcome to the Freak Show
While spinning tracks and working the mic, Kim dropped an exclusive preview of “Freak It,” a sultry, bass-heavy cut that hints at a return to the unapologetic, body-moving sound that helped make her a queer icon. The snippet doesn’t give away much lyrically, but the thumping beat, distorted synths, and provocative energy had the party crowd visibly shook, and phones flying up to capture the moment.
Kim Petras teases new song “Freak It” at the Balenciaga Couture after party in Paris. pic.twitter.com/y8DxAQMHD3
In true Petras fashion, it was sexy, chaotic, and totally euphoric. The kind of song you hear once and already picture on the setlist of a sweaty Pride performance or blasting from a Fire Island cabana.
Fans React: “We Need It Yesterday”
After clips of “Freak It” began circulating on social media, fans wasted no time sounding off:
“I need it! Song of the summer!!” one user tweeted. “Release Freak It before I lose my mind,” wrote another, alongside a clip from the party. “Between ‘Polo’ and this? She’s cooking!!” commented a fan on TikTok.
Many noted that the new snippet, combined with her just-released single “Polo,” signals a bold new chapter for Petras, one defined by cheeky club bangers, glitchy pop production, and full-throttle queer energy.
The “Polo” Era Is Just Getting Started
“Polo,” Petras’ most recent single, dropped ahead of her latest Pride performances and served as a sonic reset for the artist. “It makes me feel cute and like a bitch!” she said, explaining the track’s playful but confident energy. Created alongside collaborators Margo XS, Nightfeelings, and atlgrandma, the song is layered with distorted synths and a flirty hook that begs to be danced to.
If this Balenciaga after-party moment was any indication, the new era of Kim Petras is hot, unfiltered, and built for the club. We’re more than ready to freak out.
Frankie Grande is officially in his pop era, again, and he’s bringing the heat just in time for Pride month. The multi-hyphenate entertainer (seriously, is there anything he can’t do?) just released a high-energy remix of his latest single “Boys” courtesy of German hitmaker and DJ Felix Jaehn. The remix dropped via Casablanca Records and is already primed to become the dancefloor anthem of the summer.
Let the remix play, and let the glitter fly.
Turning Up the Heat with Felix Jaehn
The original “Boys” had already made waves in queer music circles, with Billboard naming it one of the “Queer Jams of the Week.” But Felix Jaehn’s remix takes things even higher, think main stage at midnight energy with house-infused beats designed to get bodies moving.
This isn’t Jaehn’s first rodeo. Known for multiplatinum smashes like his remix of OMI’s “Cheerleader,” Jaehn brings a polished but playful vibe to the track that perfectly matches Grande’s glitter-pop aesthetic.
‘Hotel Rock Bottom’ Is Almost Here
If the remix weren’t enough to send fans into a sequined spiral, Frankie also revealed the full tracklist for his debut album Hotel Rock Bottom, set to arrive on June 27. The album includes 15 tracks with titles that range from cheeky (“Sex Shop”) to introspective (“Cognitive Dissonance”) to full diva (“Glitter Jesus”).
Here’s what to expect on Hotel Rock Bottom:
Rhythm of Love
Messy
Sex Shop
Hotter Than Hell
Let Me Live
Hotel Rock Bottom
Cognitive Dissonance
Boys
I Feel Like I’m Billy Idol
Glitter Jesus
My Guy
Revive
Oasis
Music or The Noise
2U
Let’s be honest: with a title like Hotel Rock Bottom, we’re checking in for the drama, the bops, and the inevitable emotional breakdown followed by a dance break.
Grande has also been making the rounds this Pride season. He took the stage at OUTLOUD Music Festival in West Hollywood and will be appearing at the Boston edition of OUTLOUD on June 21, sharing the spotlight with Kim Petras, Trixie Mattel, and other queer icons. Then, he’ll wrap up the month at Seattle’s Queer Pride celebration on June 29, performing alongside The Knocks and Dragonette.
It’s a glitter-packed Pride season for Frankie, and Hotel Rock Bottom might just be the keycard to his next big pop chapter.
Under the radiant lights of the RFK Festival Grounds, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ music festival roared to life this past weekend, delivering an unforgettable celebration of queer culture, music, and unapologetic pride. As part of the official WorldPride DC 2025 festivities, the WorldPride Music Festival united tens of thousands of fans from across the globe for two days of high-voltage performances, heartfelt messages of solidarity, and a powerful sense of community. Leading the charge was global iconJennifer Lopez, who turned her headline set into a poignant tribute to love, identity, and freedom.
Lopez’s performance on Friday night wasn’t just a star-studded spectacle—it was the heartbeat of a weekend defined by unity and resistance. “We are singing and dancing right here on their front lawn, misbehaving. Yes we are,” she told a roaring crowd, just miles from the White House, during a climactic cover of George Michael’s songFreedom ’90. The performance, backed by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., swelled into a full-blown anthem of resilience, echoing through the night as a call to embrace joy and authenticity in the face of rising political tension.
Rita Ora for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival
The singer’s set, filled with career-spanning hits like “Let’s Get Loud,” “On The Floor,” and “Waiting for Tonight,” reached new emotional heights as rainbow lights washed over the crowd during Freedom, turning the festival grounds into a sea of unity and celebration. The moment wasn’t lost on Lopez, who has long been an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Betty Who for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival
“Over the years, your love and your support have been a source of strength for me,” Lopez said, pausing between songs. “And today, I am here to celebrate you. I’m so happy to be able to be here to celebrate community, diversity, love, and freedom.”
Paris Hilton for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival
The electrifying evening also featured the world premiere of her new single, Save Me Tonight, a collaboration with David Guetta, which she performed live for the first time. As a special bonus for fans, Lopez offered an exclusive sneak peek of her upcoming film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, set for release in October, teasing the multidimensional impact of her ongoing creative journey.
Jennifer Lopez for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival
On Saturday, Sivan closed the festival with an emotional, magnetic set that included hits like “Rush,” “My My My!,” and “Bloom.” His performance, much like Lopez’s, doubled as a thank-you to the LGBTQ+ fans who have been with him from the start. “This community has given me everything,” he told the crowd, voice trembling as thousands sang along.
Renee Rapp for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival
Kim Petras brought high-octane club energy with her signature blend of pop and electro bangers, while RuPaul delivered an iconic DJ set that had the audience voguing under the stars. Singer-songwriter RAYE brought vulnerability and soul, and Renee Rapp’s set, including her biting track “Poison Poison” dedicated to the current administration, emphasized that Pride is as much protest as it is celebration.
Throughout the festival grounds, interactive brand activations, wellness spaces, and bold art installations added layers of engagement and introspection. Hornitos Tequila, a major sponsor, set up a vibrant “Wall of Joy” photo activation, encouraging guests to leave messages of hope and love. Festival screens played queer stories, trivia, and media clips from favorites like Young Royals, Love, Simon, Queer Eye, and Glee—a continuous reminder that visibility matters in every form.
Rupaul for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival
Produced by Dreamland’s Jake Resnicow, named one of OUT100’s Most Influential LGBTQ+ People of the Year, in partnership with Insomniac and Club Glow, the WorldPride Music Festival was more than a party. It was a political and cultural statement, boldly affirming that queer voices, art, and joy deserve space, spotlight, and safety.
The weekend’s high-energy sets were matched by moments of deep emotion. As Lopez stood center stage with the chorus behind her during Freedom, it became clear that this was no ordinary performance. The rainbow-lit stage, the live choir, and the sea of flags and tears in the crowd crystallized what Pride is truly about: liberation, visibility, and love.
Troye Sivan for Worldpride. Photo: Tania Hauyon for WorldPride Music Festival
Lopez’s ability to blend dazzling showmanship with heartfelt sincerity solidified her as the festival’s emotional anchor. From debuting new music and sharing sneak peeks of upcoming projects to honoring the community with every note and gesture, her set embodied the power of presence.
And that presence resonated far beyond the stage.
Kim Petras for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under renewed threat in parts of the U.S., WorldPride DC 2025 stood tall as a radiant reminder of queer resilience. For two days, politics faded into the background as music, dance, and connection took center stage. The crowd—diverse in every imaginable way—was united in joy, protest, and celebration.
Troye Sivan for Worldpride. Photo: Jordan Sabillo for WorldPride Music Festival
As the last note rang out and the lights dimmed on an unforgettable weekend, the message was clear: Pride is not just a month or a parade. It is a movement. And at WorldPride, that movement had a soundtrack.
For more information about WorldPride DC 2025, visit worldpride25.com.
As June rolls in, so does the vibrant spirit of Pride, a month-long celebration of love, resilience, and unity across the U.S. From coast to coast, cities big and small are lighting up with rainbow flags, drag shows, parades, and community events that put the “joy” in joyous resistance. Whether you’re a local or planning a Pride pilgrimage, here’s your ultimate guide to some of the most colorful, inclusive, and downright fun Pride celebrations worth discovering across America in 2025.
Twin Cities, Minnesota: The Heartbeat of Midwestern Pride
The Twin Cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, are home to an incredible LGBTQ+ community and a year-round lineup of events, but Pride month is truly their crowning jewel.
Twin Cities Pride is Minnesota’s second-largest festival and the state’s biggest free Pride event. This month-long party packs in over 650 vendors from artists to community resources, alongside four live entertainment stages pumping out everything from pop hits to local indie vibes. Whether you’re grabbing street food or dancing your heart out, it’s a celebration of love, equality, and vibrant diversity.
Photo: Explore Minnesota
Not far behind is Flip Phone Events, a queer-owned entertainment juggernaut known for their imaginative weekly events, popping up in different venues with everything from “Little Shop of Horrors” sing-alongs to Usher-themed dance parties hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race stars and Real Housewives personalities.
On June 27, don’t miss the Pride Beer Dabbler at the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (hello, Spoonbridge & Cherry!). Sip on brews and ciders from local breweries while soaking up live music and food truck fare in an outdoor party perfect for beer lovers.
For a more intimate and empowering experience, Trans Joy Fest in nearby Duluth (about 1.5 hours away) celebrates transgender resilience and community with support and advocacy, plus fun activities in a beautiful lakeside setting on June 8.
Hermosa Beach, California: Pride by the Shore
Down in sunny Southern California, Hermosa Beach Pride keeps it grassroots, intimate, and heartfelt. Celebrating its 5th year June 11–15, this South Bay celebration isn’t your mega-festival with giant stages but a deeply local, community-centered Pride filled with art, wellness, drag, and beachside fun.
The festivities kick off with a Pride Run along the pier, followed by a week packed with karaoke nights, a beach parade, community beach day, and the much-anticipated Slay by the Bay Drag Show, a fundraising main event full of sparkle, sass, and fierce performances.
Local businesses like Tower 12, The Studio, and Gum Tree Cafe come alive during this celebration, offering a warm welcome to families, allies, and LGBTQ+ folks alike. It’s the perfect blend of small-town pride and big love under the California sun.
Baltimore, Maryland: Charm City Shines Bright at 50
Baltimore is celebrating a milestone this June with the 50th anniversary of Baltimore Pride, running June 8–15. Themed “50 Shades of Pride,” the week honors decades of LGBTQ+ contributions with a packed calendar of events, from lively parades to community gatherings.
When you’re not celebrating, explore Charm City’s LGBTQ+ owned gems like Baby’s on Fire, a cozy coffee shop/record store hybrid, or BMORE LICKS, a queer woman-owned ice cream spot perfect for cooling off. Dive into Baltimore’s vibrant queer shopping scene at Charm City Threads, offering unique clothing with a local flair, or find candles and gifts at Namascents, a Black and queer-owned business.
Baltimore Pride Schedule
June also brings AFRAM, one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast, taking place in Druid Hill Park on June 21-22, alongside the Cherry Hill Art & Music Waterfront Festival, celebrating the city’s artistic diversity.
Kansas City, Missouri: Pride Takes Center Stage
Kansas City Pride is a weekend packed with energy and heart. The celebrations kick off Friday, June 6, with an Opening Night Celebration featuring live performances, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere to set the tone.
Saturday boasts a lively Pride Parade weaving through Westport Road and Broadway Blvd, culminating in a full day of music, vendors, and activities that showcase the city’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. Sunday wraps up with a Family & Community Day filled with interactive exhibits, performances, and inclusive fun for all ages.
kansas city pride highlight
Powered by the nonprofit Our Spot KC, the city’s Pride events emphasize visibility, connection, and celebration through year-round programs like youth prom and pageants—making KC Pride a beacon of boldness in the heartland.
Dallas, Texas: Pride is My Right
In a state known for its fierce independence, Dallas Pride 2025 roars with the theme “Pride is My Right.” This bold statement is a powerful rallying cry at a time when LGBTQ+ rights face fresh challenges nationwide.
Expect a weekend filled with parades, drag shows, rallies, and community gatherings that not only celebrate identity but affirm the fundamental rights of every individual to live openly and authentically.
Dallas Pride Festival
The Dallas scene buzzes with inclusive venues, local queer artists, and allies coming together to show that Pride isn’t just a party—it’s a movement.
Sacramento, California: A Capital Celebration
Sacramento Pride, produced by the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, welcomes over 20,000 people annually to its two-day festival on June 14-15. With hundreds of vendors, diverse food and drinks, and community groups, it’s a vibrant marketplace of culture and connection.
Sacramento Pride Highlights
Three stages light up with performances from local and national artists, including Drag Race stars Roxxxy Andrews, Shea Coulee, and Daya Betty, while interactive activities bring guests of all ages together in a space that educates, entertains, and inspires.
Sacramento’s Pride is a shining example of community spirit with a capital “C.”
Denver, Colorado: Mile High Pride
Denver Pride is the Rocky Mountain region’s largest LGBTQ+ event, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year. Hosted by The Center on Colfax, a nonprofit offering free programs for the LGBTQ+ community, the event features a festival, parade, and a spirited 5K run.
Denver Pride 5K
Since its beginnings in 1974, Denver Pride has grown into a powerful celebration of resilience and progress. The event raises vital funds to support mental health services, youth programs, and resources for transgender and gender-diverse communities.
If you’re looking for a Pride weekend that mixes outdoor fun, activism, and serious party vibes, Denver’s Mile High Pride delivers.
Nashville, Tennessee – Music City turns up the volume
Pride in Nashville is more than just a party, it’s a powerful showcase of queer joy in the South. From June 27–29, the city’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts a full weekend of festivities, headlined by pop icon Kim Petras. The downtown Pride parade will be led by trailblazing figures Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Joy Oladokun, adding star power and heart to the celebration.
Photo: Nicole Hester/The Tennessean
W Nashville is offering a luxury Pride package designed for the bold and unapologetic. Guests receive two VIP weekend passes, rainbow-hued house-made macarons, and two Pride cocktails served with skyline views at PROOF Rooftop Bar. The stay also includes standout wearable Pride merch and accommodations in one of the hotel’s premium suites, making it the ultimate home base for a vibrant and elevated Pride weekend. Availability is limited, so book now for the full VIP experience.
Ready, Set, Celebrate!
No matter where you find yourself this Pride season, these cities offer more than just colorful parades—they’re hubs of community, resilience, and unapologetic joy. So pack your rainbow gear, bring your fiercest attitude, and dive into the celebrations that make America’s LGBTQ+ community shine.
But that’s not all—Rapp will also serve as a grand marshal for the city’s iconic WorldPride Parade on June 7, cementing her place as one of Pride’s most visible and vocal champions.
A Star with Something to Say
Known for her breakout performances in Mean Girls and HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls, Rapp has also carved out a space in pop music with bold, emotionally raw hits like “It’s Not My Fault” and “Talk Too Much.”
She brings that same unfiltered energy to Pride.
“Pride is everything. It is protection, it is visibility, it is intersectional. But most importantly, it is a celebration of existence and protest,” Rapp said in a statement shared by WorldPride.
Her presence at both the parade and festival isn’t just another appearance—it’s a declaration.
Photo: WorldPride
The Biggest LGBTQ+ Music Festival in History?
This year’s WorldPride Music Festival is on track to be the largest LGBTQ+ music event ever, with more than 3 million people expected to attend WorldPride events across the city.
The two-day festival will feature four immersive stages, art installations, live performances across genres (pop, techno, house, drag, and more), and some of the most vibrant queer experiences ever assembled on the East Coast.
Produced by Dreamland’s Jake Resnicow, one of OUT100’s Most Influential LGBTQ People of the Year, in partnership with Capital Pride and Club Glow, the event blends entertainment with empowerment.
“WorldPride is about amplifying LGBTQ+ voices on a global stage,” said Resnicow. “Reneé Rapp represents everything this moment is about — authenticity, empowerment, and fearless queer joy.”
What’s New This Year?
In addition to Rapp’s must-see set, this year’s festival is debuting several exciting features:
The Unity Stage: Showcasing local and international LGBTQ+ performers
The Drag District: Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Symone, with performances from Derrick Barry, Jimi The Kween, and glam courtesy of JLo Beauty
Official After-Parties: 11 epic events across D.C., including sets by Zedd and Purple Disco Machine at the legendary Echostage
The Pier Dance at The Wharf (June 8): Back-to-back sunset sets from Sofi (of Sofi Tukker) and LP Giobbi against the backdrop of D.C.’s stunning Southwest waterfront
Don’t Miss Out
Tickets—including General Admission, GA+, and VIP packages—are selling fast. For more information or to purchase tickets, head to WorldPride25.com.
Proceeds from the festival support Capital Pride Alliance and other local LGBTQ+ nonprofits.
For live updates and behind-the-scenes moments, follow @WorldPrideMusicFestival on Instagram.
Whether you’re dancing under the stars or marching in the streets, this year’s WorldPride celebration is shaping up to be unforgettable—and Reneé Rapp is ready to bring the house down.
Get ready to kick off Pride weekend with a bang. GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Maren Morris is set to headline WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD Music Festival, a free outdoor concert on Friday, May 30, 2025, at West Hollywood Park.
Presented by the City of West Hollywood, this high-energy, music-packed celebration officially opens the annual WeHo Pride weekend and promises a night full of beats, boldness, and boundless queer joy.
Photo: Colombia RecordsPhoto: Colombia Records
A Lineup to Celebrate Loudly
While Morris leads the bill, the full Friday night lineup brings the fire with performances by Qveen Herby, Jamie Fine, and Venessa Michaels featuring Kaleena Zanders. The event also marks the return of the Drag Queen Lip Sync Battle Royale, a crowd-favorite showdown that never disappoints. Special guest Official Bruno will also make an appearance.
Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, and the concert is free to the public with RSVP. Due to limited capacity, attendees must register in advance at outloudmusicfestival.com, with registration opening Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. PT. One ticket per email address will be allowed.
More Than Music: A Celebration of Queer Visibility
“WeHo Pride Presents Friday Night at OUTLOUD with free-entry tickets is more than symbolic—it’s a declaration that equality and inclusion matter,” said West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers. “We celebrate queer lives and artists. At a time when LGBTQ communities face attacks across the country, we remain committed to raising visibility and celebrating our community.”
Pride Weekend in Full Swing
Friday’s concert launches a full weekend of WeHo Pride events:
Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 feature the free WeHo Pride Street Fair, with live entertainment, community booths, and activities for all ages.
Saturday includes the Dyke March and Women’s Freedom Festival at the WeHo Pride Community Stage.
Sunday caps the weekend with the colorful and celebratory WeHo Pride Parade.
Photo: Outloud Music Festival
For the mainstage music lovers, the OUTLOUD Music Festival continues with ticketed events on Saturday and Sunday, featuring headliners Lizzo, Remi Wolf, Kim Petras, Honey Dijon, and Paris Hilton. Additional performances from Pabllo Vittar, Rebecca Black, Empress Of, and Shygirl Presents: Club Shy round out an epic lineup.
The SummerTramp Stage will turn up the heat with sets from Horse Meat Disco, salute, Brooke Eden, and more.
Building Something Bigger, Together
“WeHo Pride Friday Night at OUTLOUD has truly become one of the most electric nights of the year,” said Jeff Consoletti, Founder and Executive Producer of OUTLOUD. “With Maren Morris headlining, we’re building on that energy. It’s all about showing up, celebrating loudly, and creating space for queer joy. And thanks to our extended partnership with the City of West Hollywood through 2030, the best is yet to come.”
To RSVP for Friday night and to purchase OUTLOUD Music Festival tickets, visit: outloudmusicfestival.com. For full WeHo Pride details, visit: wehopride.com.
The OUTLOUD Music Festival, known for showcasing diverse LGBTQ+ talent, will feature an array of performers across multiple genres. Among the artists confirmed for the festival are Pabllo Vittar, Rebecca Black, Empress Of, Horse Meat Disco, Tommy Genesis, and Sasha Colby, along with drag stars like Alyssa Edwards, Onya Nurve, and Flyana Boss. Additional performers include Alex Chapman, The Knocks x Dragonette with Aquaria, Meredith Marks, Frankie Grande, Corook, Rose Gray, Chrissy Chlapecka, Zoe Gitter, Xana, Kalie Shorr, Grant Knoche, Neverending Nina, and Shygirl Presents: Club Shy.
The festival will be hosted by Ryan Mitchell, Hannah Rad, Arisce Wanzer, and Billy Francesca, who will guide the audience through an exciting weekend filled with performances and celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture. The event is being produced by JJLA, a renowned production company that has helped elevate the festival’s visibility in recent years.
In a statement, Jeff Consoletti, Founder and Executive Producer of OUTLOUD, emphasized the importance of the festival’s mission, especially in challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community. “At a time when our rights and visibility continue to be challenged, it’s more important than ever for the LGBTQ+ community, allies, organizations, and advocates to come together in solidarity,” Consoletti said. “This festival is a place where we celebrate and empower queer artists on a massive scale. As we continue to grow, so does our impact in bringing the LGBTQ+ community to the forefront of entertainment.”
The OUTLOUD Music Festival will take place from May 31 to June 1, 2025, at the West Hollywood Park. The festival will run from 1 p.m. to midnight each day, offering a full slate of music, performances, and community events.
In addition to the main festival, a free outdoor concert, presented by the City of West Hollywood, will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025. Further details and lineup additions will be announced soon, with a promise of more exciting acts to be revealed as the festival draws closer.
The OUTLOUD Music Festival is expected to be a key event for WeHo Pride weekend, with its inclusive celebration of queer artistry, culture, and community.
R&B star Khalid is set to take the stage at the WorldPride festival in Washington, D.C., joining a star-studded lineup that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pride in the nation’s capital. The singer, alongside 2AM Ricky and Brooke Eden Hoover, was recently announced as one of the performers for the “free WorldPride DC Street Festival + Closing Concert with Doechii” on Sunday, June 8.
The announcement was made via an Instagram post from the Capital Pride Alliance & WorldPride Washington, DC 2025, expressing excitement about the event and its historic significance. “We’re so excited to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Pride In Our Nation’s Capital with this incredible lineup,” the post read.
The WorldPride festival, the largest LGBTQ+ music festival in history, will take place from June 6-7 and is just one highlight of Washington D.C.’s month-long LGBTQ+ celebrations, running from May 17 to June 8. The festival will feature an impressive array of talent, including Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, RuPaul, Tinashe, Kim Petras, Sasha Colby, and more. Earlier this month, Cynthia Erivo and Doechii were also confirmed as part of the event’s exciting lineup.
Khalid’s participation in the festival will be his first appearance on a Pride stage, marking a significant moment for the Grammy Award-nominated singer who came out publicly last year. Khalid had kept his sexuality private for much of his career, but in November, a photo posted by social media personality Hugo D Almonte sparked widespread speculation about his orientation. The post, which featured Khalid and Almonte with a caption alluding to a personal altercation, led to social media rumors.
Khalid took to X to address the situation, posting a rainbow flag emoji followed by exclamation points. He wrote, “There y’all go. Next topic please lol,” before sharing, “I got outted and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality, it ain’t nobody’s business! But I am okay with me. love y’all.”
Despite the unexpected circumstances surrounding his coming out, Khalid has embraced his identity and is now set to perform proudly at WorldPride. His appearance at the festival is a powerful celebration of self-acceptance and a significant moment in the artist’s journey. Fans are eagerly anticipating his performance as Khalid continues to be an inspiration to his LGBTQ+ community.
The WorldPride Music Festival is set to be an unforgettable celebration, with global superstars Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan leading a star-studded lineup of artists at RFK Festival Grounds in Washington, D.C. on June 6 and 7. The festival, which marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in the nation’s capital, is poised to be the largest LGBTQ+ music festival in history and the focal point of WorldPride celebrations in the U.S.
This historic event will bring together a diverse array of iconic performers, including RuPaul, Paris Hilton, Tinashe, Kim Petras, Zedd, Rita Ora, Grimes, Marina, Sofi Tukker, Galantis, and Purple Disco Machine. The festival’s two-day schedule will span across three immersive stages, featuring an eclectic mix of genres ranging from pop and house to EDM, techno, and drag performances.
The festival will not only showcase music, but also feature groundbreaking art installations and immersive experiences that celebrate the vibrant spectrum of LGBTQ+ culture. With tickets starting at $209, attendees can expect a truly unique and inclusive experience, with proceeds benefiting local LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Capital Pride Alliance.
“WorldPride Music Festival is a moment the world will remember,” said Jake Resnicow, Executive Producer of the festival and Dreamland founder. “With legendary artists and our global community coming together, we’re creating an electrifying celebration that unites, uplifts, and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices like never before. Hosting this festival in our nation’s capital makes it even more powerful—it’s not just a party, it’s a global movement.”
A Diverse and Dynamic Lineup
Joining Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan at the festival are a slew of chart-topping performers and influencers. RuPaul, the drag legend known for his groundbreaking contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility, will be taking the stage, alongside Paris Hilton, whose impact on pop culture and LGBTQ+ communities has been felt for decades. Kim Petras, the transgender pop star who has become a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in music, will also perform, as will Tinashe, Zedd, Rita Ora, and Grimes.
Other high-profile performers include Sofi Tukker, Galantis, and Purple Disco Machine, as well as rising stars like Raye, Marina, and Aluna. Additional artists such as Anabel Englund, Betty Who, Coco & Breezy, Essel, and Trisha Paytas are also set to take the stage, ensuring a wide variety of musical styles and performances for every festival-goer.
In total, the WorldPride Music Festival will host an impressive roster of performers spanning multiple genres, from electronic and pop to house and techno. The full lineup also features performers like LP Giobbi, Sasha Colby, and Slayyyter, bringing a dynamic range of talent to the festival.
A Historic Event for LGBTQ+ Culture
This year’s WorldPride festival holds a special significance. Not only does it mark the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, D.C., but it also serves as a celebration of the city’s role as a hub for political activism and social change. The festival will anchor a three-week-long celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in the nation’s capital, which has historically been a center for LGBTQ+ rights movements and political advocacy.
WorldPride’s return to the United States is a milestone in the global LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing journey toward equality and acceptance. Previous WorldPride events have been held in cities such as Sydney, Rome, Toronto, Madrid, and New York. Washington D.C.’s edition promises to be an especially impactful celebration, as it showcases not only the vibrant LGBTQ+ community but also the social progress made over the past five decades.
Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets for the WorldPride Music Festival will be available soon. General admission, GA+, and VIP tickets will start at $209, with early access available to waitlist members starting Thursday. The general public will be able to purchase tickets on Friday. Fans are encouraged to sign up for first access at WorldPride25.com.
Produced by Dreamland’s Jake Resnicow, recognized by OUT100 as one of the Most Influential LGBTQ People of the Year, and in partnership with Capital Pride and Club Glow, the WorldPride Music Festival is poised to make a lasting impact on both the music industry and LGBTQ+ culture.
“We’re creating an experience unlike anything the world has ever seen,” Resnicow said. “It’s a celebration of love, equality, and the power of music to unite us all.”
About Dreamland and WorldPride Music Festival
Dreamland, founded by Jake Resnicow, is a renowned producer of large-scale LGBTQ+ events and music festivals. The WorldPride Music Festival is part of the global WorldPride movement, which aims to promote visibility and equality for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. The 2025 edition in Washington D.C. is poised to be a defining moment in the history of WorldPride and LGBTQ+ cultural celebrations.
Kim Petras and Sam Smith made history at the Grammy Awards as they took home the Best Pop Group/Duo Performance award for their hit “Unholy” from Smith’s album “Gloria.”
Smith graciously allowed Petras to accept the award on their behalf, and in her speech, Petras expressed gratitude for Smith’s support and recognition of the trans women in music who paved the way for her. She specifically honored the late, legendary Grammy-nominated producer and electronic artist SOPHIE, who passed away in 2021.
Petras, who is the first out trans woman to win the award, began her speech by acknowledging Smith’s unwavering support and expressed that they wanted her to accept the award.
Petras also expressed her appreciation for Madonna’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, saying, “I don’t think I could be here without Madonna.”
Petras closed her heartfelt speech by giving credit to her mother, saying, “Growing up near a highway in rural Germany, my mother believed in me as a girl, and I wouldn’t be here without her support and everyone who believed in me up until this point.”
Smith was a multiple Grammy nominee in 2015, picking up four awards, including Best New Artist, Record, and Song of the Year.
"Sam [Smith] graciously wanted me to accept this award, because I'm the first transgender woman to win this award." Watch Kim Petras' acceptance speech from the #Grammys: pic.twitter.com/jQ52Sq0t6f
Petras is a German pop singer and songwriter who first gained recognition for her pop music in the 2010s. She is known for her catchy dance-pop tracks and has released several critically acclaimed EPs and albums. Petras has collaborated with a number of high-profile musicians and producers and has built a dedicated fanbase.
