39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race
Celebrate the 39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race—DC’s iconic LGBTQIA+ tradition featuring vibrant costumes and local drag performers!
Overview
Washington, DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs are proud to present the 39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race.
The Annual 17th Street High Heel Race celebrates the diversity of DC’s LGBTQIA+ community. Join thousands of costumed spectators cheer on drag queens, drag kings and community members in costume as they race down 17th Street NW. Lively and filled with local drag entertainment and much more, you won’t want to miss this DC tradition!
High Heel Racer Information
Are you interested in racing the in the 17th Street High Heel Race? Make sure to fill out the 17th Street High Heel Racer’s Registration and Authorization Form at the registration tent at the event on R Street.
Racer Registration and Authorization Form: available at the registration tent ahead of the race
Not interested in racing? Join the thousands of spectators cheering the racers along 17th Street from R Street to Church Street. Also, enjoy the fun costumes and phenomenal local drag performances!
The LGBTQIA+ History of the 17th Street High Heel Race
The 17th Street High Heel Race historically occurs the Tuesday before Halloween and "Crossing The Line Since 1986" is piece of DC's rich LGBTQIA+ history. One of DC's most unique events, the 17th Street High Heel Race, started over 35 years ago as a wager amongst drag queens, bartenders, and community members to race in heels, to each of the LGBTQIA+ bars along the strip. The LGBTQIA+ founders of JR's Bar continued the event, and in 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser, as an act of support for the LGBTQIA+ community, proclaimed the 17th Street High Heel Race as an Official Mayoral Event. DC is now one of the only jurisdictions in the nation to sponsor and host an event of this type that highlights the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Thanks to our partners!
This night would not be possible without our Mayor and our amazing community partners. Many thanks to Dupont Circle Historic Mainstreet, JR’s Bar, Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, ANC 2B, & the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs for helping the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs keep one of DC’s greatest traditions alive.
Accessibility
There will be accessibility seating next to the stage at the intersection of R and 17th Street. Arrive early to secure your spot! ASL Interpretation will also be provided. Please contact (202) 281-8410 with any questions or concerns.
Connect with us
For more information or reasonable accommodations, please email LGBTQ@DC.gov. Don't forget to follow us on:
Media requests
For media inquiries and appearances related to the 39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race, please contact LGBTQ.DC@DC.gov.
Good to know
Highlights
- 4 hours
- In person
Location
17th Street, between R and P Streets NW near Dupont Circle
17th Street, between P and S Streets NW near Dupont Circle
Washington, DC 20009
How do you want to get there?
