The 50th Annual Memphis Pride Fest in 2025 coincides with WorldPride in Washington, D.C., marking a historic milestone for both the local and global LGBTQ+ communities. With the theme “The Fabric of Freedom,” WorldPride 2025 will be one of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings ever held in the nation’s capital, while Memphis celebrates five decades of Pride in the Mid-South.
WorldPride 2025, running from May 17 to June 8, is expected to attract over three million attendees and will feature major events such as the International March & Rally, the WorldPride Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, and a Welcome Concert at Nationals Park headlined by Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, and Zedd.Other notable artists scheduled to perform are Galantis, Grimes, Kim Petras, Paris Hilton, Rita Ora, Raye, and Coco & Breezy.. The event will also highlight LGBTQ+ activism with a Human Rights Conference and a historic rally on the National Mall.
Meanwhile, in Memphis, the 50th Annual Memphis Pride Fest will honor the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history and activism. Since its inception in 1976, Memphis Pride has grown into one of the most significant LGBTQ+ events in the South, serving as both a celebration and a platform for advocacy. The 50th anniversary event will pay tribute to the pioneers who shaped Memphis Pride, ensuring that their legacies remain part of the movement’s future.
The parallel celebrations in Washington, D.C., and Memphis reinforce the global and local significance of Pride in 2025. As WorldPride elevates international LGBTQ+ voices, Memphis will continue to stand as a symbol of regional resilience, community strength, and the ongoing fight for equality in Tennessee and beyond.