Mayor Bowser to Host 39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race

(Washington, DC) - On Tuesday, October 27, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs will welcome residents, visitors, and LGBTQIA+ community members to the 39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race, one of the city's most beloved LGBTQIA+ traditions.

Festivities will begin at 6 pm on 17th Street NW near Dupont Circle. Check-in will begin at 5 pm, followed by performances from 6-8:40 pm. Attendees can join the annual costume contest at 8 pm, leading up to the race start at 9 pm The race will feature costumed drag performers and community members, local entertainment, and thousands of spectators.

"The High Heel Race is a beloved DC tradition that brings residents and visitors together to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community. This event showcases the District's diversity while supporting local businesses and driving economic activity in our neighborhoods," said Lamont Carey, Director of the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs.

The High Heel Race began in 1986 as a friendly wager among drag queens, bartenders, and community members who raced in heels between LGBTQ+ bars along 17th Street. LGBTQIA+ founders of JR's Bar continued the tradition, which has grown into a signature DC celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture, creativity, and community. This year, a new mural will be created at JR's Bar & Grill, honoring the history of the race and the generations of LGBTQIA+ Washingtonians who have made 17th Street a cornerstone of the community.

"Since 1986, the High Heel Race has been crossing the line-and making history," said Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs. "This year's mural will help ensure that the stories and spirit of this incredible tradition remain part of the District's LGBTQIA+ history for generations to come."

This year's High Heel Race coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs, established in 2006 to connect LGBTQIA+ residents with District services and ensure their priorities are reflected in government programs. Over the past 12 years, Mayor Bowser has expanded LGBTQIA+ affirming housing, including the District's first LGBTQIA+-affirming senior housing community, strengthened cultural humility training, and invested in a new LGBTQIA+ Community Center and violence prevention resources. From continued support for the 17th Street High Heel Race to welcoming WorldPride 2025, the Bowser Administration has celebrated LGBTQIA+ culture while expanding access to resources that help residents live safely and openly in the District.

For more information on the race and to register, visit s.dc.gov/2026HHR.

When:
Tuesday, October 27
Race check-in begins at 5 pm and festivities begin at 6 pm
Mayor Bowser delivers remarks and kicks off the race at 9 pm

Who:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Lamont Carey, Director, Mayor's Office of Community Affairs
Japer Bowles, Director, Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs
DJ Tezrah, Entertainer
Producer Justin, Host

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 press@dc.gov.

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