17th Street High Heel Race

Head to Dupont Circle for the 17th Street High Heel Race, one of Washington DC's most enduring LGBTQ+ traditions. Held on the Tuesday before Halloween, the 2026 edition marks its 39th year, running from 6 to 10 p.m. along 17th Street near Dupont Circle. It's free to attend, with thousands gathering to watch drag queens, drag kings, and costumed community members race down the street from R Street to Church Street.

What to expect

The evening builds around the race itself, with costumed racers competing in elaborate outfits, many built specifically for the night. Bars and restaurants along the route run their own Halloween programming to match, and the stage at 17th and R Street hosts the event's official program, with accessible seating and ASL interpretation provided.

History and legacy

The race began in 1986 as a wager among drag queens, bartenders, and community members outside JR's Bar & Grill, racing in heels between the LGBTQIA+ bars along the strip. JR's Bar and the surrounding community kept the tradition going for decades, and in 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser proclaimed the race an Official Mayoral Event as an act of support for DC's LGBTQ+ community. It's now presented by her Office of LGBTQ Affairs alongside longtime community partners, including JR's Bar, Annie's Paramount Steakhouse, and Dupont Circle Historic Mainstreet, making DC one of the only jurisdictions in the country to officially sponsor an event like this.

Getting there

Dupont Circle Metro station sits closest to the route, and driving in isn't recommended once street closures start. 17th Street closes to vehicle traffic from P to S Streets for the evening.

Plan your trip

Dupont Circle's bars, including JR's Bar & Grill and Annie's Paramount Steakhouse, both tied to the race's origins, run their own Halloween events the same night. Book from a selection of the best gay-friendly hotels in Washington DC to stay within walking distance of 17th Street.