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2d ago

Dupont Circle Reopened for WorldPride After Closure Dispute

Widespread criticism prompted Mayor Bowser’s office to work with the National Park Service to remove fencing around Dupont Circle so Saturday’s parade could proceed under tighter security

Workers put up fencing around Dupont Circle ahead of the World Pride Parade, Friday, June 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
U.S. Park Police stand by as workers put up fencing around Dupont Circle ahead of the World Pride Parade, Friday, June 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Workers put up fencing around Dupont Circle ahead of the World Pride Parade, Friday, June 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Overview

  • Federal authorities closed Dupont Circle from June 5–8 with anti-scale fencing citing safety risks and past vandalism.
  • D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith rescinded the city’s closure request after community objections but U.S. Park Police maintained the shutdown.
  • On June 7, Mayor Bowser and the National Park Service removed most barriers around the park, retaining only a fence around its central fountain.
  • The two-day WorldPride Music Festival on the RFK Campus sold out headline performances by Jennifer López, Paris Hilton, Marina, Troye Sivan, RuPaul and Renéé Rapp.
  • Tens of thousands joined Saturday’s parade within a block of the White House before Sunday’s rally and march from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol to protest President Trump’s LGBTQ+ policy rollbacks.