The Smithsonian Institution is inviting the public to celebrate National Pride Month in June through a series of activities, in-person programs, and extensive digital resources. The events will be held at various Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., and are free unless otherwise noted.
Pride Family Day
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard Saturday, June 1; 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Families and friends can kick off Pride Month at the Smithsonian American Art Museum with a fun-filled day. The celebration begins with performances by DC’s Different Drummers and GenOUT, the youth chorus of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. Participants can enjoy Brazilian beats from Batalá Washington, create rainbow-themed crafts, and take part in face painting for children ages 12 and under. The Courtyard Café will offer special treats, and visitors can engage in a scavenger hunt through the galleries to learn about LGBTQ+ contributions to American art. While tickets are free, registration is encouraged.
Online, the museum will highlight LGBTQ+ artists through “SAAM Stories” and its digital comics series, “Drawn to Art.”
Artist Talk: Jeffrey Gibson
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Ring Auditorium Tuesday, June 4; 7–8 p.m.
Artist Jeffrey Gibson, known for his interdisciplinary practice that blends Indigenous, Queer, and American histories, will discuss his work and upcoming installation for the 2024 Venice Biennale. Gibson’s installation, “the space in which to place me,” marks the first solo presentation by a Native American artist at the U.S. Pavilion. The conversation, held in partnership with the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy, will be co-presented by the Hirshhorn Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian. Free tickets for this event are recommended.
Trivia Night: Pride
National Portrait Gallery, Kogod Courtyard Tuesday, June 25; 5 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
The National Portrait Gallery will host a trivia night in celebration of Pride Month. Contestants can test their knowledge of historic LGBTQ+ figures, events, and artwork inspired by the museum’s collection. The trivia game can be played individually or in teams of up to six people, with prizes awarded to winners. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase at the Courtyard Café. Tickets are free, but registration is encouraged.
James Baldwin Exhibition
National Portrait Gallery Mid-July through mid-April 2025
Opening in July, the National Portrait Gallery will present “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance.” The exhibition celebrates Baldwin’s 100th birthday and explores his legacy through portraiture and biography, highlighting his influence on art, music, literature, and activism. Curator Rhea Combs emphasized Baldwin’s role as a voice against injustice and his enduring impact on subsequent generations of activists and artists.
Entertainment Nation
National Museum of American History Ongoing
This exhibition features artifacts and film clips showcasing the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to entertainment history. Highlights include Ellen DeGeneres’ suit from her Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, Billie Holiday’s recording of “Strange Fruit,” and Billie Jean King’s tennis outfit from the historic 1973 Battle of the Sexes match. The exhibition also features Charlotte Cushman’s costume of Cardinal Wolsey and Walter Mercado’s flamboyant capes, celebrating their unique roles in blending traditional gender roles and cultural boundaries.
For more information and to register for events, visit the Smithsonian’s website.
