39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race

Washington, DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs are proud to present the 39th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race.

The Annual 17th Street High Heel Race celebrates the diversity of DC’s LGBTQIA+ community. Join thousands of costumed spectators cheer on drag queens, drag kings and community members in costume as they race down 17th Street NW. Lively and filled with local drag entertainment and much more, you won’t want to miss this DC tradition!

High Heel Race Information

Are you interested in racing the in the 17th Street High Heel Race? Make sure to fill out the 17th Street High Heel Racer’s Registration and Authorization Form at the registration tent at the event on R Street.

Racer Registration and Authorization Form: available at the registration tent ahead of the race

Not interested in racing? Join the thousands of spectators cheering the racers along 17th Street from R Street to Church Street. Also, enjoy the fun costumes and phenomenal local drag performances!

The LGBTQIA+ History of the 17th Street High Heel Race

The 17th Street High Heel Race historically occurs the Tuesday before Halloween and "Crossing The Line Since 1986" is piece of DC's rich LGBTQIA+ history. One of DC's most unique events, the 17th Street High Heel Race, started over 35 years ago as a wager amongst drag queens, bartenders, and community members to race in heels, to each of the LGBTQIA+ bars along the strip. The LGBTQIA+ founders of JR's Bar continued the event, and in 2018, Mayor Muriel Bowser, as an act of support for the LGBTQIA+ community, proclaimed the 17th Street High Heel Race as an Official Mayoral Event. DC is now one of the only jurisdictions in the nation to sponsor and host an event of this type that highlights the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.

17th Street, between R and P Streets NW near Dupont Circle