PrideCon 2026: Youth Pride Fest

Enter a universe where you are the hero. 🌈✨

Join SMYAL for PrideCon, a comic-con–themed Youth Pride celebration designed especially for LGBTQ+ youth ages 6–18 and their families. This is your chance to step into a world of imagination, creativity, and community where cosplay, storytelling, and self-expression collide.

Whether you’re building a new world, stepping into a new identity, or just looking for your people—PrideCon is your place to belong.

Your story. Your power. Your Pride. 🌈

📅 Saturday, June 20
🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C. (exact location shared after registration)
🎟️ Free, but registration is required

Youth are welcome to stay all day, with age-specific programming throughout:

• 11 AM – 2 PM: Activities designed for ages 6–12
• 1 PM – 4 PM: Activities designed for ages 13–18

Questions? Reach out to [email protected]

🥗 FREE Lunch Provided on a first-come, first-served basis

🦸 Pride Hero Academy (Ages 6–12)
Create your own superhero identity—powers, costume, origin story and all.

🌌 My Multiverse: Worldbuilding & Cosplay Lab (Ages 13–18)
Design your own universe, develop characters, and bring them to life through cosplay.

🎤 Drag & Cosplay Meet-and-Greets
Meet dazzling performers and fellow creators who are redefining what it means to show up boldly.

🎨 Artist Alley
Share your art, trade zines, and explore youth-made creations!

🤝 Resource Fair & Community Tables
Connect with organizations and supports rooted in care for LGBTQ+ youth.

🖌️ Collaborative Mural
Leave your mark on a shared masterpiece.

📸 Photobooth
Capture your look, your crew, and your moment.

🕵️ Scavenger Hunts & Sidequests…
There may be secrets hidden throughout PrideCon. Stay curious.

🎭 Ballroom Walk: The MasQUEERade Ball
Serve looks, channel fantasy, and step into your spotlight.

✨ Costumes highly encouraged! Whether you’re into superheroes, fantasy, renfaire, drag, or something entirely your own—this is your space to transform.

*Parents, caregivers, and adults age 18 and over are welcome to attend as guests only if they are accompanying a young person.

To maintain a youth-centered and secure environment, adults who are not attending with a young person will not be allowed to enter.

Registration is free but required, with limited day-of signups available as space allows.

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Based in Washington, DC, SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth. We actively work to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.
For over 40 years, SMYAL has been a leader is creating safe, joyful, and affirming spaces for queer and trans youth.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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