PrideCon 2026: Youth Pride Fest
About this Event
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]
Featured Experiences
🥗 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.
Please Note:
*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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Who is SMYAL?
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.
Agenda
🕑: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Activities for Youth Ages 6-12
🕑: 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Activities for Youth Ages 13-18
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
