D.C.’s most fabulous Halloween season tradition returns for its 37th year on Tuesday. Queens, kings and anyone in between will strap on their most spectacular heels and attire for a fun run down in D.C.'s Dupont neighborhood.
The 17th Street High Heel Race is set to begin at 9 p.m., but you can go early to check out the festive atmosphere or grab drinks and food from local restaurants.
A stretch of 17th Street NW will shut down on Tuesday afternoon, and check-in for runners begins at 7:30 p.m. Here's more info.
The race, which began in the 1980s, is also a commemoration of LGBTQ+ history in D.C.
It started with a group of drag queens running from JR's Bar to Annie's Paramount Steakhouse, where they'd take a shot on the second floor. Then, they'd run back down 16 stairs, through the crowded restaurant and back to JR's. The winner would get $100 off their bar tab (about $290 in 2024 dollars!).
In 2023, John Kim returned for a threepeat victory. They said they did it for Michelle Obama.
High Heel Race 2024 road closures and parking restrictions
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If you live, work or commute in the area, note that there will be parking restrictions and road closures. Here’s what D.C. police said:
Emergency no parking: Tuesday, Oct. 29, noon to 11 p.m.
- 17th Street from New Hampshire Avenue to O Street, NW
- R Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW
- Corcoran Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW
- Q Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW
- Church Street from 16th Street and 18th Street, NW
- P Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW
Road closures: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- 17th Street from New Hampshire Avenue to O Street, NW
- Riggs Place from 16th Street to 17th Street, NW
- R Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW
- Corcoran Street from 16th Street to New Hampshire Avenue, NW
- Q Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW
- Church Street from 16th Street and 18th Street, NW
Intermittent closure: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- P Street from 16th Street to 18th Street, NW
