Jake Resnicow on 50 Years of Capital Pride and the Future of Queer Nightlife

Jake Resnicow chats about the legacy of World Pride Festival, how he is reimagining LGBTQ+ celebrations, and his hopes for the next decade.

Few event producers have the showmanship and depth of Jake Resnicow. As one of the most influential figures in the LGBTQ+ space, the party architect is known for engineering cultural moments that astutely combine intention with euphoria. Whether transforming Central Park into a Pride dancefloor or bringing Dreamland to life, his work stands firmly at the intersection of activism and queer celebration.

Resnicow sees nightlife as a powerful way to tell a story. He recognizes the importance of curating spaces where queer history, identity and culture can be honored. Each of his events is built with an intention, focusing on the community and connection.

Resnicow is equally well known for his philanthropy efforts in the LGBTQ+ space. With over $30 million raised for various charity initiatives, including mental health and youth support causes, he proves that celebration can be a driver for social change.

With World Pride Music Festival just around the corner, we caught up with the powerhouse event producer to chat about his expansive vision for this year’s celebration, the significance of the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride, and how he continues to build the future of queer celebration. Read on below for the full conversation.

Hey Jake, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. It’s an amazing achievement to bring the largest LGBTQ+ celebration to Washington, DC for the first time to mark the 50th Anniversary of Capital Pride.

Thank you. It’s truly an honor. Washington, DC holds such powerful historical significance in our movement for equality. Bringing WorldPride here is more than just a celebration. It’s about visibility, unity, and joy in the very heart of our nation’s capital. It’s about showing what’s possible when our community comes together on a global scale.

We’d love to hear more about the story behind WorldPride. Can you share a bit of its history and vision? How did it evolve into the global celebration it is today?

WorldPride began in 2000 in Rome, created by InterPride to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ visibility and human rights across borders. Since then, it has grown with each host city, taking on a unique cultural and political meaning. From London and Madrid to Toronto and Sydney, every edition brings something new.

A defining moment was WorldPride NYC 2019, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. I had the honor of producing the main event that year at the Javits Center, taking over the space for two unforgettable nights. We featured performances by Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, and Kygo, who debuted his beloved remix of Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love” on that very stage. It was magical. Most importantly, we raised over $500,000 for LGBTQ+ charities. That experience deeply shaped my belief in what Pride can be: a celebration that transforms, empowers, and gives back.

Now in 2025, we’re bringing WorldPride to Washington, DC for the first time, aligning with the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride. The vision is to unite communities from around the world, elevate LGBTQ+ voices, and create a cultural and musical experience unlike anything seen before.

Photo Credit: World Pride Music Festival

Pride events around the world can differ in tone and focus. How do you design a WorldPride experience that not only celebrates on a global scale but also feels truly rooted in DC’s LGBTQ+ community?

It begins with collaboration. We’ve partnered closely with Capital Pride Alliance and other local organizations to make sure the experience is not just dropped in, but deeply integrated into the community. We are spotlighting local talent, supporting local causes, and creating spaces that reflect DC’s unique history and future.

Our goal is to celebrate the global while uplifting the local. We are investing in homegrown artists, empowering grassroots voices, and ensuring that what happens here leaves a lasting legacy beyond the festival weekend.

From a production standpoint, what’s been the most ambitious or logistically complex part of bringing a global event of this scale to the nation’s capital?

DC is iconic but not designed for large-scale music festivals. That’s actually part of what makes this so exciting. We’ve had to reimagine public spaces with full-scale stage builds, immersive lighting, large-scale sound design, and meticulous coordination with federal and city agencies.

We are transforming entire zones of the city into fully realized festival environments. Each stage has its own visual and sonic identity. From fireworks and pyrotechnics to art installations and surprise performances, the entire production is built to transport people into a new world while honoring the landscape of DC.

World Pride Music Festival is described as the ultimate global dance party. Can you give us a glimpse of what attendees can expect from this year’s festival that sets it apart from previous editions?

This year is bigger, bolder, and more diverse than ever. We’re bringing in global superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Rita Ora, RuPaul, Paris Hilton, Raye, Tinashe, Purple Disco Machine, LP Giobbi, Galantis, and Zedd, amongst others.

But it’s not just the talent. It’s the way we’re building the experience. There will be four distinct stages, each designed to feel like its own world. We’re layering in visual art, surprise moments, and experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Think of it as Pride meets a world-class festival, with an unapologetically queer heart.

Photo Credit: World Pride Music Festival

With four unique stages featuring everything from pop and electronic to drag and underground, it’s almost like a full cultural experience. How did you go about curating such an eclectic lineup, and what kind of vibe can attendees expect at each stage?

Each stage is curated with purpose, designed to tell a different story. The Dreamland stage is where the icons shine. Expect headline moments from Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Rita Ora, RuPaul, Paris Hilton, RAYE, and Tinashe. This is where spectacle, performance, and emotion meet.

The Planet Pride stage leans into the sound of now and next. Artists like Purple Disco Machine, LP Giobbi, Galantis, and Zedd bring the energy and depth of today’s global electronic scene.

The Drag District stage is a first-of-its-kind dedicated drag stage, hosted by Symone and Derrick Barry. It will feature live sets, runway battles, DJ performances, and interactive glam stations powered by JLo Beauty. It’s bold, unapologetic, and all about the artistry of drag.

The Unity stage is our love letter to the heart of Pride. It features local and international rising talent across genres like house, circuit, disco, and more. This is where you’ll discover your next favorite artist while celebrating the roots of queer nightlife.

Every stage is an experience, built to reflect the diversity, power, and beauty of our community.

You’ve become a staple in queer nightlife and event culture. What’s one of the most meaningful moments you’ve experienced while producing LGBTQ+ events?

After one of our past events, someone came up to me and said, “This is the first time I ever felt safe dancing like myself.” That moment has stayed with me. We throw these massive events, but at the core, it’s about creating a space where people can feel free, affirmed, and connected. Music has that power. When we create that kind of space intentionally, it becomes transformative.

As someone helping shape LGBTQ+ spaces through events and advocacy, what changes or progress would you most like to see in the next five to ten years?

I want to see more LGBTQ+ artists leading the main stages of every festival, not just Pride events. Visibility matters, and not just in front of the camera. We need representation in production, booking, tech, and leadership. We also need to invest in emerging voices. That’s why we launched the Femme House Scholarship Program: to support and elevate the next generation of female and queer producers and DJs. I want our events to create real pathways for growth and empowerment.

Looking ahead, are there new cities or communities you’re hoping to bring your events to in the near future?

Definitely. We’re exploring cities like Aspen, Amsterdam, and other international destinations. But it’s not just about the location. It’s about the community and the story we want to tell there. Wherever we go, the goal remains the same: create unforgettable experiences that celebrate who we are and leave a lasting impact on the people who experience them.

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