Washington, D.C. is set to host Liberation Weekend, a two-day music festival celebrating trans rights and community, on May 30-31. The event, co-founded by Jael Holzman, singer/bassist of D.C. punk trio Ekko Astral, promises to be “a Pitchfork Fest for trans rights” with a diverse lineup of artists.
Lineup Highlights
- Ekko Astral: D.C. punk trio and co-founder of the festival
- Home Is Where: Performing alongside other notable acts
- Pinkshift: Adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere
- Speedy Ortiz: Bringing their unique sound to the stage
- Pretty Bitter: Showcasing emerging talent
- L’Rain: Delivering soulful performances
- Bartees Strange: Featuring eclectic music styles
- Ted Leo: Rounding out the impressive lineup
Festival Details
Liberation Weekend will take place at the Black Cat, with all-ages after-shows and a matinee of local bands at DC9. The festival aims to celebrate and support trans rights, featuring a lineup that showcases “a truly inclusive trans-forward and trans-fronted music festival”.
Tickets
Two-day passes for Liberation Weekend are available for $60. With its unique blend of music, community, and activism, this festival is expected to draw a diverse crowd of music lovers and allies.
Significance
Liberation Weekend coincides with WorldPride Washington, D.C. 2025, a larger celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and identity. The festival is part of a broader series of events promoting diversity, inclusivity, and advocacy for the trans community.¹
