17th Street High Heel Race
This competition takes place annually in Washington D.C.; one of Dupont Circle’s oldest neighborhood traditions is the High Heel Race on the 17th Street NW, which occurs right before Halloween each year. In essence, it has now become a drag race, in literal terms, where people dress up in drag outfits and run down the road for local glory. Each player has to wear high heels, and the challenge alone is exciting for anyone to sign up for the race.
You cannot help but appreciate the official motto of the competition: “Crossing the Line Since 1986.” With its historical reference, it is also locally known as the “gayborhood race.” Hundreds of spectators gather at 9 pm to cheer on their favorite drag queen. The competition itself gets its inspiration from a sprint that took place between a steakhouse and a bar in 1986.