Bars & Parties
Baltimore prepares for Pride
Charm City celebrates next weekend
Baltimore Pride’s celebration on June 19-20, will mark 35 years of honoring the diversity of the LGBT community. The annual celebration is a program of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB).
The main events take place over a two-day period beginning on Saturday, June 19 at 3:45 p.m. with the zany High Heel race at Charles and Eager streets. Then the annual parade starts at Center and Chase Streets and proceeds up Charles Street beginning at 4 p.m. Hundreds of marchers representing dozens of LGBT or LGBT-friendly organizations and businesses, politicians and assorted groups participate while crowds along both sides of the route cheer and wave.
From 5 p.m. on, the intersection of Charles and Eager will be the focus of entertainment as a large stage will be the venue for assorted performers and acts.
Hosting these acts will be Baltimore personalities Tatiyanna Voche and Shawna Alexander. Headliners scheduled to appear are: Debby Holiday, Ariel Aparicio and Electrik Red. There will also be live performances by Odd Girl Out, Silver Phoenix Dance Troupe, Charm City Boys, Jada Givenchy, Marlowe Rainbow, Gilded Lily Burlesque, DJ India, Les Femmes, Danielle Revlon, Bmore Mpowerment, and others.
The famous Block Party officially kicks off at 6 p.m., in which thousands of celebrants jam Charles and Eager Streets checking out the vendors, food concessions, beverage booths and more. The party lasts throughout the evening and then some. Around 10 p.m. many, if not most, continue the celebration by patronizing the area bars.
“This year we are proud to have for the Block Party the Project Health Youth Zone and Bmore Mpowerment presenting the 3rd Annual Rainbow Royale Free Ball for Youth [6-9 p.m., Morton Street between Eager and Chase],” Pride coordinator Andrew Ansel said. “Having a more visible youth presence at Pride is a priority of the GLCCB as it begins engaging with the youth to expand its programming.”
There will also be a poetry slam and a DJ/ dance tent.
On Sunday, June 20, the festivities move to Druid Hill Park for the Pride Festival. The family-friendly Sunday-in-the-park event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Booths from a plethora of LGBT or LGBT-friendly organizations and merchants as well as booths from elected officials (and those who are seeking to be), city agencies, health and religious organizations are situated along the winding paths of the festival site. There are an ample number of food and beverage concessions, an area designated for kids, a volleyball court and, of course, two stages for entertainment that continues throughout the day.
A wide array of entertainers is scheduled to appear. The Main Stage will be hosted by Pandora Boxx of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Performers include: Charm City Kitty Club, Baltimore Men’s Chorus, Reina Williams, The Pushovers, Steven Gellman, Batala DC Afro-Brazilian Percussion Band, SilverPhoenix Dance Company,Tom Goss, Mama’s Black Sheep and more.
The drag stage will be co-hosted by Tia Chambers, Shawnna Alexander and Lady Lisa and will include performances by: Onyx Revlon (Miss Gay Maryland 2010), Danielle Revlon, Phoenix Bloomingdale, Coco Blackwell and others. Pandora Boxx will be the special guest performer.
“I think Pride 2010 will be remembered for its diversity,” says Ansel. “This year it was very important for the GLCCB that the performers on stage, the activities available, the vendors, the parade participants, everything is reflective of the rich diversity we see both in our city and in the LGBT community.”
Ansel is still looking for volunteers to help coordinate the parade, set-up/break-down, and other tasks. Volunteers are encouraged to contact the GLCCB at 410-837-5445.
Visit http://www.baltimorepride.com/ for more information.
Baltimore Pride events
Friday, June 11
Twilight on the Terrace at Gertrude’s Restaurant, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, from 7-11 p.m. Visit baltimorepride.org for more information and tickets.
Saturday, June 19
High Heel Race on Charles and Eager Sts., at 3:45 p.m. Baltimore Pride weekend officially kicks off with a High Heel Race up Charles Street. Bring your own or borrow a pair! No pre-registration required.
Parade on Charles St., between Center and Chase Streets, at 4 p.m.
Block Party on Charles and Eager Streets, from 6-10 p.m. After the parade, Baltimore Pride’s Block Party is a nightclub without walls, and this year’s party is going to be Diva-licious when headliners Electrik Red and Debby Holiday take the stage. It’s four hours of singers, dancers, bands and drag. More than 75 vendors will line the streets of Mt. Vernon.
Youth Empowerment Free Ball on Morton and Chase Streets lot from 6-9 p.m.
Poetry slam at Tolerate Social Deviance Tent from 6-7 p.m.
Stoli DJ/Dance Tent on Cathedral and Eager Sts. Adjacent to City Café
Sunday, June 20
Pride Festival in Druid Hill Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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