Bars & Parties
Last chance to wear white
Bare’s White Party set for Saturday at Cobalt
Sticklers for fashion etiquette have one more chance to don their white duds and celebrate the end of summer on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Bare’s White Party, hosted by LURe events at Cobalt.
Noting the old fashion faux pas that “you can’t wear white after Labor Day,” LURe organizers decided the event would be an ideal opportunity to wear white before summer’s heat fades and etiquette dictates darker attire.
Karen Diehl, one of LURe’s organizers, attended white parties all over the United States and wanted to bring the concept to the D.C. area.
“I thought this would be something new and different,” she said.
Though the events are independent, white parties are held annually in New York, Miami and Palm Springs. The Miami White Party, now in its 26th year, is a weeklong event touted as “the world’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser.” Diehl hopes that D.C.’s White Party will become an annual event.
Bare, the monthly ladies’ night hosted by LURe, began in December 2008. It takes place every third Saturday at Cobalt at the corner of 17th and R streets, N.W.
While approximately 600 people attend the monthly Bare events, Diehl expects about 800 attendees for the White Party. “We firmly believe in word-of-mouth … people find out and tell their friends,” she said.
Go-go dancers will warm up the dance floor while attendees enjoy tunes from DJ Rosie, the local DJ known for spinning HRC’s “L Word” premiere parties. She will be joined by DJ Keenan, another Cobalt regular.
Wearing white isn’t just a way to fit in at the party. The best-dressed guests win free drink tickets and white shirts are a must for the evening’s wet T-shirt contest. Two celebrity guests will award the $200 grand prize to the contest winner at 1 a.m.
The identity of the two celebrities will not be revealed until the doors open at 9 p.m., when LURe will update its Twitter account with their identities.
Thirsty party-goers will be happy to find drink specials throughout the evening. “For all my lesbian beer drinkers, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., we have $1 beers,” Diehl said.
Absolut Vodka will give guests an opportunity to test out its newest flavor: Berry Acai. In addition to the popular acai berry, the vodka also features blueberry and pomegranate. Berry bombs, made with the new flavor, will be $5, as will the more traditional Absolut and Red Bulls.
Arriving early has its advantages as the $10 cover turns to $13 at midnight. Guests can dance, drink and socialize until 3 a.m.
Diehl predicts that the inaugural event will be a fun way to say goodbye to summer.
“We have a lot going on all at the same time. It’s gonna be a little crazy.”
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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