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5 new things to do in Baltimore

Superheroes, reinvented restaurants and more

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National Aquarium, Baltimore, gay news, Washington Blade
National Aquarium, Baltimore, gay news, Washington Blade

The National Aquarium in Baltimore (Photo by Andrew Horne)

If you’ve exhausted D.C.’s myriad options for stay-at-home fun this summer, then head 35 miles north to Baltimore. We’ve discovered five new ways to spend time in Charm City this summer.

1. For superhero fans who’ve seen “Man of Steel” a dozen times and are in need of a new fix, check out Geppi’s Entertainment Museum dedicated to all things pop culture. The unique museum features a comic book library, including, you guessed it, Superman memorabilia. The exhibits reveal the real world forces — such as World War II and the Great Depression — that inspired the creation of various comic book characters. The convenient downtown location at Camden Yards makes it easy to find and park.

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum
301 W. Camden St. Baltimore
geppismuseum.com
Adult tickets $10

2. One of Baltimore’s iconic restaurants, the Chesapeake Restaurant just north of Penn Station, operated for more than 50 years before closing in the ‘80s. Nearly a quarter century later, it’s back and more stylish than ever thanks to a complete renovation that includes a massive marble bar with friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, cozy window-front booths and a high-end coffee bar. The menu features oysters, burgers, salads, shrimp and grits and daily specials. There’s an extensive wine list, craft beers and a quirky and welcome selection of American ryes and vodkas. It’s the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a meal before heading to the Charles Theater next door.

Chesapeake Restaurant
1701 N. Charles St., Baltimore
thechesapeakebaltimore.com

3. If you haven’t been to the National Aquarium in Baltimore lately, the new Blacktip Reef exhibit is not to be missed. The 260,000-gallon exhibit is intended to replicate an Indo-Pacific reef and is gradually coming to life this summer as more species are introduced. Eventually, it will feature 1,200 animals from 75 species, including thousands of stunning corals. A new floor-to-ceiling viewing window brings you face-to-face with the animals.

National Aquarium
501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore
aqua.org

4. The Senator Theatre is a nearly 75-year-old historic Art Deco landmark in north Baltimore that was closed in 2012 and is set to reopen later this summer under new ownership as an expanded movie house offering the original theater, plus three new smaller screens and a restaurant. The Baltimore Sun reports the theater is expected to reopen next month.

Senator Theatre
5904 York Rd., Baltimore
thesenatortheatre.com

5. It’s not new, but the 32nd annual Artscape, billed as America’s largest free arts festival, returns July 19-21 with some new features. With 200 exhibitors covering 13 city blocks, Artscape brings together more than 150 fine artists, designers and other craftspeople for three days of art, music and food. Entertainers on the main stage include R&B act Kem, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band from New Orleans and the Wailers, among many scheduled to perform. Artscape After Hours will transform the 1700 and 1800 blocks of North Charles Street into an outdoor dance club on Saturday, July 20 at 9 p.m.

Artscape
July 19-21
Take the train to Penn Station or park at 1201 W. Mount Royal
Free
Artscape.org

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Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

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(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC. 

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment. 

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

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Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, January 22

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

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Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

Pre-game block party planned at District E

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(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.

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