Arts & Entertainment

Calendar: Oct. 7

Concerts, exhibits, meetings and more through next week

Published

15 years ago

October 6, 2011

‘Clouded Leopard Labyrinth No. 2’ is part of an installation by Leslie A. Johnston that will be on display at Touchstone Gallery. (Image courtesy Touchstone)

TODAY (Friday)

SAGE Committee is meeting at Metropolitan Community Church today from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Lemonheads will be performing “It’s a Shame About Ray” at the Black Cat with the Shining Twins and the New York Rivals tonight. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online atblackcatdc.com. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Busboys & Poets presents “First Fridays,” a monthly series that includes artist talks, studio visits and more, tonight at 6 p.m. in the Zinn Room at its Hyattsville location (5331 Baltimore Ave., Suite 104).

Cameron Mackintosh presents a new 25th anniversary production of “Les Miserables” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $155 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.

Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) is hosting an opening reception tonight from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for its newest exhibits “Recent Paintings: Scapes,” featuring expressionistic paintings by Steve Alderton and “Clouded Leopard Labyrinth” which is a mixed media installation by Leslie Johnston.

Saturday, Oct. 8

Zoom Urban Lesbian Excursions is organizing a trip to theMaryland Renaissance Festival (1821 Crownsville Rd.) in Annapolis today at 1 p.m. The group will be meeting near the ticketing area with a sign and purple balloons. Tickets are $19 and can be bought at the venue.

The Delmarvalous Squares are having an all-day event today to promote square dancing in the Rehoboth Beach area. The group will have afternoon workshops from 2 to 4 p.m. and then an evening open house from 7 to 9 p.m. at Camp Rehoboth (37 Baltimore Ave.).

DJ Joey O, formerly of Apex, will be spinning at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) for the first time ever tonight. Doors open at 10 p.m. with an $8 cover until 11 and $12 afterward. Attendees must be 21 or older.

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) is hosting a fundraiser for Mr. D.C. Leather 2011 Ron Moser tonight from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be drink specials and two raffles. Proceeds will benefit the Leather Archives and Museum.

Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents Hellmouth Happy Hourwhere every week an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will be screened and drink specials will be offered. This week the episode is “Go Fish.”

Premiere Entertainment, a gay-owned entertainment and promotion team, presents “The Rave Part VI with Nina Sky” tonight from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Warehouse Loft (411 New York Ave., N.E.). General admission is $20, VIP access is $30 and all access VIP is $35. Attendees under 21 must send name to[email protected] to get on guest list.

Sunday, Oct. 9

Charger Stone presents “Sweet Tea: A Dance for Everyone” today from 1 to 5 p.m. at Remington’s (639 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.).

Busboys & Poets is showing “I Shot Andy Warhol” tonight at 3 p.m. in the Langston Room at its 14th and V streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.) as its October Focus-In! Film of the Month. This is a free screening.

A new gay-welcoming Catholic church, St. Hedwig’s Old Catholic Church, has Mass today at 9 a.m. The church meets each Sunday morning at Palisades Community Church (5200 Cathedral Ave., N.W.) in Washington. The church, not affiliated with the Vatican, describes itself as one with “progressive Catholic values” that welcomes those “disaffected by mainstream traditions” and what some consider “politically distorted teachings of Christ” in other faith traditions. Bishop Michael Seneco, who’s gay, is the pastor. Visitsainthedwigs.org for more information. All are welcome.

The Indigo Girls play the Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane) in North Bethesda tonight at 7 p.m. with opening band, the Shadowboxers. Tickets range from $45 to $55 and can be purchased online at strathmore.org.

Monday, Oct. 10

Commissioner Darrell Gaston will be at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) tonight for the Team Gaston 2012 LGBT Fundraiser at 6 p.m. hosted by Marc Morgan, Earnest Walker from Us Helping Us and Brian Watson from the Wanda Alston House. Tickets are $35 and attendees can RSVP at secure.actblue.com/page/lgbt4gaston.

WEAVE, a support group for LGBT survivors of intimate partner violence/abuse will be meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Lighthouse Center for Healing (5321 First Place, N.E.). For more information and to register, call 202-280-6391.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

The electronic music group Ladytron will be performing at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at 930.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.

DCBiWomen will have its monthly dinner at Dupont Italian Kitchen (1637 17th St., N.W.) tonight from 7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit dcbiwomen.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Uh Huh Her is returning to the 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight with its Keep a Breast Tour for an early show. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at 930.com. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is hosting an AIDS Walk free burger night starting at 5 p.m. Attendees who sign up to walk with Team Nellie or make a donation of $35 or more will receive a free burger.

Rainbow Response is holding its monthly meeting tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) from 7 to 8 p.m.

The Lambda Bridge Club is meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) across from Marine Barracks, for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. If a partner is needed, visit lambdabridge.com.

The Big Gay Book Group will meet tonight at 7 p.m. at 1155 F Street, N.W., Suite 200. The book discussed will be “Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist, and Sexual Renegade” by Justin Speing. For more information, visit biggaybookgroup.com or e-mail [email protected].

Thursday, Oct. 13

National Symphony Orchestra Pops presents “Some Enchanted Evening: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein” tonight at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Conducted by Steven Reineke, Aaron Lazar, Rebecca Luker and Rod Gilfry will sing hits like “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and more. Tickets range from $20 to $85 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) and Tongue in You Ear present the Brother Tongue Poetry Workshop series. Tonight is the final workshop led by Regie Cabico, a three time National Poetry Slam finalist who has appeared on two season of HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam.” All sessions will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 for all four sessions. For more information and to register, visitthedccenter.org.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will be performing the music of Elton John at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane) in North Bethesda tonight at 8 p.m.

Photos

PHOTOS: Fairfax City Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Sherwood Center

Published

2 days ago

June 9, 2026

Michael Key

A scene from Fairfax City Pride on June 6. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

a&e features

D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday

Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns

Published

2 days ago

June 9, 2026

Evan Caplan

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns June 13. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”

On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:

Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.

Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.

Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.

9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.

Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.

Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.

Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.

Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.

Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.

Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.

Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.

Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.

District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.

African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.

KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.

The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.

Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.