Out & About
20 LGBTQ events this Labor Day Weekend
Looking for something to do in the DMV? We’ve got you covered.
Are you not planning a trip to Rehoboth Beach this weekend for SunFestival? There is plenty to do in the D.C. metro area this Labor Day Weekend. Below are some of our picks for events in the DMV of interest to the LGBTQ community.
Kinky Bears

Friday, September 1
6 – 10 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No Cover
Facebook
Enjoy $18 bottomless bud light on tap with your hirsute buddies at UPROAR tonight for a FURocious Friday happy hour. DJ Darryl Strickland brings the music.
First Lady and The Tramp

Friday, September 1
Doors 7:30 p.m. / Drag Race 8 p.m. / Drag Show 10:30 p.m.
The Lodge
21614 National Pike.
Boonsboro, Md.
$8 Cover before 10 p.m.; $10 after 10 p.m.
Facebook
Laura Bushe and guest host Chasity Vain lead a show with Ivanna Rights, Jalah Nicole and Stormi Skye tonight after a Drag Race viewing party at the Lodge.
Black Friday Drag Show

Friday, September 1
Doors 9 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Instagram
Catch a show by some of the area’s best drag performers at As You Are. Black Friday features Black performance artists.
Right Round 80s Alt-Pop Dance Party

Friday, September 1
9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Black Cat
1811 14th Street, N.W.
$15
Facebook | Tickets
Celebrate 80’s alternative music at a party with DJ lil’e tonight at the Black Cat.
Slay Them! Drag Competition

Friday, September 1
9 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Instagram
Where do the best drag queens get their start? At an amateur drag competition, of course! Come watch new performers introduce themselves to the world tonight at Red Bear Brewing Company.
Haus Fridays: Miscalculated

Friday, September 2
10 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
No Cover
Website
Enjoy customer appreciation day with no cover at Bunker tonight with music by Miscalculated.
District First Friday Underwear Party

Friday, September 1
10 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Green Lantern
1335 Green Court, N.W.
$10
Instagram
Davon Hamilton Events presents the District First Friday Underwear Party tonight at the Green Lantern.
POP Rewind

Saturday, September 2
8 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
VIP Tickets $15
Website
There is no cover for the happy hour from 8-10 p.m. and then a party all night at Bunker with music by Ryan Kenney for POP Rewind.
Rewind Request Line

Saturday, September 2
9 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Green Lantern
1335 Green Court, N.W.
Facebook
Catch your favorite music videos from the 80’s and 90’s at Rewind Request Line at the Green Lantern on Saturday.
We Love You Madonna

Saturday, September 2
10 p.m.
Number Nine
1435 P Street, N.W.
Instagram
Celebrate 40 years of Madonna at Number Nine on Saturday.
Labor Day Weekend UPROAR

Saturday, September 2
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No Cover / 21+
Instagram
UPROAR holds a Labor Day Weekend party on Saturday with DJ Milko.
Sisters Bingo

Sunday, September 3
1 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Facebook
The D.C. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host an afternoon of drag bingo on Sunday at Red Bear Brewing.
LGBTQ+ Falls Church No Agenda Happy Hour

Sunday, September 3
6 – 8 p.m.
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack
130 North Washington Street
Falls Church, Va.
The newly-formed LGBTQ+ Falls Church holds its inaugural event at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack on Sunday.
La Loca

Sunday, September 3
7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
No Cover
Website
The LGBTQ+ Latinx party La Loca has a Labor Day Edition at Bunker on Sunday.
Freddie’s Zodiac

Sunday, September 3
8 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
$5
Instagram
The monthly drag competition Zodiac is held on Sunday at Freddie’s in Arlington.
Dirtee Disco

Sunday, September 3
10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Green Lantern
1335 Green Court, N.W.
Facebook
Shirtless men drink free from 10-11 in the upstairs bar at the beginning of Dirtee Disco. The party runs through 2 a.m.
Flashy Labor Day Weekend

Sunday, September 3
10 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30
Facebook | Eventbrite
Flash holds a Labor Day Weekend party with DJs Twin, Sean Morris and Bill Spieler on Sunday.
DC Frontrunners Labor Day Run

Monday, September 4
Walkers meet 9:30 a.m. / Run 10 a.m.
Taras Shevchenko Memorial
1512 22nd Street, N.W.
Facebook
Join the D.C. Frontrunners for a Labor Day Run on Monday.
Labor Gay Day Party

Monday, September 4
2 – 6 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Vagenesis performs at the Labor Gay Day Party benefit for Capital Pride on Monday.
JR.’s Showtunes

Monday, September 4
9 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Belt your favorite showtunes with your friends at JR.’s on Monday.
Friday, June 26
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
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.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. 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, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Oriole Park.
The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Pride Night Orioles jersey. The Washington Blade is a media sponsor of this event.
To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Out & About
Writers’ association hosts Capital Love LitFest
Inaugural literary salon scheduled for Sunday
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House (WWPH), the nation’s longest continuously operating cooperative nonprofit literary press, will present the inaugural “Capital Love LitFest” on Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md.
Designed as a full-day literary salon and cultural gathering, the event will feature more than 25 writers, nine workshops, and panel discussions, readings, and conversations centered on love, relationships, identity, healing, creativity, and connection in divisive times. Admission is pay-what-you-can, beginning at free.
The LitFest celebrates the release of “Capital Love,” WWPH’s new anthology featuring 55 writers from across the DMV, including contributors from Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The pocket-sized collectible anthology explores love in its many forms through poetry and prose and serves as a literary response to today’s social and political climate.
For more details, visit Washington Writers’ website.
