Bars & Parties
Churches: Where to wed
Many Washington churches are gay friendly and have taken steps to become officially “open and affirming.” Beyond that, the degree to which gays are integrated into church life varies as some parishes defy denominational teachings to include gays, so marriages and commitment ceremonies are kept low-key if allowed at all.
For others, such as Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, Inner Light Ministries and Unity Fellowship, welcoming gays is their raison d’être. And this list isn’t meant to be exhaustive. All the churches listed have publicly welcomed gays but contact the churches individually to find out their same-sex marriage policies.
National City Christian Church
5 Thomas Circle, N.W.
nationalcitycc.org
Church of the Epiphany
1317 G St., N.W.
epiphanydc.org
Covenant Baptist Church
3845 South Capitol St., S.W.
cbcwdc.org
Riverside Church
680 I St., S.W.
riverside-dc.org
Inner Light Ministries
1525 Newton St., N.W.
innerlightministries-dc.org
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church
118 3rd St., S.E.
stmarks.net
Saint Thomas Episcopal Church
1771 Church St., N.W.
stthomasdc.org
Bet Mishpachah
1529 16th St., N.W.
betmish.org
Augustana Lutheran Church
2100 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.
augustanadc.info
Georgetown Lutheran Church
1556 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
georgetownlutheran.com
Capitol Hill United Methodist Church
421 Seward Square, S.E.
chumc.net
Dumbarton United Methodist Church
3133 Dumbarton Street, N.W.
dumbartonumc.org
Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th St., N.W.
foundryumc.org
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington
474 Ridge St., N.W.
mccdc.com
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church
201 4th St., S.E.
capitolhillpreschurch.org
Church of the Pilgrims
2201 P St., N.W.
churchofthepilgrims.org
Western Presbyterian Church
2401 Virginia Ave., N.W.
westernchurch.net
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
1500 Harvard St., N.W.
all-souls.org
Cleveland Park Congregational United Church of Christ
3400 Lowell St., N.W.
cpcchurch.org
Unity Fellowship Church of Washington
1226 Vermont Ave., N.W.
ufcdc.com
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
nationalcathedral.org
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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