Bars & Parties
Local galleries, museums packed with memorable exhibits
How to cull just a baker’s dozen — 13 in all — of the best of D.C.-area fine arts offerings may be a fool’s errand because of the literal overflowing cornucopia of painting and sculpture and photography and video, an array of so many dishes on the groaning banquet table of the nearby galleries and museums.
But fools rush in anyway. And a feast for the senses awaits the art lover this spring, from the baroque excesses of 17th Spanish sacred images of the passion of Christ, to a stunning display of Georgia O’Keefe abstractions, to the feminist aesthetic of contemporary Turkish artists confronting the gaze of male gender-privilege, to “the boys of Washington” — the beefcake of the P Street beach and environs brought to pigment and canvas and captured in the camera’s aperture.
Someone once wrote that “something for everyone is not enough.” But for the art lover seeking insight from what the eye can see, there is surely something for everyone in our very likely idiosyncratic list of the top 13, organized here in a purely arbitrary fashion — alphabetically.
AARON GALLERY
1717 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
202-234-3311
aarongallerydc.com
Gallery owner Annette Aaron carries on her parents’ tradition at this intimate shop just north of Dupont Circle, which continues to show the remarkable work of 78-year-old, Barcelona-born Javier Cabada. Painting since he was 17, Cabada emigrated to the U.S. long ago and lives today in Arlington but keeps his studio just over the shop of the gallery. Check out his impassioned use of color in his expressionist abstractions and also in his series of acrylic paintings of the great composers, including Beethoven and Chopin.
CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART
500 17th St, NW
202-639-1700
corcoran.org
Do not miss a first-time-ever U.S. exhibit of 53 works, most never seen before on this side of the Atlantic, collected by two remarkable and well-to-do sisters born in Wales more than 100 years ago, Margaret and Gwendoline Davies. The show, “Turner to Cezanne: Masterpieces from the Davies Collection, National Museum of Wales” is a must-see roundup of a collection that at one point was the largest holding of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in Britain. The works are ordered chronologically by when they were purchased and show the changes in taste moving from picturesque realism to more modernist styles such as Van Gogh’s dramatic “Rain-Auvers,” this rain-drenched village scene among the sisters’ final purchases and completed only a few weeks before the artist killed himself. The show runs through April 25.
Coming to the Corcoran on April 10 through July 18 is a retrospective of all aspects of the pioneering photography of “Eadweard Muybridge in a Time of Change” showing all aspects of his art from his studies of animal and human locomotion — with many male nudes — to innovative landscapes and documentary subjects.
Also opening on April 10 and closing in July is a new multi-projection video installation, “American Falls,” by the experimental filmmaker Phil Solomon, inspired by the Corcoran’s well-known masterpiece “Niagara” by painter Frederic Edwin Church and also by D.C.’s monumental memorials.
FREER GALLERY OF ART
and ARTHUR M. SACKLER GALLERY
Jefferson Drive and 12th St., S.W.
202-633-1000
asia.si.edu
These twin Smithsonian-managed and adjacent museums are centers of South and East Asian art and culture. Be sure to see the eye-opening abstract moonlit landscapes or “nocturnes” by orientalist James McNeill Whistler. These 15 works of “The Texture of Night” will be on view at the Freer through June 30.
At the Sackler, meanwhile, are two remarkable exhibitions exploring the sacred arts of Tibetan Buddhism. The first, “The Tibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection,” an extraordinary Tibetan Buddhist shrine room, filled with bronze sculptures, scroll paintings and textile banners, acknowledged by devotees as a sacred space, are on public display for the first time.
The second is “Lama, Patron, Artist; The Great Situ Panchen,” sculptures and paintings from the 18th-century artist and founder of the Palpung Monastery. Beginning on Sunday, March 14, the sacred art of making a sand mandala has been on exhibit in the Sackler pavilion as monks work together to execute the intricate yet geometrically balanced composition for meditation. The work continues daily through Saturday, March 20 and the dissolution ceremony takes place starting at noon Sunday March 21.
Beginning May 15 through the end of next January, the Sackler will host “Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia,” 36 exceptional works of religious sculpture and casting, some only recently unearthed, dating from the ancient time of third century BCE to the 14th century CE.
GALLERY PLAN B
1530 14th St., N.W.
202-234-2711
galleryplanb.com
Owned by painter Paula Amt and managed by David Kalamar, this gallery is perfect for shows like its newest, the just opened “Persona Grata,” running through April 11 and featuring an array of shirtless and sometimes nude males in pigment and photos, among them paintings and drawings by gay artist and Dupont Circle resident Gordon Binder.
On the near horizon for Gallery Plan B will be the exhibit “Inside/Outside,” beginning April 14 through May 16, of several gay artists including Brazilian-born and Shaw-resident Aster da Fonseca whose acrylic paintings show exceptionally vivid colors both in his abstractions and in his more figurative work. His work can also be seen by appointment at his studio, Studio 14, 1327 14th St., N.W.
HILLWOOD ESTATE, MUSEUM & GARDENS
4155 Linnean Ave., N.W.
202-686-8500
hillwoodmuseum.org
This is the museum “where Fabulous lives.” The first U.S. exhibition — “Sevres Then and Now; Tradition and Innovation in Porcelain, 1750-2000” — presents through May 30 the earliest Sevres porcelain pieces alongside contemporary works of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how innovation has led to Servres’ pre-eminence as a porcelain factory. The final evening in a four-part lecture series led by curator Liana Paredes takes place 6:30-8 p.m. on March 24, with a focus on modern and contemporary ceramic presented by Douglas Burton, owner of Apartment Zero. To register, call 202-686-5807 or go online. The cost is $15 ($10 for Hillwood members and college students).
HIRSHHORN MUSEUM & SCULPTURE GARDEN
Independence Avenue and 7th St., S.W.
202-633-1000
hirshhorn.si.edu
“Joseph Albers: Innovation and Inspiration.” Be sure and see this show, which closes on April 11, for a great survey of this Bauhaus modernist grand master notable for his use of color and for painting squares within squares. At first controversial, when he fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s and took refuge at the experimental Black Mountain College, critics scoffed at his paintings as merely decorative. Now we know better. See for yourself how his use of color changes can affect your own mood.
“Directions: John Gerrard,” through May 31, discover how this Irish artist uses customized 3-D gaming software, taking 360-degree photographs of farm scenes and oil fields and then uses his computer to simulate cinematic movement around these landscapes as he re-imagines landscape scenery, especially from America’s Dust Bowl period. A technological tour-de-force!
“Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers.” This show should be a knock-out when it opens May 20 (through Sept. 12). It will survey the work of perhaps the most radical and innovative mid-20th century European artist, whose untimely death at 34 came at the height of his powers as a pioneer of monochromatic abstraction — such as large canvases vacant except for fields of blue or gold; conceptualism — emptying instead of filling a gallery; and performance art — such as using pigment in public to paint the bodies of naked women. And take note of the special blue paint he invented to glow.
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Ann Loeb Bronfman Gallery
1529 16th St., N.W.
202-518-9400
washingtondcjcc.org/center-for-arts/gallery
“Andy Warhol — Ten Portraits of Jews of the 20th century: In Retrospect.” The JCC is re-staging this show, first presented 30 years ago amid considerable controversy, by this iconic gay artist and pop-culture impressario. The show consists simply of 10 silkscreen images of such figures as Einstein and Freud and Buber — and the Marx Brothers! On April 7 at 7 p.m., USC professor Richard Meyer, author of the catalogue “Warhol’s Jews reconsidered,” will discuss the history of the show and its controversies ($12/$9 members).
Also plan to see a Theatre J companion piece, “Andy Warhol: Good for the Jews?” — the world premiere of a one-man comedy starring as well as written and directed by D.C. favorite Josh Kornbluth, playing at the JCC’s Goldman Theatre through March 21.
LONG VIEW GALLERY
1234 9th St NW
202-232-4788
longviewgallery.com
Check out the contest winners of the DCIST Exposed photography show, but move quickly, as it closes on March 21. Otherwise, take in the current exhibit, “Til Death Do Us part,” featuring paintings by Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow. Also marvel at the spacious backdrop to this newly relocated gallery, managed by gay director Drew Porterfield. The space makes an excellent venue for private events.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
East Building
3rd Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.
202-737-4215
nga.gov
Whether or not you are religious, you owe it to your aesthetic sense not to miss seeing the marvels of “The Sacred Made Real: Spanish Painting and Sculpture, 1600-1700,” a true landmark collection of paintings and polychrome painted and gilded wooden sculptures, cross-over media depicting the passion of Christ and the devotion of Mary.
Get ready for high Baroque intensity and drama that will pierce your soul and kindle your loins like St. Sebastian. This outstanding show runs through May 31.
Then return to a far more astringent aesthetic with “Editions With Additions: Jasper Johns’ Working Proofs,” more than 40 proofs for his lithographs, etchings and screenprints that the artist would expand with a range of media including paint, pastel and ink. Through April 4. Also plan to see selected works from the Robert and Jane Meyerhoff Collection, illuminated in 10 themes including scrape, dip and gesture — through May 2.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART
950 Independence Avenue SW
202-633-4600
africa.si.edu
Children of ALL ages, and that means everybody, will swoon with delight to see “Artful Animals,” a playful exhibit of all the ways that African artists have depicted the animal world, from spiders and snakes through large biting animals, the beasts with open jaws and sharp teeth appearing as mask designed to protect villages from harm or for use in tribal initiation ceremonies. Also be sure to see the oil-on-paper painting of two crocodiles protecting their eggs by Kaballa, a member of a central African modernist art movement and the mid-20th century wooden couching-monkey figure, holding a bowl for sacrifices, a work associated with trance divination cults of the Baule culture of Cote d’Ivoire. It closes July 25.
“African Vision,” highlights from the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, now in the permanent collection, is also must-see!
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
4th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W.
202-633-1000
nmai.si.edu
“Brian Jungen: Strange Comfort.” This major survey of the Canadian-born artist showcases his playful sense of ways to transform familiar and banal objects — like soccer balls and trashcans — into objects of artistic beauty and wonder. Expect the unexpected here, including his reflections on how Indian images can be reduced to commodities. It closes Aug. 8.
InDivisible: African-American Lives in the Americas” is thought-provoking about cross-cultural issues, depicted in a 20-panel banner, raising questions about how folk of blended heritage come to terms with identity. It runs through May.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS
1250 New York Ave., N.W.
202-783-5000
nmwa.org
Put a check mark here, to see this striking exhibit “A Dream…but not Yours: Contemporary Art from Turkey,” featuring 11 female artists from Turkey who create subversive art in response to outlined, often constraining, Muslim gender roles, and who propose new ways of managing “the dreams they are supposed to live and those that they want to live.” The 24 works of photography, video, paintings, textiles and installations straddle tradition and modernity and challenge pre-packaged life-paths, asking “whose dream is this?” The show closes May 16.
Take special note of the moving images in Inci Eviner’s “Harem” (2009). You have seldom seen anything quite like this moving picture.
But don’t visit this gem of a museum without also seeing its permanent collection, including a breathtaking colorful self-portrait of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, her 1937 “Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky.”
PHILLIPS COLLECTION
1600 21st St NW
202-387-2151
phillipscollection.org
It is the exhibit of a lifetime for Georgia O’Keefe fans — to learn that this truly iconic American artist (1887-1986), famous for her paintings of flowers, animal bones and stark New Mexican cliffs, is also notable for the radical abstract art she made throughout her career. This exhibit showcases more than 100 paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculpture dating from 1915 to the late 1970s. See this American legend in a whole new light.
On March 27 at 1 p.m. you can also see the award-winning documentary film titled simply “Georgia O’Keefe,” and meet the director Perry Miller Adato (part of the Environmental Film Festival). The Phillips Collection is also offering a host of collateral events — talks, gallery discussions, and music/videos — around this exhibit, which closes on May 9.
Happy Pride! Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do today (Saturday, June 10) in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.
Unholy
Saturday, June 10
3:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Some tier 2 priority entry tickets available at $50
Tickets
Bunker’s late night party rages through 9 in the morning.
LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch
Saturday, June 10
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street South
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC has organized an LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. this morning.
Flower Crown Bar for Pride
Saturday, June 10
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
PLNTR
1825 18th Street, N.W.
$25
Eventbrite
If you are looking to make a striking impression at Pride, you could make your own rainbow flower crown! Go to the Flower Crown Bar for Pride today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at PLNTR to make your crown. $25 for materials and instruction.
Friendship Place Pride
Saturday, June 10
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
1436 U Street, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
Organizers promise fun and prizes in the tents and booths set up in the courtyard of Friendship Place for Pride today.
PRIDE Drag Brunch
Saturday, June 10
11 a.m. seating / 12:30 p.m. show
King & Rye
480 King Street
Alexandria, Va.
$45
Eventbrite
Evon Dior Michelle hosts a Pride Drag Brunch at King & Rye in Alexandria, Va. today. Performers include Amber St. Lexington, Dee A. Diamond and Stella Ray.
Capital Pride Crack of Noon Pride Parade Brunch
Saturday, June 10
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Viceroy Washington D.C.
1430 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
$60-$75 / 21+
Facebook
The Capital Pride Alliance holds its Capital Pride Crack of Noon Parade Brunch on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Viceroy Washington DC. It is 21+ to enter and tickets range from $60-$75.
Monarch Drag Brunch
Saturday, June 10
11:30 a.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar
Upstairs at 1637 17th Street, N.W.
$35
The regular Monarch Drag Brunch will be upstairs at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar this morning.
Capital Pride Block Party
Saturday, June 10
12-10 p.m.
17th Street, N.W.
Between P Street and Q Street
Website
The free Capital Pride Block Party rages on throughout the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. on 17th Street between P and Q Streets. There will be booths and entertainment provided with some of D.C.’s best drag kings and queens.
Sassy Saturdays Drag Brunch
Saturday, June 10
12 p.m. seating / 1 p.m. show
Blue Iguana
12727 Shoppes Lane
Fairfax, Va.
$15.
Eventbrite
Evita Peroxide hosts Sassy Saturday’s Drag Brunch at The Blue Iguana in Fairfax, Va. at noon.
Green Lantern Pride Parade Afterparty by Lobo
Saturday, June 10
Open at 2 p.m. for Supergay Happy Hour / 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Green Lantern
1335 Green Court, N.W.
No cover / 21+
Instagram
The Green Lantern is holding a Pride Parade Afterparty sponsored by Lobo. Doors open at 2 p.m. for Supergay Happy Hour with the big party planned for 9 p.m.- 3 a.m.
Lambda Sci-Fi Pride Tabletop Gaming Party and Parade Viewing
Saturday, June 10
2-11 p.m.
1425 S Street, N.W.
$10
Facebook
Lambda Sci Fi is holding a Tabletop Gaming Party and Parade Viewing at 1425 S Street, N.W. from 2-11 p.m. Bring $10 cash for pizza.
Pride on the Pier and Fireworks Show!
Saturday, June 10
2-9 p.m.
The Wharf DC: District Pier
101 District Square, S.W.
$0-$125
Eventbrite
The Washington Blade and the Ladies of LURe present the annual Pride on the Pier and Fireworks Show on Saturday from 2-9 p.m. at the Wharf DC: District Pier. The event is free, but you can purchase a VIP spot in an air conditioned space with an open bar, food, DJs and more.
Uptown Pride
Saturday, June 10
2-7 p.m.
Kennedy Street and 14th Street, N.W.
Free
Website
A new effort to create a Pride atmosphere for those in the northern part of D.C. who don’t want to brave the crowds of Dupont brings us Uptown Pride.
Capital Pride Parade
Saturday, June 10
3-7:30 p.m.
Logan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods
Website
The 2023 Capital Pride Parade will follow a 1.5-mile route that begins on 14th Street at T Street, N.W., and ends on P Street at 21st Street, N.W. See the map here:
Pride Tea
Saturday, June 10
4-10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Website
Crimsyn and Brooke N Hyman perform at Bunker’s Pride Tea this afternoon. Music is probvided by Steve Sidewalk and Miscalculated.
Rooftop Day Party
Saturday, June 10
4 p.m.
The Dirty Goose
913 U Street, N.W.
Instagram
Crystal Edge hosts a Day Party at Dirty Goose today.
Phantom Dupont Circle Pride Afterparty
Saturday, June 10
6-10 p.m.
Phantom Lounge
1327 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
$2
Eventbrite
Phantom Lounge Dupont Circle has its own parade afterparty tonight.
H!Gh Pride Fest
Saturday, June 10
6-9 p.m.
Euphoria DC
611 1/2 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E.
$0-$50
Eventbrite
If you are looking for a buzz among fellow heads, look no further than the H!Gh Pride Fest at Euphoria DC tonight. A $35 donation will garner you a “free gift.”
Capital Trans Pride Pool Party
Saturday, June 10
8 p.m.-12 a.m.
Penthouse Pool and Lounge
1612 U Street, N.W., fourth floor
Free / Ticket required
Website
Cool off at the Capital Trans Pool Party tonight at the Penthouse Pool and Lounge.
Electric Disco
Saturday, June 10
8 p.m.
507 8th Street, N.E.
Website
Scorpio Entertainment and Taoti Creative produce the Electric Disco tonight with DJ Tezrah, DJ Edward Daniels and DJ Philly Phill.
Hellboiz! A priDEMONth Drag King Show
Saturday, June 10
8:30 p.m.
The Runway
3523 12th Street, N.E.
$15-$20
Facebook | Eventbrite
Baphemette hosts “Hellboiz, a priDEMONth Drag King Show tonight at The Runway DC. Performers include Mota, Flirty Rico, Silver Ware and Dr. Torcher.
Revolution! The Official Capital Pride Saturday Party
Saturday, June 10
9 p.m.-3 a.m.
WEG
1235 W Street, N.E.
$35-$55
Eventbrite
The Capital Pride Alliance holds the official Saturday Pride party at WEG tonight.
Vanguard Pride
Saturday, June 10
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Safari DC
4306 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
$7-$10
Eventbrite
Vanguard Dark Dance Party brings you Vanguard Pride at Safari DC tonight. Admission is $7 in advance, $10 at the door and only $5 with a student ID.
FUSE: Main Womxn’s DC Pride Party
Saturday, June 10
9:30 p.m.-3 a.m.
Howard Theatre
620 T Street, N.W.
$20 / 18+
Facebook | Tickets
The Ladies of LURe and Tagg Magazine present the Main Womxn’s DC Pride Party: fuse. The Howard Theatre event features the DystRucXion Dancers, DJ Honey, DJ Jai Syncere and DJ Eletrox.
All That Glitters Drag Ball
Saturday, June 10
10 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Reservations
Shaw’s Tavern is holding an “All That Glitters Drag Ball” tonight featuring Sapphire Dupree, Nubia Love Jackson, Genocide Abrasax and Alexa V. Shontelle.
Dirty Pop Pride
Saturday, June 10
10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Some VIP express entry final tier tickets available at $25
Tickets
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Aja is featured at Dirty Pop Pride at Bunker tonight.
KINETIC: Candyland with Betty Who
Saturday, June 10
10 p.m.-4 a.m.
Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel Road, N.E.
$65-$80 (or purchase weekend pass)
Facebook | Tickets
The big Pride parties continue with KINETIC: Candyland with Betty Who at Echostage from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Kinki. Leather Night
Saturday, June 10
10 p.m.
Kiki
910 U Street, N.W.
Instagram | Facebook
Kiki is holding its leather night, “Kinki,” tonight at 10 p.m.
Leather Dykes: Pride 2023
Saturday, June 10
10 p.m.-3 a.m.
DC9 Nightclub
1940 9th Street, N.W.
$15
Eventbrite
Leather aficionados are spoiled for choice as DC9 Nightclub holds Leather Dykes: Pride 2023 tonight.
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do today in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community. This is a list from June 9. To see today’s list, click here.
The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present D.C. Changemakers
Friday, June 9 | Saturday, June 10 | Sunday June 11
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
The Washington Blade and Dupont Underground present an exhibit honoring “D.C. Changemakers” of the LGBTQ community at Dupont Underground on dates throughout June. For a full list of dates and times the exhibit is open, click here.
PRIDE: Free to Feel Good!
Friday, June 9
5 p.m.-2 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
DJ Darryl Strickland and DJ Popperz are the featured DJs at the Free to Feel Good Pride Kickoff Rally on the Rooftop at UPROAR Lounge and restaurant today. The event starts at 5 p.m. and runs into the morning.
Pride Pregame @201
Friday, June 9
5-8 p.m.
201 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.
$12
Eventbrite
Go to 201 Massachusetts for a Pride pregame with drinks, food and karaoke tonight at 5 p.m.
30th annual DC DYKE MARCH
Friday, June 9
6:30 p.m.
Lafayette Square
Pennsylvania Avenue and 16th Street, N.W.
Facebook
The DC Dyke March is a running tradition in the District. This year, it will be at Lafayette Square at 6:30 tonight. The theme this year is “Dykes for Trans Rights.”
Culture of P R I D E
Friday, June 9
7-10 p.m.
DCity Smokehouse
203 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
Looking for a thoughtful evening? Check out some Pride poetry by JK Putnam and TrUth Speaks Volumes at DCity Smokehouse tonight at 7 p.m.
DC Frontrunners Pride Run 5K
Friday, June 9
7 p.m.
Congressional Cemetery
1801 E Street, S.E.
Website
While it is too late to register to run, there is plenty of fun to be had at the DC Frontrunners Pride Run 5K today. Cheer on your friends at a truly unique Pride tradition!
LGBTQ+ Pride Social in the City
Friday, June 9
7 p.m.
Hotel Zena
1155 14th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC meets up tonight at Hotel Zena for an LGBTQ+ Pride Social in the City at Hotel Zena. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends.
PRIDE @ Metrobar
Friday, June 9
7 p.m.
Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
Eventbrite
The popular outdoor venue Metrobar is holding a Pride event of its own with music from Zach Benson, Bryce Bowyn, Synae and DJ Franxx with a drag show featuring the Washington Blade’s 2022 Best Drag King Molasses, Ruth Allen Ginsberg and Sirene Noir Sidora Jackson. Cabana spots are sold out (they ran at $60 for a table of 8), so find a free seat and enjoy the show!
Love is Love: A Friday Night Celebration
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Reservations
DJ DJ brings the music to a no cover Friday night Pride event, “Love is Love,” at Shaw’s Tavern.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party at Bunker with Jiggly Caliente
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Instagram
There are lots of places to watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” tonight, but only one nightspot with Jiggly Caliente of RPDR Season 4 as a special guest.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party at Dirty Goose
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
The Dirty Goose
913 U Street, N.W.
Instagram
Crystal Edge hosts a “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” at The Dirty Goose tonight alongside RPDR Season 2 and All-Stars 2 contestant Tatianna.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party at JR.’s with Citrine
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Citrine leads the festivities at JR.’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party tonight.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars 8” Viewing Party at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Facebook
Desiree Dik is joined by “some of the best performers in the DMV” for Red Bear Brewing Company’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party.
Drag Underground
Friday, June 9
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
$15-$20
Eventbrite
The Washington Blade brings back Drag Underground for a Pride show at Dupont Underground tonight. Performers include Cake Pop!, Gigi Paris Couture, Kabuki Bukkake and Delia B. Lee.
RIOT! The Capital Pride Official Opening Party
Friday, June 9
9 p.m.-3:30 a.m.
Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel Road, N.E.
$45
Website
The Capital Pride Alliance holds its huge Official Opening Party at Echostage tonight starring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 5 and “All Stars 2” favorite Alaska and features Tatianna of RPDR Season 2/All Stars 2 and model Beaux Banks.
Bollywood Pride! LGBTQ+ Dance Party
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.
Bulldog DC
713 H Street, N.W.
$5 online / $10 door
Eventbrite
The Bollywood Pride LGBTQ+ Dance Party is tonight at 10 at Bulldog DC. The event is 21+ and features Bollywood and Bhangra beats by DJ DynAmite.
DTF
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
VIP express entry sold out / $20 cash only at door
Website
Bunker’s Pride events continue with “DTF” tonight. The event features Diego Barros with house music provided by Conner Curnick. Doors open at 8, but the party doesn’t really start until after 10.
ICONS Dance Party: A Pride Celebration
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Baja Tap Bar
2436 18th Street, N.W.
21+
Eventbrite
Baja Tap holds an epic dance party tonight featuring a soundtrack of LGBTQ icons: from George Michael to Judy Garland to Beyoncé and Kylie Minogue. The first 50 guests to arrive receive a free glass of champagne. Be sure to take a selfie at the PRIDE Photo Wall.
Jasmine Juke Joint Capital Pride Show and Dance
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.-4 a.m.
4707 Raleigh Road
Marlow Heights, Md.
$20
Eventbrite
Head out to Marlow Heights, Md. for a night of fun at the Jasmine Juke Joint Pride Show and Dance.
MIXTAPE Pride Party
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.
9:30 Club
815 V Street, N.W.
$25
Facebook | Tickets
MIXTAPE celebrates its 15th anniversary with a massive Pride party at the 9:30 Club tonight. Music is provided by DJs Matt Bailer, Khelan Bhatia, Diyanna Monet, and Pwrpuff.
UNCUT XL Pride
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.-4 a.m.
REPUBLIQ Nightclub
2122 24th Place, N.E.
$50-$90 (or purchase weekend pass).
Facebook | Eventbrite
KINETIC Pride events produce “UNCUT XL” at REPUBLIQ tonight. There is a clothes check and play zones. DJ Abel brings the music to this Capital Pride Partner event.
Hot Summer Pride
Friday, June 9
11 p.m.-3 a.m.
DC9 Nightclub
1940 9th Street, N.W.
$0-$10
Eventbrite
DC9 holds a Pride disco party inspired by the music of Donna Summer tonight.
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do today in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community. This is a list from June 8. To see today’s list, click here.
LGBTQ+ Military Pride Mixer
Thursday, June 8
4-6 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Free
Eventbrite
The D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs host the “LGBTQ+ Military Pride Mixer” at As You Are this afternoon at 4 p.m.
Lavender Evolutions: Femz & Themz bipoc Happy Hour
Thursday, June 8
5-8 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
Instagram
Rico Pico hosts “Lavender Evolutions” tonight at Trade. The “Femz & Themz bipoc Happy hour” begins at 5 p.m. with a show at 8. Performers include Molasses, Flirty Rico and Hennessey.
Equality Chamber of Commerce Pride Weekend Kick-off
Thursday, June 8
6-9 p.m.
The Moxy
1011 K Street, N.W.
$25 non-member
Tickets
The Equality Chamber of Commerce holds its Pride Weekend Kick-off Party at The Moxy tonight from 6-9 p.m. The event is free to members and $25 for non-members of ECC.
PRIDE in the Park: Free Outdoor Comedy
Thursday, June 8
6-9 p.m.
Fairview Road Urban Park
8900 Fairview Road
Silver Spring, Md.
Eventbrite
Laugh out loud to comics Stacey Cay, Howl Cooper, Ashley Mayo, Gray West, Rose Vineshank and Apple Brown Betty at Fairview Road Urban Park tonight from 6-9 p.m.
Women’s/Sapphic Night
Thursday, June 8
7 p.m.
The Dirty Goose
913 U Street, N.W.
Instagram | Website
It’s Women’s/Sapphic Night at The Dirty Goose tonight.
GAY! Trivia and Drag Show
Thursday, June 8
7-10 p.m.
Baja Tap
2436 18th Street, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
Ophelia Diamonds hosts a game of gay trivia and a drag show at Baja Tap tonight.
BAD (Broadway and Disney) Singalong: Loud & Proud Edition
Thursday, June 8
7-10 p.m.
H Street Country Club
1335 H Street, N.E.
Free
Eventbrite
Belt your favorite Broadway and Disney tunes at the BAD Singalong: Loud & Proud Edition at H Street Country Club tonight.
DMV Comedy Wars: A PRIDE Benefit for the Trevor Project
Thursday, June 8
7:30-9 p.m.
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub
3207 Washington Boulevard
Arlington, Va.
$15
Eventbrite
The DMV Comedy Wars continue with a “Pride Battle” of comics at O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in Arlington, Va. tonight. Benefits from the show are slated for the Trevor Project, so go out and laugh for a good cause.
Capital Pride Rooftop Pool Party
Thursday, June 8 [UPDATE: This event has been postponed to June 22]
8 p.m.
Penthouse Pool and Lounge
1212 4th Street, S.E.
$25-$35 / 21+
Website
The Capital Pride Alliance hosts its annual Rooftop Pool Party at 1212 4th Street, S.E. [UPDATE: Rescheduled due to poor air quality]
ElectroPOP Thursdays: Pride Edition
Thursday, June 8
8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
No Cover
Website
Steve Sidewalk brings the music to this Pride Edition of ElectroPOP Thursdays at Bunker.
Films on the Green DC: “Three Nights a Week” Screening
Thursday, June 8
9-11 p.m.
Washington Monument
2 15th Street, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
The base of the Washington Monument is a beautiful spot to watch a film. For this Pride Thursday, Films on the Green is playing the 2022 French LGBTQ film, “Three Nights a Week.”
Wasted & Gay Thursdays
Thursday, June 8
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Wasted Lounge
816 H Street, N.E.
$5
Eventbrite
Have a pleasant evening with a beverage and hookah at Wasted Lounge with “Wasted & Gay Thursdays” at 9 p.m. tonight.
Sleaze Pride
Thursday, June 8
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
DC9 Nightclub
1940 9th Street, N.W.
$10
Facebook | Eventbrite
The monthly DC9 “Sleaze” LGBTQ parties culminate with the Sleaze Pride party tonight featuring drag artists Jane Saw, Indiana Bones and Vagenesis. DJ Lemz and DJ Keenan Orr bring the music.
Shirts and Skins!
Thursday, June 8
10 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
Instagram
Kiki dips its toes into the gear party scene for Pride with a Shirts and Skins party. So, show off your jock straps, singlets, compression shorts, harnesses, pup attire, body suits or whatever gear you grab at this kinky party.
KINTETIC Pride: Sugar Pop
Thursday, June 8
10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Soundcheckdc
1420 K Street, N.W.
$20-$30 (or purchase weekend pass)
Facebook | Tickets
KINETIC Pride events begin with Sugar Pop featuring Mayhem Miller with Dan Slater at Soundcheck at 10 p.m. You can either pay piecemeal for each party, or you can secure weekend passes for all four KINETIC Pride events for $149-$219 on Eventbrite.
30 LGBTQ events today
Anti-LGBTQ conservative Christian activist Pat Robertson is dead at 93
Signature’s acclaimed music director tackles ‘Sweeney Todd’
DC Front Runners Pride 5K to take place as scheduled
Virginia Queer Film Festival to debut
D.C. Pride officials monitoring Canadian wildfire smoke conditions
Federal judge halts enforcement of Fla. trans healthcare ban
Same-sex marriage support remains strong at 71 percent high
DeSantis is public enemy No. 1 of the LGBTQ community
White House debuts new actions to protect the LGBTQ community
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District of Columbia2 days agoD.C. Pride officials monitoring Canadian wildfire smoke conditions
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Florida4 days agoFederal judge halts enforcement of Fla. trans healthcare ban
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National4 days agoSame-sex marriage support remains strong at 71 percent high
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Opinions2 days agoDeSantis is public enemy No. 1 of the LGBTQ community
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The White House2 days agoWhite House debuts new actions to protect the LGBTQ community
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a&e features2 days agoDrag legend Ella Fitzgerald returns to the stage for Capital Pride festival
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Photos5 days agoWashington Spirit host largest halftime drag performance in NWSL history
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Congress5 days agoPelosi to throw first pitch for Tuesday’s Washington Nationals Night OUT