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Black Pride events

Lineup includes poetry slams, fashion shows, musical performances

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D.C. plays host to a wide array of Black Pride events this weekend, from poetry slams and fashion shows to workshops and musical performances. For more information, visit dcblackpride.org.

The host hotel for this year’s DC Black Pride is Hamilton Crown Plaza, 1001 14th St., N.W. (14th & K streets), Washington, D.C.

Friday, May 28

DC Black Pride opening reception (Free)

Hamilton Ballroom

7-10 p.m.

Reception honoring the District of Columbia City Council, Charlotte Smallwood & Jeffrey Richardson. Refreshments and cash bar.

Saturday, May 29

DC Black Pride workshops (free), 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel

10:30 AM – Noon, “Do You See What I See? Personal Vision Development,” with Angela Harvey of Let’s T.A.L.K. Participants will learn how to create a vision board and ways to “see” their way to greatness.
Hamilton Ballroom

11 AM – Noon,
Somewhere Over The Rainbow-The Joy of Lesbian and Gay Travel,
presented by Donna Shands-Island. There will be a chance to win a trip for two.
Lafayette Park Room

11 AM–Noon,
Operation: REBIRTH – Overcoming Homophobia in the Black Church,
presenter: Tuan N’Gai. Franklin Square Room

Noon–1 PM,
“Yes We Can!” How do we create and sustain healthy, positive, empowering, monogamous relationships?
Presented by Dr. Christopher A. Lester. Lafayette Park Room

Noon–1 PM,
“Out on Campus”
moderated by Samantha Master. Franklin Park Room

1 PM – 2 PM,
“The Generation Gap,”
moderated by Sterling Washington,
featuring Sheila Alexander-Reid,
Genesis Nunlee,
Andre Rosario,
Courtney Williams.
Panel will discuss ageism. Lafayette Park Room

1 PM – 2 PM,
Health Care Reform – What’s in it for me? Franklin Square Room

2 PM – 3 PM,
“The Thickness: A Discussion About Healthy Bodies.”
Lafayette Park Room

2 PM – 3 PM,
“Imagine,”
moderated by Katrina Kirchoff, Microsoft Staffing & HR. Franklin Square Room

DC Black Pride Writer’s Forum (free)

Hosted by Fire & Ink,
noon – 2 PM,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel

“Why Do You Write? Why Do You Read? How Do You Succeed?”
Moderated by Reginald Harris. 


DC Black Pride Film Festival ($10)

Hamilton Ballroom, co-hosted by Glo–TV, 2-6 PM,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel

Films:
“Happy Birthday” – Abigail wants a dildo. Hannah wants a baby. Jack and Madeleine are happy with things just the way they are. Written and directed by Roberta Munroe (15 min)

“Finding Juliet” – Heartbroken and struggling to forget the image of her girlfriend cheating on her with an ex, Meeko Brown attempts to put the past behind her by setting out to find her one true love, her Juliet. (28 mins)

“Spoiled” – Tuffy Alexander is successful, smart, and has a demanding relationship. How far will she allow herself to be stretched to keep it? Written and directed by Michelle Sewell. (11 min)

“Dani and Alice” – After an evening out Dani and Alice must come to terms with the end of their violent relationship. Written and directed by Roberta Munroe (12 min)

“Flipping the Script” – excerpts of sit down interviews of forthcoming documentary feature. Written and directed by Demetrius Bady. Produced by Maurice Jamal (30 mins)

“Friends and Lover” – a spinoff from the hit “The Ski Trip.” The story follows Corey and Omar as they relocate to Los Angeles and contemplate getting married. Written and directed by Maurice Jamal (90 mins).
Special appearances by directors Michelle Sewell and Maurice Jamal.

DC Black Pride Poetry Slam ($5)

Hamilton Ballroom,
6-9 PM,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel, hosted by ButterFlySoul

DC Black Pride Fashion & Entertainment ($20)

EXTRAVAGANZA!

The Sphinx,
1315 K Street, N.W., 9:30 PM – 12 AM. Hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis.

Sunday May 30

Church service, Hamilton Ballroom,
Hamilton Crown Plaza Hotel,
10 AM-Noon.

Rev. Eric P. Lee is president/CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference-Los Angeles.

Health and Wellness Expo Entertainment ($15)

J Holiday headlines, Washington Convention Center,
1-7 PM

Segment 1: 2–3 PM, hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis and featuring Running Water, Romance, Sabrina Blue, Yarde, Monet Dupree, Tina Tuna Adams, Telle Thomas, Eric Rainbow, Shadina/Topaz, Yahzarah
and Beat Ya Feet Kings.

Segment 2, 4:15-4:45 PM, hosted by Shi-Queeta Lee with Epiphany Bloomingdale, Tyria Iman, Raquel Savage, Lacountress Farrington
and Brandi Courvisler.

Segment 3, 6:15-7 PM, hosted by ButtaFlySoul and featuring DJ Flexx and J Holiday.

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a&e features

Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties

Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more

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Trade leans into a shark motif with its NYE plans. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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). 

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Bars & Parties

Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13

‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday

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(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

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

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Bars & Parties

Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser

Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge

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Thurst Lounge (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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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