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Dog day afternoon

Pride pet benefit event slated for Saturday

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Who let the dogs out?

Answer — it’s PETS-DC and all dogs feeling competitive and their handlers along with them are welcome to join in the 17th annual Pride of Pets dog show held to benefit the group, now in its 20th year to improve the health and well-being of people with HIV/AIDS and other disabling conditions and their companion pets.

The popular event, expected to draw 300 plus onlookers, is planned for Saturday at 3 in Dupont Circle. Rain date is Sunday.

PETS-DC executive director Chip Wells forecasts about 75 dogs in competitions ranging from best tail wagging to least obedient and from most glamorous to best costume.

Wells, from the beginning in 1990 the group’s volunteer head, expects “much fun, as usual,” including in the least obedient category which is “always very competitive,” he says, “not because it’s the most crowded but because the pets are so disobedient.” One year it was so competitive that a dog who peed on a judge’s leg still didn’t manage to take the dubious award.

Also calculated to provide laughs is the best mirror image event, a look-alike contest. “You’d be amazed at how many conglomerations of dogs and their handlers look alike,” he said.

Then there’s most mysterious heritage, where Wells says “you win by stumping the judges, and it’s for sure not your AKC Westminster dog show here.” One year, in fact, Wells recalls, one contestant dog “looked so much like a pot bellied pig rather than a dog that I had to verify by examination that it was actually a dog, and it was indeed one, but to this day I don’t have any idea what breed!”

In the most-glamorous category, past winners have been honored for their natural beauty while others portrayed characters and donned costumes. It’s a popular category so it’s broken up into small, medium and large divisions based on the dog’s size.

Other categories include most affectionate, terrific trick, best pairs and age ranges divided into best puppy and best senior dog. Participants are urged to pre-register their dogs by calling 202-234-7387 ext. 8 or visiting www.petsdc.org. Fees are $25 for unlimited entries for a single pet or $6 per individual class. But handler and pets can also register on the day of the event, where check-in begins at 2 p.m. and competitions start at 3.

“Our basic purpose is to cheer up people who are very ill and celebrate the human-animal bond,” says Wells, who works by day in veterinary services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About 60 volunteers work with the organization, which has an annual budget of about $65,000. Services are provided throughout the D.C. metro area.

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Bars & Parties

MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

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Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer are back with Mixtape. (Photo by David Claypool/Kalorama Photography)

“MIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn” will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis. 

This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.

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Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride

Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

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There are plenty of queer parties planned for New Year’s Eve around D.C., including one hosted by Capital Pride. (Photo by grapix/Bigstock)

Capital Pride will host “Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.

There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops. 

To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.

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Ring in 2025 with a World Pride party

Rainbow Masquerade to be held at Hook Hall

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(Photo by Masson/Bigstock)

Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall,  a New Year’s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venue’s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in style—where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”

The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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