Bars & Parties
Dog day afternoon
Pride pet benefit event slated for Saturday

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.
Bars & Parties
Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16
Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests

The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 16 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient is Abigail Hatting, a rising senior at American University.
This year’s event will feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak, in addition to surprise guests. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
Bars & Parties
MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

“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.
Bars & Parties
Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride
Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

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.
-
a&e features3 days ago
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
-
Maryland4 days ago
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
-
District of Columbia4 days ago
D.C. Black Pride 2025: Events, parties, and empowerment
-
Congress4 days ago
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill to criminalize gender affirming care advances