Bars & Parties
Walk, run or sashay in new 5k Rehoboth race
Aug. 29 event kicks off Sundance Week
CAMP Rehoboth and the Seashore Striders will hold the inaugural “Sundance 5k: Run, Walk or Sashay!” on Sunday, Aug. 29 in Rehoboth Beach, Del., to kick off “Sundance Week,” CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Labor Day weekend benefit.
“We thought that we would add something that would help to expand Sundance,” said Chris Beagle, a member of CAMP Rehoboth’s board of directors. “A large number of people said they would like to see outdoor events.”
The scenic course is considered an “out-and-back” course, meaning it starts and finishes at the same point, in front of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center on Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Runners will continue through town, crossing Lake Gerar, and head north toward Cape Henlopen State Park. Just prior to the park entrance, runners will turn around and follow the same route back into town.
The top overall finishers will be awarded prizes as well as the top three finishers in nine age groups ranging from 9 and under to 70 and older.
There will also be a one-mile “FUN” walk where creativity and costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded in several categories. T-shirts will be provided to the first 300 registrants.
What started as a rained-out pool party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald in 1988, the annual Sundance benefit takes place the Saturday and Sunday nights of Labor Day weekend at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
“It started as a small group that got together to celebrate the end of the summer and friendship and it has evolved into a fundraiser for CAMP Rehoboth,” said Beagle.
Saturday, Sept. 4 is the Sundance Auction, both silent and live, from 7 to 10 p.m.; it will include food and an open bar. Sunday, Sept. 5 is the Sundance. The party begins at 8 p.m. with dancing until 2 a.m. There will also be an open bar all night.
Sundance benefits the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center; a percentage of the race proceeds will also go to the Center.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, CAMP Rehoboth is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to creating a more positive environment in Rehoboth Beach and its surrounding communities. Its mission is to promote cooperation and understanding among all people, while working to build safe, inclusive communities with “room for all.”
For more information about Sundance weekend and CAMP Rehoboth in general, check out camprehoboth.com.
Pre-registration for the 5k race, held at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, is $20 through Aug. 22. After that, general registration is $25. For more information on the race and to register, visit seashorestriders.com.
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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