Arts & Entertainment

Calendar for Aug. 27

Friday, Aug. 27, to Thursday, Sept. 3

Published

16 years ago

August 26, 2010

Friday, Aug. 27

Official 2011 Ripped Genes Calendar Release Party tonight at the Engineer’s Club at the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, 11 W. Mount Vernon Pl., Baltimore, tonight at 8 p.m. View the work of renowned photographer, Robert Mercer Jr. and the swimwear fashion show.

AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md., will be showing the D.C.-area premiere of “All About Evil” at 9:30 p.m. The directorial debut of Joshua Grannell (better known as Peaches Christ), “All About Evil” is a twisted black comedy with performances by Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Dekker, Noah Segan, cult icon Mink Stole, and Cassandra Peterson (better known as Elvira).

Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration tonight at 9:30 club, 815 V St., N.W., with a marathon DJ set by DJ Dredd and a video tribute. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at 930.com.

Gay District, a weekly, non-church affiliated discussion and social group for GBTQ men between 18 and 35, meets tonight from 8:30-10:30 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave., N.W. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

The DC Gurly Show is gonna give this summer ending thing one more go
with a GooGoo for GaGa show tonight at Phase 1, 525 8th St., S.E. There will be a $5 cover and doors open at 9 p.m.

Apex Drag Search tonight at Apex, 1415 22nd St., N.W., hosted by Big Daddy and Arione DeCardeza with the winner being picked by audience participation. Grand prize includes $50 cash and a booking with Kristina Kelly and her Girls of Glamour. Showtime is 11 p.m. There will be a $10 cover charge and you must be 18 or older to enter and 21 and older to drink.

Saturday, Aug. 28

Join Burgundy Crescent Volunteers help prep for Books Plus, the nonprofit library store at MLK Jr. Memorial D.C. Public Library, 901 G St., N.W., 8th Annual DCPL fall book sale. Volunteers will be unpacking boxes, selecting interesting titles and sorting them by category on book carts. Volunteers will get special pricing and dibs on books they would like to purchase.

NOVA GL Professionals, the Straight Eights Car Club, DCthirtysomething, DC Lambda Squares, and DC Ice Breakers co-host the 3rd Annual Lazy River Tubing with optional picnic and dinner on the Shenandoah near Harper’s Ferry. Bring-your-own picnic is at noon, tubing is at 2 p.m. and dinner at Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse in Gaithersburg is at approximately 5:30 p.m. Visit dcicebreakers.com for more information.

The Official Birthday Party for the Godfather of Go Go Chuck Brown featuring D Floyd, Ms. Kim, Lissen, and Be’la Dona, an all female Go-Go Band, will be at the 9:30 club, 815 V St., N.W., at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at 930.com

Electrik at Green Lantern, 1335 Green Ct., N.W., hosted by Timur Tugberk at 10 p.m. This new dance party features the best in dance, electro, deep and dirty house, trance, and circuit music provided by DJ Tom from Prague. Arrive early and enjoy an open rail vodka bar and no cover from 10 to 11:30 p.m. The party continues with a $5 cover. Enjoy a $17 all-you-can-drink Bacardi buffet from 10 p.m. to closing.

Sunday, Aug. 29

CAMP Rehoboth and the Seashore Striders will host the inaugural Sundance 5k: Run, Walk, or Sashay! in Rehoboth Beach, Del., to kick off Sundance Week. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. with pre-registration starting at 6 a.m.

Rock the Bells with Snoop Dogg, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, KRS-One, Lauryn Hill, Slick Rick, and more will be at Meriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Md. Doors open at 11 a.m. Tickets range from $66 to $150.50 and can be purchased at merriweathermusic.com.

Inspired by the queer tea dances of the San Francisco area, OverEasy: A Tea Dance for Ladies and Their Friends will be at Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar, 1104 H St., N.E., from 3 to 9 p.m. On the back patio, Chef Kywon’ll be grilling up perfect summer afternoon fare and Leslie will be serving oversized Bloody Mary’s and mimosas to chase the Sunday blues away at the bar. There is no cover for this event but remember that Miss Whiskey’s is cash only.

Monday, Aug. 30

The Distant Relatives Tour featuring NAS and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley with Gyptian will be at the 9:30 club, 815 V St., N.W. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $44 and can be purchased at 930.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 31

Join Burgundy Crescent Volunteers to help pack safer sex kits from 7-9 p.m. at FUK!T’s new packing location, The Green Lantern, 1335 Green Ct., N.W.

Wednesday, Sept. 1

The Art Gallery at the University of Maryland presents the exhibition, “The Very Queer Portraits of Heyd Fontenot” by Austin, Texas-based artist Heyd Fontenot. There will be an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a discussion with the artist at a later date.

“Gray Pride” fundraiser to support Vincent Gray for Mayor from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the rooftop pool at the Donovan house.

The Tom Davaron Social Bridge Club will meet at 7:30 p.m., at the Dignity Center, 721 8th St., S.E., (across from Marine Barracks) for Social Bridge. No partner is needed. Visit lambdabridge.com and click on “Social Bridge in Washington, D.C.”

DC Ice Breakers Skating and Social at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, on the top of the Ballston Common Mall parking garage, 627 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, Va. Skating is $8 plus $3 for skate rental and goes from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m with a social at a local bar from 9 p.m. to whenever.

Thursday, Sept. 2

Kele of Bloc Party with Does It Offend You Yeah? and Innerpartysystem will be at the 9:30 club, 815 V St., N.W., at 6:30 p.m. This is a new date and all Aug. 7 tickets will be honored. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at 930.com.

The DC Center Fall Reception will be held at the Artists Inn Residence, 1824 R St., N.W., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center presents Summer Film Series: Gay 101 showing “Steel Magnolias” starring Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton and Sally Field at the Paul Sprenger Theatre, 1333 H St., N.E., at 8 p.m. Buy tickets at atlasarts.org or at the box office one hour prior to the movie.

Photos

PHOTOS: Fairfax City Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Sherwood Center

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2026

Michael Key

A scene from Fairfax City Pride on June 6. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

a&e features

D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday

Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns

Published

5 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Evan Caplan

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns June 13. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”

On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:

Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.

Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.

Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.

9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.

Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.

Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.

Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.

Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.

Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.

Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.

Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.

Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.

District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.

African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.

KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.

The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.

Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.