Arts & Entertainment

Calendar: week of Nov. 19

Events through Thanksgiving day

Published

16 years ago

November 18, 2010

Juliette Ebner

DJ Paul Oakenfold spins at Club 9:30 Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Paul Oakenfold)

Friday, Nov. 19

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) will be holding an opening reception today for Body Scapes, an art exhibit by local artist, Bill Travis from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Jan. 5.

Lace Lounge (2214 Rhode Island Ave., N.E.) will be celebrating its two year anniversary this weekend. Tonight is Pink Friday. There will be a “crazy shoe game” contest, painted body models, surprise open bars and more. Visit lacedc.com for more information.

The 23rd annual Washington Craft Show opens today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. This events features 190 of the nation’s top craft artists. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $13 for senior, $8 for students and children under 12 are admitted for free. Kelly Conway, curator of glass at the Chrysler Museum of Art will be leading a panel discussion with Matthew Fine, Charles Savoie and Tim Tate at 1 p.m. Libby Mijanovich will present “Transformation: Creating Contemporary ‘Green’ Art from Vintage Clothing” at 3 p.m.

Erotica Productions and Breeze of “Sex is a Breeze” present “Sexxxhibition: the Medical Fetish Edition” at the Warehouse Loft (411 New York Ave., N.E.) from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased at sexxxhibition6.eventbrite.com. Tickets at the door are $25 for those in costume/fetish wear and $30 for those in street clothes before 1 a.m.

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) will be holding a workshop for those who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past year today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The workshop will include discussions of strategies for coping with grief and loss during the holiday season.

The blog True Genius Requires Insanity is hosting “All Girl Everything: A Happy Hour to Support Rock D.C.” at the U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) today from 5 to 10 p.m. All proceeds from the bar will go directly to the organization. DJs Natty Boom and vAnniety Kills will be spinning hits by female artists. To find out more about the organization, visit girlsrockdc.org.

DJs K La Rock and Junebullet will be providing music at Wet Girls at Jimmy Valentine’s Lonely Hearts Club (1103 Bladensburg Rd., N.E.) from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. This is a free event for those 21 and over.

Women is their 30s will be holding a discussion meeting tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 20

Unity Fellowship Church, D.C. will be having its annual gospel concert, “Sounds of Zion Choir” tonight from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave., N.W.). The choir will be under the direction of Professor David Rogers and will feature a special presentation by Johnny Sabbat. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by contacting the church at 202-246-6299 or e-mailing [email protected].

Balls returns to Velvet Lounge (915 U St., N.W.) tonight with Troll Tax, the Coolots, Tayisha Busay and DJs Junebullet of She.Rex, Zack Rosen of Homo/Sonic and Joshua of Gay Bash. Doors open at 9 p.m. and there is a $8 cover. This is a 21-and-older event.

The 23rd annual Washington Craft Show continues today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. This events features 190 of the nation’s top craft artists. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $13 for senior, $8 for students and children under 12 are admitted for free. Bob Devers from the ceramics department at the Corcoran School of Arts will lead a panel discussion with leading experts in the field of American fine craft at 1 p.m. Nancy Kubale will present “The Human Condition in Clay” at 3 p.m.

Lace Lounge’s (2214 Rhode Island Ave., N.E.) two year anniversary celebration continues tonight with the “All Black Everything” Affair. There will be complimentary champagne fountains and dinner buffet. All black attire highly recommended. This event starts at 9 p.m. Visit lacedc.com for more information.

MIXTAPE D.C. is tonight at the old EFN Lounge space (1318 9th St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. MIXTAPE is a dance party for queer music lovers and their pals that features DJs Shea Van Horn and Matt Bailer playing an eclectic mix of electro, alt-pop, indie rock, house, disco, new wave and anything else danceable. $5 cover for 21 and over.

Sunday, Nov. 21

Lace Lounge’s two year anniversary celebration ends tonight with “Lyrics and Lace,” an open mic, live entertainment exhibition. Appetizers will be half off and there will be drink specials. The Coolats band will be performing an the show starts at 8 p.m. E-mail [email protected] to perform. Visit lacedc.com for more information.

Cherry Blossom Bombshells and the Scare Force One will be competing today at the D.C. Armory (2001 E. Capitol St., S.E.). Tickets are $12 for general admission, $6 for children 6 through 11, and children under 6 will be admitted free. Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advanced. Doors open at 3 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit dcrollergirls.com.

Alvin Jackson, pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City, will be a guest preacher at Michigan Park Christian Church (1600 Taylor St., N.E.) today for the 10 a.m. morning worship service.

Monday, Nov. 22

The 2010 annual Electronic Media and Film Fall Film Series presents films about the relationship between math, sciences and storytelling. This week’s film is “Good Will Hunting” starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in the Van Bokklen Hall Auditorium at Towson University at 7:30 p.m. This is a free event.

Tuesday, Nov. 23

Paul Oakenfold will be at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight with Chuckie and Nervo. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at 930.com.

Nellie’s will be having its weekly “Glee” watch party on the roof deck tonight at 8 p.m. featuring $3 Nellie Beer all night.

Wednesday, Nov. 24

Omega will hosts its weekly pool tournament tonight. First place wins a $50 bar tab and second place wins a $25 bar tab. Shirtless men drink free on both floors from 10 to 11 p.m. The Men of Omega perform at 10 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) will be hosting its weekly karaoke party tonight at 9 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 25

Burgundy Crescent Volunteers will be having its eighth annual “Clear OUT Your Closets” Thanksgiving clothing drive for the homeless and needy. Clothing drop-off is from 10 a.m. to noon today at Rosemary’s Thyme restaurant’s patio (1801 18th St., N.W.). Clothing distribution will be from noon to 2 p.m.

The film “Burlesque” starring Cher, Christina Aguilera and Alan Cumming opens nationwide today.

Photos

PHOTOS: Fairfax City Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Sherwood Center

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.