Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: April 8
Parties, dances, support groups and more through April 14
Friday, April 8
Women in Their Twenties, a social discussion and dinner group, will be meeting tonight from 8 to 9 p.m. at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.).
BYGays AllCity Happy Hour is tonight at U Street Music Hall (115A U St., N.W.) from 7 to 10 p.m. with a performance by Jessica 6 and DJs Bill Todd and Tight Fang. This is a free event.
The annual Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce awards dinner is tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Park Hyatt Washington (1201 24th St., N.W.).
DJ Seth Gold is spinning at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) tonight with BacK2bACk providing music and videos downstairs. Doors open at 10 p.m. For attendees 21 and older, the cover is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. For attendees 18 to 20, the cover is $10 all night.
The Washington Ballet will be performing Le Corsaire, an adventure of “pirates, pashas and the slave girls who love them” at 8 p.m. in the Eisenhower Theater at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). Tickets range from $20 to $125 and can be purchased online. For more information and to get tickets, visit kennedy-center.org.
Busboys and Poets presents “The 11th Hour” Poetry Slam hosted by “2Deep” The Poetess, tonight from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Langston Room at Busboy & Poets’ 14th and V streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). There will be two rounds of poetry and the audience will choose the winner. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door.
Saturday, April 9
Blowoff, a dance party featuring gay DJs Bob Mould and Richard Morel, will be at 9:30 club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at 930.com.
Jacob Nathaniel Pring presents “Come Out of the Shadows,” tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.). Part of POZ D.C., this is a monthly party for those who are HIV positive.
Ten LGBT groups are co-hosting “Grandson of Mega Party Game Night” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Bailey’s Pub in the Ballston Common Mall (4238 Wilson Blvd.) in Arlington. You do not have to be a member of any of the groups to attend. This is a free event. For more information, visit dcicebreakers.com.
“Nine on the Ninth” open mic poetry presents Rachel Eliza Griffiths hosted by Poet in Residence Derrick Weston Brown at 9 p.m. in the Langston Room at Busboy & Poets’ 14th and V streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). Griffith’s newest collection of poetry, “The Requited Distance,” was just released in February. There is a suggested donation of $5 for admission.
D.C.’s Different Drummers will be performing its spring concert, “A Country Portrait,” tonight at 8 p.m. in the auditorium at the Columbia Heights Educational Center (3101 16th St., N.W.). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. There will be another performance Sunday at 3 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit dcdd.org.
Burgundy Crescent Volunteers will serve as balloon wranglers in the National Cherry Blossom Parade today from 7:30 a.m. to noon on the National Mall. E-mail [email protected] if interested in volunteering.
The Polaroid Retrospective II, an ongoing exhibit dedicated to the world of Polaroid and instant film photography, is on display at the Lamont Bishop Gallery (1314 9th St., N.W.) from 7 to 11 p.m. A few of the artists included are Alan Campbell, Jati, and Jillian Pichocki.
Sunday, April 10
The fourth annual National Rainbow Seder is tonight at 5 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). It will be led by Rabbi Toby Manewith of Congregation Bet Mishpachah. Tickets are $36 for general admission and $24 are DCJCC members, student, seniors and those with limited income. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit washingtondcjcc.org.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) is hosting an artist talk/coffee and cake today from 2 to 4 p.m. with Janet Wheeler and Mary D. Ott, whose exhibits, “Nests with a Twist” and “Grasses” respectively, are on display through May 1.
The D.C. Jazz Jam, a weekly jam free for both musicians and jazz lovers, is tonight from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Dahlak (1771 U St., N.W.).
Monday, April 11
The D.C. Lambda Squares is hosting an Intro to Modern Western Square Dancing and Open House Pizza Party tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Scott Hall at the National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, N.W.).
Bears do Yoga at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court N.W.) tonight at 6:30 p.m. Class lasts for an hour and serves as an introduction to yoga for people of all different body types and physical abilities. It’s taught by Michael Brazell. For more information, visit dccenter.org.
Tuesday, April 12
A fundraising Bingo event will be held at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to help Jason Clauson reach his fundraising commitment of $3,000 for the 10th annual AIDS/Lifecycle cycling tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles this summer.
The Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance will hold a membership meeting tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archive (1201 17th St., N.W.).
D.C. Bi Women is having its monthly meeting tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the upstairs room of the Dupont Italian Kitchen.
Wednesday, April 13
Rainbow Response is holding its monthly meeting tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) from 7 to 8 p.m.
Politics and Prose Bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) is holding the first meeting of its newest book group, Lez Read, tonight from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the discount bookroom downstairs. The first group up for discussion is Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith.
Thursday. April 14
Washington Wetskins Water Polo is having a happy hour at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. $1 from every Nellie beer sold goes to the Wetskins. For more information on Washington Wetskins, visit wetskins.org.
There will be a town hall discussion on LGBT targeted hate crimes and bias crimes in Washington, D.C., tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the community room of the Frank Reeves Building (2000 14th St., N.W.) Representatives from GLLU, the Mayor’s Office of GLBT Affairs, Office of the Attorney General and community organizations including Gays & Lesbians Opposing Violence are expected to be in attendance.
Sports
Blade, Pride House LA announce 2028 Olympics partnership
Media sponsorship to amplify stories of LGBTQ athletes
The Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade on Friday announced a media partnership with the Out Athlete Fund, which will produce Pride House LA for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Pride House is the home for LGBTQ fans and athletes that will become a destination during the L.A. Summer Games in West Hollywood in partnership with the City of WeHo. This 17-day celebration for LGBTQ athletes and fans will include medal ceremonies for out athletes, interactive installations, speakers, concerts, and more.
The Los Angeles Blade will serve as the exclusive L.A.-area queer media sponsor for Pride House LA and the Washington Blade will support the efforts and amplify coverage of the 2028 Games.
The Blade will provide exclusive coverage of Pride House plans, including interviews with queer athletes and more. The parties will share content and social media posts raising awareness of the Blade and Out Athlete Fund. The Blade will have media credentials and VIP access for related events.
“We are excited to partner with the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the United States and the Los Angeles Blade, already a strong supporter of Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA/West Hollywood,” said Michael Ferrera, CEO of Pride House LA. “Our mission is about increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes and fans to challenge the historical hostility toward our community in the sports world. Visibility is what publications like the Washington and Los Angeles publications are all about. We know they will play a key part in our success.”
“LGBTQ visibility has never been more important and we are thrilled to work with Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA to tell the stories of queer athletes and ensure the 2028 Summer Games are inclusive and affirming for everyone,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff.
Out Athlete Fund is a 501(c)3 designed to raise money to offset the training cost of out LGBTQ athletes in need of funding for training. The Washington Blade is the nation’s oldest LGBTQ news outlet; the Los Angeles Blade is its sister publication founded nine years ago.
In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.
The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.
For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.
Friday, February 6
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, February 7
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, February 8
DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 9
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, February 10
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 11
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, February 12
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Spanberger signs bill that paves way for marriage amendment repeal referendum
Blade, Pride House LA announce 2028 Olympics partnership
D.C. non-profits find creative ways to aid the unhoused amid funding cuts
Celebrate Black History Month
Calendar: February 6-12
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