Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: April 15
Concerts, parties, support groups and more through April 21
Friday, April 15
D.C. Gurly Show presents Gurlies Gone Wild with special guests Duncan Deeply of D.C. Kings and Vixen Noir from San Francisco tonight at Phase 1 (636 8th St., S.E.) at 10:30 p.m. There is a $10 cover. All attendees must be 21 or older.
Hope Operas founder Chris Griffin and local “sideshow girl” Mab, just Mab are hosting a benefit performance and auction at Red Palace (1210 H St., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. They created Pastie-Aid, an emergency fund for burlesque, vaudeville and variety communities that are uninsured. For more information, visit redpalace.com.
The Center Arts Working Group will be meeting for the first time at the D.C. Center from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss ideas and plans for programs to be implemented at D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.). The group is dedicated to the enrichment of the LGBT community through art and all that it encompasses.
D.C. Women in Their Thirties will meet tonight at 8 p.m. at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.).
D.C. Cowboys will be hosting performing as part of Brodeo at Remingtons (639 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.) tonight. Brodeo starts at 10 p.m. and the Cowboys will go on at midnight.
Siren returned to Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) with the Robyn Riot tonight at 10 with DJs Majr and Lemz and VJ Donna.
Caliente Grande is tonight at Apex (1415 22nd St., N.W.) starting at 9 p.m. DJ Michael Brandon will be spinning the Latin dance party in the main hall. There is a $10 cover charge. Attendees must be 18 to enter, 21 to drink.
Saturday, April 16
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is hosting “4square Swarm” today from 2 to 4 p.m. Everyone who checks in on Foursquare will get a free corn dog.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is having its first Friendly Visitor Training today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friendly Visitor is a volunteer-based program to provide elder members of the LGBT community with weekly visits from trained volunteers.
Metro D.C. PFLAG is holding its 14th annual gala and silent auction tonight at the Washington Plaza Hotel (10 Thomas Circle, N.W.). The auction opens at 6 p.m. and the dinner is at 7. Alison Arngri (Nellie from TV’s “Little House”) and Scott Nevins are the guests of honor.
Bare is hosting a Japan tsunami relief fundraiser tonight at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with DJs Rosie and Keenan. Proceeds from the event and a raffle will go to American Red Cross. Prizes being raffled are two tickets to Uh Huh Her at 9:30 Club on May 2, a $25 Starbucks gift card and a $25 Best Buy gift card.
Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents Hellmouth Happy Hour where every week an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will be screened and drink specials will be offered. This week the episode is “I, Robot … You, Jane.”
Apex (1415 22nd St., N.W.) presents The Showdown: House vs. Hip Hop with DJs Melissa and Gigi battling it out. Kristina Kelly and Her Girls of Glamour will perform at 11 p.m. Doors open at 9. There is a $10 cover and all attendees must be 18 or older.
Mixtape D.C. is tonight the Rock & Roll Hotel (1353 H St., N.E.) from 9 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. There is a $5 cover for this 21-and-older event.
Sunday, April 17
Pocket Gays is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its monthly Sunday School event with Baby Baby Blowout today from 3 to 9 p.m. on the roof deck of Local 16 (1602 U St., N.W.) with DJ Madscience.
“Shear Madness,” a comedy whodunit, will be performed twice tonight at the Kennedy Center Theater Lab (2700 F St., N.W.) at 3 and 7 p.m. “Madness” takes place in present-day Georgetown, in the Shear Madness Hair Styling Salon. Tickets are $42. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
Michael Feinstein will be performing at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) in the concert hall tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $75 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.
Monday, April 18
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.
BYT presents All City Happy Hour at Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd.) in Arlington, tonight at 6 p.m. with drink specials, music and prizes including tickets to upcoming shows like Warped Tour and more. There is no cover for this event and all attendees must be 21 or older.
World Projects Corporation presents the 2011 Washington, D.C. International Music Festival in the concert hall at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) featuring the Granite Bay High School Wind Ensemble, the Calle Mayor Middle School Wind Ensemble and the Virginia Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.
Tuesday, April 19
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Glee” watch party tonight at 8 p.m. on the deck in the pub room.
Irvine Contemporary (1412 14th St., N.W.) presents “Image/Fame/Memory” an exhibit featuring photographs of well known muscians, artists, writers and actors by Curtis Knapp, Gerard Malanga, Billy Name, Kate Simon and Shepard Fairey’s collaborations with Name and Simon. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display through Saturday. For more information, visit irvinecontemporary.com.
Wednesday, April 20
The Tom Davaron Social Bridge Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social bridge. No partner is needed. For more information, visit lambdabridge.com and click “Social Bridge in Washington, D.C.”
D.C. Ice Breakers hosts its monthly open skate tonight from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, on top of the Ballston Common Mall parking garage (627 N Glebe Rd.) in Arlington. After skating the group will hit a local bar for a social hour. Skating is $8 plus $3 for skate rental. For more information, visit dcicebreakers.com.
GLAA is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a reception tonight from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Washington Plaza Hotel (10 Thomas Circle, N.W.). The group’s 2011 Distinguished Service Award will also be presented. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit glaa.org.
The 26th annual Mayor’s Arts Awards will be in the concert hall at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 6 p.m. hosted by Mayor Vincent C. Gray. This is a free event.
Thursday, April 21
Students, educators, community members, leaders and about 20 organizations will be coming together at the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) from noon to 2 p.m. for Bully Free D.C. to support inclusive safe schools in D.C.
The D.C. Preservation League is celebrating its 40th anniversary of historic preservation at the historic Wonder Bread Factory (641 S St., N.W.) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $75 to $150 and can be purchased online at dcpreservation.org.
Wish Come Happen presents a Faggles to Faggles tournament at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) tonight from 8 to 11 p.m. Faggles to Faggles is a “queered-up” parody of the game Apples to Apples where players judge which cards are the most grotesque. Wish Come Happen is a fundraising collective committed to raising money for serious caused through engaging, absurd and interactive events and experiences. For more information, visit wishcomehappen.com.
E-mail calendar items to [email protected] two weeks prior to your event. Space is limited so priority is given to LGBT-specific events or those with LGBT participants. Recurring events must be re-submitted each time.
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
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.
The D.C. Front Runners held the 14th annual 5K Pride Run at Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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