Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Nov. 4
Concerts, parties, exhibits and more through Nov. 10
Lesbian singer Brandi Carlile plays the Birchmere next week. (Photo courtesy Columbia Records)
TODAY (Friday)
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is holding its monthly open mic night tonight from 8 to 10 p.m., featuring guests Eryca Kasse, a Jewish lesbian, writer and social worker, and Jessica Genia Simon, who has been writing poetry since she was 7 and has been published in “New Voices: National Jewish Student Magazine.” The event is hosted by Mike Brazell.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) presents Fahrenheit tonight from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring music by DJ Joey-O. There’s a $5 cover after 10 p.m. and free rail vodka on the second floor from 10 to 11 p.m.
Busboys & Poets presents First Fridays: A Local Arts Exploration tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Zinn room at its Hyattsville location (5331 Baltimore Ave., Suite 104). This event combines a reception, artist talk and the opportunity to meet other local artists, and see their work. This month’s presenters are Chanel Compton, Charles A. Sessoms, J.J. McCracken, Bensonn Anspach and Brooke Kidd.
Strathmore presents Friday Night Eclectic featuring D.C.-based world funk ensemble Funk Ark and special guest Fort Knox Five’s Mustafa Akbar, tonight at 8 p.m. at the Mansion (10701 Rockville Pike) in North Bethesda. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit strathmore.org.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) is having its weekly Bear Happy Hour tonight starting at 6 p.m. There is no cover for this 21 and older event.
Saturday, Nov. 5
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.
The Capital Pride Symphonic Band is having its fall concert Architects of Music tonight at the Columbia Heights Education Campus Auditorium (3101 16th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. The concert will be emceed by Martin Moeller, author of the AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington D.C., and conducted by Nancy Plantinga.3
Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) is hosting a Deaf Women’s Happy Hour tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. There is a $5 cover and all proceeds will go toward the Deaf Abused Women’s Network. All attendees must be 21 or older.
Tayisha Busay, an electro-dance band from Brooklyn, will be at The Islander (1201 U St., N.W.) followed by a dance party. Tickets are $6 in advance, $10 at the door and $5 after midnight for the dance party only. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and all attendees must be 21 or older.
Code has its monthly installment tonight at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.). Gear, rubber, skin, uniform or leather dress code will be strictly enforced. Music provided by DJ Frank Wild. Admission is $10. All attendees must be 18 or older. There will be an open bar from 9 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 6
The Bet Mishpachah Education Committee is hosting a brunch today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DCJCC (1529 16th St., N.W.) featuring a screening of the 1977 film, “Word is Out: Stores of Some of Our Lives.” The film was the first feature-length documentary about gay and lesbian identity made by gay filmmakers. For more information and to RSVP, visit betmish.org.
Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) in Arlington, is hosting a CD launch party for local gay composer Matt Conner from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the release of his second Christmas CD, “Snow.” The wine and cheese reception will take place in the lobby and will feature Conner performing selections from his album, including classics as well as two original compositions. The party is free and open to the public.
Busboys & Poets presents Photoworks Photo SLAM tonight at 8 p.m. in the Langston Room at its 14th and V. streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). The slam will feature photo artists projecting their portfolios in front of a panel of celebrity judges and the winner gets an exhibit at Photoworks gallery during FotoWeek 2012. This is a free event.
A new gay-welcoming Catholic church, St. Hedwig’s Old Catholic Church, has Mass today at 9 a.m. The church meets each Sunday morning at Palisades Community Church (5200 Cathedral Ave., N.W.) in Washington. The church, not affiliated with the Vatican, describes itself as one with “progressive Catholic values” that welcomes those “disaffected by mainstream traditions” and what some consider “politically distorted teachings of Christ” in other faith traditions. Bishop Michael Seneco, who’s gay, is the pastor. Visit sainthedwigs.org for more information. All are welcome.
Monday, Nov. 7
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is having its monthly volunteer night tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tonight’s activities could range from sorting through book donations, cleaning up around the center and taking inventory for Fuk!ts, as well as socializing. Pizza will provided.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts Bears Do Yoga from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. upstairs followed by Queer Pong hosted by Andy from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
D.C. Bi Women will have its monthly dinner at Dupont Italian Kitchen (1637 17th St., N.W.) tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Today is Digital Capital Week’s Fashion Day at the Washington Economic Partnership (1495 F St., N.W.) with three panels discussing the different aspects of life in the fashion industry in D.C. starting at 1 p.m. The first panel will include Daniella Kallmeyer, winner of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show,” discussing the role of technology in creativity and design. The second panel will be about business and retail development, while the third panel will focus on the role of social media. The day will end with a fashion show held at Bloomingdales. This is a free event. To RSVP, visit dcweekfashionday.eventbrite.com.
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is hosting a City Dogs Rescue fundraiser during Drag Bingo this week from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. with $1 from every Nellie beer sold going to City Dogs, an organization formed to rescue adoptable dogs in high-kill shelters where resources are limited. For more information on the organization, visit citydogsrescue.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Rainbow Response is holding its monthly meeting tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) from 7 to 8 p.m.
Green Lantern (1331 Green Court, N.W.) will host the weekly Poz D.C. happy hour upstairs from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Bet Mishpachah, GLO, Nice Jewish Girls, Nice Jewish Boys and Gayyim join up at a free happy hour tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dirty Martini (1223 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) to celebrate Mautner Project. RSVP at freehappyhourmautner.eventbrite.com.
Brandi Carlile plays the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandria tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Helping Our Brothers and Sisters is holding its annual fundraiser dinner tonight at the Eatonville Restaurant (2121 14th St., N.W.) at 6 p.m. with a social hour followed by the dinner and program at 7:30 p.m. The event will also celebrate the life of Frank Kameny. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at helpingourbrothersandsisters.com.
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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