Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Dec. 23
Parties, services, concerts and more through Dec. 29
Mallory Lewis, daughter of Sheri Lewis, will be appearing with Lamb Chop as part of a Holiday Vaudeville performance at the Kennedy Center on Thursday. (Photo courtesy Kennedy Center)
TODAY (Friday)
Trixie and Monkey’s seventh annual “Holiday Spectac-U-Thon” is tonight at the Patterson at 8 p.m. The neo-burlesque show will feature acrobatic antics, trapeze and more. Tickets are $22 for general admission and $17 for Creative Alliance members. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit creativealliance.org.
Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents “Bro Ho Ho: A Holiday Music Spectacular” featuring Jessie Elliott, of these United States, Revival, John Bustine, Brandon Butler and more. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at blackcatdc.com. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Basement Batman plays Red Palace (1212 H St., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. with Ravenous and ACME. Tickets are $8 and available day of the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.
DJ Dirty Hands spins tonight for “Pop Fridays” at Ultrabar (911 F St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Also spinning will be resident DJ Geometrix and DJs Suelto, Enemy and Bomba and Kid Lucky.
Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) is having a “Ugly Holiday Sweater Party” tonight. Everyone wearing a festive sweater gets $3 drink specials. There will also be a contest for the ugliest sweater and the winner will received a $50 bar tab. Contest begins at 11:30 p.m. For more information, visit phase1dc.com. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Ladi Lenore and Maxine Blue present “The Empire Christmas Party” tonight at Remingtons (639 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.) at 10 p.m. with a buffet, show and more.
The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents “Messiah” sing-along tonight at 8 p.m. with guest conductor Barry Hemphill leading the Kennedy center Opera House Orchestra, a 200-voice choir, professional soloists and the audience. This is a free event. Tickets are required and will be distributed today starting at 6 p.m. in the Hall of Nations, limit one per person.
Saturday, Dec. 24
K&C Productions presents “Grown & Sexy Saturdays” at Club Mova (newly reopened at 2204 14th Street, NW). No cover and doors open at 10 p.m. Party goes until 3 a.m. A new year’s eve grand opening edition is also planned.
The East Coast Boyz present “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at Tabaq Bistro (1336 U St., NW) tonight from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Prizes and drink specials will be held. Dancers will provide entertainment.
Black Cat’s (1811 14th St., N.W.) weekly Hellmouth Happy Hour will feature a special holiday screening of the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” movie starring Luke Perry and Kristen Swanson. This is a free event and doors open at 7 p.m.
U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) has its “U Halliday Party” tonight at 10 p.m. featuring King Tutt, Obeyah, Keenan Orr and more hosted by Marcus Dowling and Reed Rothchild. Tickets for attendees 18 to 20 are $10 and must be purchased in advance atustreetmusichall.com. The party is free all night for those 21 and older.
The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents its production of “Billy Elliot: The Musical” (see our review on page 32) directed by Stephen Daldry and featuring music by Elton John, today at 1:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $150 and can be purchased online atkennedy-center.org.
With most of the NFL’s games moved to today, Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) will be showing the Baltimore Ravens take on the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Redskins take on the Minnesota Vikings at 1 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25
The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents an All-star Christmas Day Jazz Jam featuring Chuck Redd, Robert Redd, Lenny Robinson, James King and Tom and Delores King Williams tonight at 6 p.m. This is a free performance. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.
Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents its third annual James Brown “Death-Mas” holiday bash featuring Soul Call Paul. Tickets are $5 and available night of the show. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Ultrabar (911 F St., N.W.) presents “No Nice, All Naughty Sexy Santa Bash” tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with free admission all night for women dressed in sexy Santa costumes. There will be drink specials all night as well as a rail open bar from 10 to 11 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 26
Busboys & Poets presents Monday night open mic poetry hosted by Drew Law tonight at 8 p.m. at its Shirlington location (4251 South Campbell Ave., Arlington). Wristbands are $4 and will be on sale starting at 10 a.m. in the Global Exchange store until sold out.
SAGE Metro D.C. is celebrating the New Year with a party at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) tonight at 6:30 p.m. with food and music. For more information, visit thedccenter.org or sagemetrodc.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 27
Riot Act Comedy Theater (801 E St., N.W.) presents its weekly trivia night, hosted by Ashley Linder and Lauren Zoltick tonight at 8 p.m. in the upstairs bar. There’s even bonus question worth three extra points online at riotactcomedy.com.
The Chesapeake Squares are having a mainstream-through-advanced club night tonight at the Waxter Center (1000 Cathedral St.) in Baltimore from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit chesapeakesquares.org. The Squares are a gay square dancing group.
Busboys & Poets presents Tuesday night open mic poetry hosted by Henry Mills tonight at 9 p.m. in the Langston room of its 14th and V streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). Wristbands are $4 and will be on sale starting at 10 a.m. in bookstore until sold out.
Wednesday, Dec. 28
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE — across from Marine Barracks) for duplicate bridge. No reservations needed; newcomers welcome. Visit lambdabridge.com if you need a partner.
Emmy Award-winning actress Holland Taylor comes to the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) with her one-woman play “Ann” tonight at 7:30 p.m. The show tells the story of Ann Richards, the second female governor of Texas. Tickets range from $54 to $95 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.
Busboys & Poets is having its monthly book club meeting at its Shirlington location (4251 South Campbell Ave., Arlington) from 7 to 9 p.m. discussing Rebecca Skloot’s book, “Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks,” which tells the story of a woman who’s cells were taken without her knowledge and have been used in several major medical developments.
Thursday Dec. 29
D.C. Lambda Squares, a local gay square dancing group, has its advanced and challenge club night tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, N.W.) with Bill Harrison as the caller. For more information, visit dclambdasquares.org.
Cajun cellist Sean Grissom hosts “Holiday Vaudeville” at the Kennedy Center (2700 P St., N.W.) tonight at 6 p.m. with Mallory Lewis, daughter of Shari Lewis, appearing with Lamb Chop, and the Alexandria Kleztet, a modern Klezmer quartet. This is a free performance. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.
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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