Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: May 18
Parties, concerts, exhibits and more through May 24
‘Roots’ is one of the works by Kate McConnell currently on display on Touchstone Gallery. (Image courtesy Touchstone)
TODAY (Friday)
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court) hosts “Pop Goes the World: International Dance Party,” starting at 10 p.m. with DJs Aaron Riggins, Della Volla and AVM. Cover is $5. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
The Black Keys play Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia) tonight at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $55 and are available online at merriweathermusic.com.
The Lambda Divers are having their monthly happy hour tonight at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
The D.C. Gurly Show presents “Mayday! The USO Show!” tonight at Pase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) at 9:30 p.m. There’s a $10 cover, or $5 with a military I.D. for this 21-and-older event.
The D.C. Queer Theatre Festival beings tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. Tonight’s featured plays are “Fabulous Water Sports” by Roy Proctor and directed by Allison Clapp, “Redskins vs. Rockettes” by Michael Bobbitt and directed by George Grant; and “My Last Best Spouse” by Raoul D. Luna and directed by Jay Hardee. There will also be a panel, “Rooting for Our Voice: How Can We Grow Queer Theater in the D.C. Area.” There is a $10 suggested donation. The festival continues through Saturday. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit thedccenter.org/dcqueertheatrefest.
Artomatic, which bills itself as the area’s biggest free creative arts market event, opens today at 1851 South Bell Street in Crystal City, Va., one block from the Crystal City Metro Station. The festival runs through June 23 and prides itself on transforming empty spaces into vibrant arts communities that “celebrate creativity.” This year’s space encompasses 380,000 square feet and art work on display is also for sale. Visit artomatic.org for more information.
Saturday, May 19
Busboys & Poets monthly youth-focused and -led open mic series is today at its 5th and K location (1025 5th St., N.W.) from 5 to 7 p.m. co-hosted by Jonathan Tucker and Nichita Mason. Wristbands are $4 and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 10 a.m. They are also available for purchase online at busboysandpoets.com starting at midnight before the event. For more information, email Tucker at [email protected].
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 “Beer Bad.” Doors open at 7 p.m.
Spunk-E Productions presents “Ink and Scruff” at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. featuring music by DJ T-one.
The Ladies of LURe present “Bare: Police Appreciation” at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) in honor of National Police Week. DJs Rosie and Keenan Orr will be spinning and Level One Restaurant will be open until 2 a.m.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) has two exhibits currently on display: “It’s My Nature” featuring works by Kate McConnell and “Vivid Horizon: Color and Light” featuring works by Colleen Sabo. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Sunday, May 20
The 2012 Mr. Freddie’s Pageant at Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 South 23rd St., Crystal City) starts today at 8 p.m. For more information and an application, contact Destiny B. Childs on Facebook or at [email protected]. There’s a $10 cover.
Busboys & Poets presents “Borderlines: A Bilingual Spanish-English Open Mic” tonight at 5 p.m. in the Zinn room of its Hyattsville location (5331 Baltimore Ave., Suite 104) hosted by Henry Mills. The sign-up sheet opens at 4 p.m.
Schmekel, a transgender, Jewish schtick-rock group, plays Chief Ikes Mambo Room (1725 Columbia Rd., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. as part of the D.C. Jewish Community Center’s Music Festival. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at washingtondcjcc.org.
Where the Girls Go and DJ vAnniety Kills present “OverEasy,” a ladies tea dance, today at Dodge City (917 U St., N.W.) from 2 to 7 p.m. There is no cover for this 21-and-older event.
Monday, May 21
The Washington, D.C. LGBT Aging Coalition holds a meeting today at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer Berger at [email protected].
Busboys & Poets presents Monday Night Open Mic Poetry hosted by Rebecca Dupas in the Robeson Room of its Shirlington location (4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington) at 8 p.m. Wristbands are $4 and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 10 a.m. They are also available for purchase online at busboysandpoets.com starting at midnight before the event.
Tuesday, May 22
GLAA is having a membership meeting tonight in the second floor community room at the Reeves Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Connecting Rainbows Initiative is having its first LGBTQ Youth Rap Session: Let’s Talk! today at the Office of Youth Empowerment (3700 10th St., N.W.) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. For more information, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 23
HIV Prevention Working Group is having a meeting today at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 7 p.m.
Busboys & Poets presents Sparkle Open Mic Poetry, a queer-friendly reading series hosted by Regie Cabico and Danielle Evennou in the Cullen room of its 5th and K location (1025 5th St., N.W.) at 9 p.m. Wristbands are available online at midnight prior to the event at busboysandpoets.com and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 10 a.m.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th Street, SE) across from the Marine Barracks for duplicate bridge. No reservation is needed and newcomers are welcome. Visit lambdabridge.com if you need a partner.
Thursday, May 24
District Underground (2477 18th St., N.W.) presents “Flirt,” DJ India’s weekly nightlife party strictly for women starting at 9 p.m. There’s a $5 cover before 11 p.m.
The Lambda Sci-Fi Book Group meets today at 1425 S St., N.W. at 7 p.m. This month’s book is “Batwoman: Elegy” a graphic novel by Greg Rucka. Attendees are asked to bring a snack and/or non-alcoholic drink to share. For more information, email [email protected], [email protected] or visit the group’s website lambdascifi.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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