Arts & Entertainment
Shakeups on the seashore
Summer brings parking changes, new restaurants and more to Rehoboth
Blue Moon (Blade file photo)
Even though Rehoboth Beach is consistently rated by travel guides as one of the nation’s best and most popular LGBT resort towns, it does’t rest on its laurels. As with most years, this summer you will find a number of changes.
Tired of scrounging for quarters in order to park? Beginning May 25, drivers will be able to pay for parking spaces by phones and mobile devices using the Parkmobile system already employed in D.C.
“This will bring Rehoboth Beach into the 21st century, and I think it is a great convenience to the consumer,” says Joe Zuber, owner of Dos Locos.
The Board of Commissioners early this year agreed to change the regulations regarding restaurant and bar patios, writing new regulations to allow establishments with patios to remain open and serving food and drinks until 1 a.m. In September 2010, the city launched raids on establishments that had patios and arrested some owners of those establishments.
Rehoboth Beach has always had establishments that cater to its growing LGBT clientele. From the Blue Moon — now in its 31st year — to the soon-to-open Our Place (Henlopen Junction Mall, 715 Rehoboth Ave.), formerly the site of Nourish, which bills itself as a neighborhood bar that serves comfort food, there is a wide range of establishments to meet everybody’s needs.
Many establishments will offer live entertainment throughout the summer. The venerable Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.), with its bright new back bar, will continue to host daily shows and Pamala Stanley will again perform from 6 to 8 p.m., from Sunday through Thursday beginning May 27. On Friday night, the Divas will perform their drag show from 9:45-11 p.m. and Saturdays at the same time will see Blue Moon Legends, a celebrity tribute show.
Many LGBT-owned establishments will host regular shows. In town, Aqua (57 Baltimore Ave.), with its scantily attired servers is a great place to be seen; the L Bar (622 Rehoboth Ave.) brings back Mandance on Saturday nights; and Dos Locos (208 Rehoboth Ave.), Cloud 9 (234 Rehoboth Ave.), Purple Parrot (134 Rehoboth Ave.) and Rigby’s (404 Rehoboth Ave.) will also host regular entertainment. Be sure to visit the Parrot’s Biergarten, where the Blade’s 2011 Best Rehoboth Bartender Jamie Romano holds court.
Sole, also on Baltimore Avenue is no more, and will be replaced by a new venture with an unusual name, (a)Muse, which will provide what they describe as locally grown modernized food. Other new additions include Cabo, a Mexican restaurant with rooftop bar and tequileria that replaces Porcini House on Wilmington Avenue; Nage (19730 Coastal Highway) is opening a gourmet deli next door called Root Gourmet. And next door to it will be a new Touch of Italy modeled on the Lewes location and featuring a sit-down restaurant.
There are many LGBT-owned restaurants in town, among them, MIXX, JAM, Eden, Finbar’s, Lori’s and Purple Parrot. And for ice cream you can go to Double Dippers on First Street, opposite of Nicola’s.
Lesbians have no shortage of options for going out. A popular lesbian-owned restaurant, the Seafood Shack (42 1/2 Baltimore Ave.) continues to serve fine food and offer great entertainment. Mikki Snyder-Hall, a resident of Rehoboth Beach notes that, “since 2003 there has been an increase in lesbian-friendly bars and restaurants.”
Among them are Rehoboth Ale House (15 Wilmington Ave.) and Charcoal Grill, which has moved from the same shopping center as Gelato Gal, to the Food Lion shopping center at the site of Zorba’s. Both Frogg Pond (First and Rehoboth Avenue) and Cloud 9 (234 Rehoboth Avenue) are praised by Snyder-Hall as being lesbian-friendly, and Saketumi on Route 1 is also known to have a lesbian following.
In addition to the many eating and drinking establishments, Rehoboth also has one of the few independent LGBT bookstores left in the United States, Proud Bookstore, which has moved to a larger location at the Village at the Sea Shops. Jocques LeClair, former manager of Rehoboth Lambda Rising, said his business “provides an outlet for those who visit Rehoboth who may come from areas that are less friendly to them.” He also promotes local authors and has provided book readings and promotions for LGBT writers. Shortly he hopes to begin a book club.
The only gay-owned coffee shop in town, the Coffee Mill (Rehoboth Mews, 127 Rehoboth Ave.) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Hoda Kotb featured this establishment on the “Today” show and can be seen there on occasion. Expect to see events related to its anniversary.
CAMP Rehoboth (37 Baltimore Ave.) serves as a community center, with information on the LGBT community, a meeting hall and sponsor of several popular summer events. This year the Black and White Beach Ball returns on June 3, with an event to promote local artists. Christopher Peterson, a popular female impersonator, will return for one day only, as Judy Garland, July 28, to benefit CAMP Rehoboth. Earlier that day, Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats will hold its Summer Bash, this year featuring Delaware’s Attorney General, Joseph “Beau” Biden, III. It will be held at Mariachi’s on Wilmington Avenue. The event is called a must stop-by summer event for all of the state’s political leaders, and on July 6, GLSEN will hold a beach party at the CAMP Community Center.
On the second Saturday of each month there is an Art Walk, a tour of the numerous galleries in town. Most galleries have special events featuring numerous local and national artists. There are several other gay-owned galleries in town including Gallery 50 (50 Wilmington Ave.) and Phillip Morton (47 Baltimore Ave.).
Bin 66, a favorite wine shop has wine tastings on Friday evenings at its Rehoboth Avenue location and on Saturday evenings at its other location opposite Spring Lake on Route 1.
Rehoboth offers a wide range of activities, dining options and nightlife. Visit camprehoboth.com or rehobothfoodie.com for updated information.
Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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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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