Arts & Entertainment
D.C. arts briefs: Sept. 21
17th Street Festival Saturday, Madonna plays two nights at Verizon Center and more
17th Street Festival Saturday
The third annual 17th Street Festival is Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. on the 17th Street N.W. corridor. The event is produced by the Urban Neighborhood Alliance and the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets.
The event is designed as a community-building event showcasing the region’s shops, schools, restaurants, clubs, parks, art and residents. Streets will be closed from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Look for booths, exhibits, games, entertainment and more.
Details are at 17thstreetfestival.org.
Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Company cap 20th season
Dana Tai Soon Burgess premieres his new work “Caverns” tonight at 8 at the George Washington University Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre (800 21st St. NW). Tickets for students are $15, $22 for artists and $25 for general admission.
“Caverns” explores the topic of memory and shows a journey of a woman remembering certain moments in a relationship. It will be performed by dancers Katia Chupashko Norri, Felipe Oyarun and Connie Fink. The performance will also include other works from the Company and followed by a panel discussion with Burgess, who’s gay, and the dancers. For details, visit vendini.com.
Madonna brings ‘MDNA Tour’ to D.C.
Madonna is back at the Verizon Center (601 F. St. NW) for her first D.C. shows since her 2004 “Re-Invention Tour” this weekend. Both shows begin at 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. The Sunday night show is sold out but tickets may still be available for Monday.
Before the concert Town (2009 8th St. NW) is celebrating all things Madonna, including her music, her videos and live performances by Tha Dance Camp. They call it MadonnaRama. Doors open Saturday night at 10. The cover costs $8 from 10-11 p.m. and $12 after 11. All drinks are $3 before 11 and you must be 21 and older to enter. For details on MadonnaRama information, visit towndc.com.
Black Fox Lounge hosts gay-themed ‘Spill’
Thursday night at 8, the Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave. NW) is hosting “Spill — True Stories of Queer Sex, Desire and Romance,” a new monthly performance hosted by Jefferson. Every performance includes storytellers, comedians, sex educators and many others sharing their sexual experiences.
The host, Jefferson, is a sex educator and writer, who’s known for his blog, “One Life, Take Two.” It goes in depth of his life as a parent and his own sexual experiences. The bi New York resident also hosts a monthly series called “Bare! True Stories of Queer Sex, Desire and Romance.”
For more information on Spill, visit spillstories.wordpress.com.
Photos
PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride
LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.
The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
















Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



















Photos
PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception
LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals
The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)





















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