Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through Feb. 21
Parties, dj sets, concerts, theater, support groups and more

DJ Wayne G spins at Town Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of DJ Wayne G)
Friday, Feb. 15
George Mason University Sexual Assault Services sponsors the “Vagina Monologues” tonight at 8 p.m. and again on Saturday at 8 George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (4400 University Dr.). The show is full of laughter and tears as the actors share with the audience what it is like to inhabit and love their bodies along with taking a stand to stop violence against women. The show is part of 2013 V-Day initiative to raise awareness of the how violence against women and children affects everyone. Tickets are $25 and proceeds go toward the Mason Victims of Violence Fund. For more information, visit cfa.gmu.edu.
The Lodge (21614 National Pike, Boonsboro, Md.) hosts “The Queen of Hearts Pageant” tonight from 10-11:30 p.m. The evening includes performances by Shirley Goodness & Mercy, Araya Sparxx, Nicole James, Stephanie Micheals, Sasha Renee, Alyssa Mathews and other prior Queen of Hearts divas. Contestants will perform while competing for most creative Valentine’s costume and talent. There are cash and other prizes at stake. Cover is $5. For more information, visit thelodgemd.com.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. This event is for people 21 and older. There is no cover charge. Later in the evening in honor of Valentine’s Day, Town hosts Valentine Message Board where attendees can send someone in the club a message or tell an ex how happy you are without them. The doors open at 10 and cover is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts POZ D.C. happy hour event this evening 5-9 p.m. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
The Code XXX party is tonight at 10 p.m. at the Crucible (16 M Street, NE). This men-only event requires a Crucible membership ($25 per year) plus a $25 event ticket. Guest options are available. The XXX party is described as “anything goes.” Find the event on Facebook for more information.
FUK!T holds outreach at Town (2009 8th St., NW) this evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Omega Entertainment and the D.C. Elite Boyz have another “Elite Saturdays” event tonight at Layla Lounge (501 Morse Street, NE) from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. This party runs the first and third Saturday of each month and is a gay hip-hop event. Text “OmegaDC” to 99000 to get a free text pass. It’s a “21-and-up” event for “grown and sexy men.” Visit omegapartydc.com for more information.
The “A List Dom & Diva Show” is tonight at Remington’s (639 Penn. Ave., SE) at 11:30 p.m. Cover is $10. Tony Nelson and Maxine Blue host. This is a Lady Lenore and The eMpire event.
Saturday, Feb. 16
Team D.C. hosts Casino Night tonight featuring blackjack, poker and craps from 8 p.m.-midnight at Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th St., NW). There is no cover charge and attendees can buy $100 in chips for $10 or $250 in chips for $20. For more information, visit teamdcsports.com.
Chantry, a classical choral group with several gay members located in the Washington area, performs its concert “Miserere” tonight 7:30 p.m. at St. Bernadette (70 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring). The show features some of the most famous of the Penitential Psalms. General tickets are $27. For more information, visit chantrydc.com.
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation at Falls Church PetSmart (6100 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va.) starting at 11:45 a.m. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) features DJ Wayne G tonight at 10 p.m., who made his debut at the infamous Red Heart party in London in 1996 and later had a residency at Heaven nightclub. A Valentine message board where attendees can send someone in the club a message, or tell an ex how happy he/she is without them. Cover is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Sunday, Feb. 17
WTF presents “Fashion Haus” at Town (2009 8th St., NW) tonight bringing high fashion and the fashion police in full force. WTF will bring its fashion and attendees will bring theirs creating a “visual orgy.” Doors open at 10 p.m. and cover is $5. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Special Agent Galactica hosts her show “Across the River!” at Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 S. 23rd St., Crystal City) tonight from 7-9:30 p.m. The show begins in the era of gin and juke joints, Vaudeville and Sinatra, and ending with rock acts. Admission is free. For more information, visit pinkharedone.com.
Monday, Feb. 18
Bears do Yoga takes place this evening 6:30 p.m. as part of a series at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, NW). This is part of a basic yoga series that takes place every Monday and is open to people of varying body types and experience. There is no charge. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The D.C. Lambda Squares holds its new dance series starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, NW). The only square dance club located in Washington, the group invites everybody to learn square dancing in just 16 Mondays. No special outfits, partner or prior dance experience is needed. The cost is $100. For more information or to register, visit dclambdasquares.org.
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Whitman-Walker (1701 14th St., NW) holds its group Starting Over for Women tonight at 7. The group is for women whose long-term relationship is with another woman. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts its Safer Sex Kit-packing program tonight from 7-10:30. The packing program is looking for more volunteers to help produce the kits because they say they are barely keeping up with demand. Admission is free and volunteers can just show up. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Wednesday, Feb. 20
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) at 7:30 p.m. for social bridge. Newcomers are welcome and no reservations are needed. For more information or if you need a partner, visit lambdabridge.com.
Thursday, Feb. 21
Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its gay men over 50 support group this evening at 6:30 p.m. The group is for gay men entering a new phase of life. Registration is required to attend. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Tropicalia (2001 14th St., NW) hosts “Universal” with DJ Kostas tonight. This new party is being billed as a “polysexual shindig.” There is no cover. For more information, visit tropicaliadc.com.
Arts & Entertainment
2026 Most Eligible LGBTQ Singles nominations
We are looking for the most eligible LGBTQ singles in the Washington, D.C. region.
Are you or a friend looking to find a little love in 2026? We are looking for the most eligible LGBTQ singles in the Washington, D.C. region. Nominate you or your friends until January 23rd using the form below or by clicking HERE.
Our most eligible singles will be announced online in February. View our 2025 singles HERE.
The Freddie’s Follies drag show was held at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday, Jan. 3. Performers included Monet Dupree, Michelle Livigne, Shirley Naytch, Gigi Paris Couture and Shenandoah.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)










a&e features
Queer highlights of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Aunt Gladys, that ‘Heated Rivalry’ shoutout and more
Amy Madigan’s win in the supporting actress category puts her in serious contention to win the Oscar for ‘Weapons’
From Chelsea Handler shouting out Heated Rivalry in her opening monologue to Amy Madigan proving that horror performances can (and should) be taken seriously, the Critics Choice Awards provided plenty of iconic moments for queer movie fans to celebrate on the long road to Oscar night.
Handler kicked off the ceremony by recapping the biggest moments in pop culture last year, from Wicked: For Good to Sinners. She also made room to joke about the surprise hit TV sensation on everyone’s minds: “Shoutout to Heated Rivalry. Everyone loves it! Gay men love it, women love it, straight men who say they aren’t gay but work out at Equinox love it!”
The back-to-back wins for Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein and Amy Madigan in Weapons are notable, given the horror bias that awards voters typically have. Aunt Gladys instantly became a pop culture phenomenon within the LGBTQ+ community when Zach Cregger’s hit horror comedy released in August, but the thought that Madigan could be a serious awards contender for such a fun, out-there performance seemed improbable to most months ago. Now, considering the sheer amount of critics’ attention she’s received over the past month, there’s no denying she’s in the running for the Oscar.
“I really wasn’t expecting all of this because I thought people would like the movie, and I thought people would dig Gladys, but you love Gladys! I mean, it’s crazy,” Madigan said during her acceptance speech. “I get [sent] makeup tutorials and paintings. I even got one weird thing about how she’s a sex icon also, which I didn’t go too deep into that one.”
Over on the TV side, Rhea Seehorn won in the incredibly competitive best actress in a drama series category for her acclaimed performance as Carol in Pluribus, beating out the likes of Emmy winner Britt Lower for Severance, Carrie Coon for The White Lotus, and Bella Ramsey for The Last of Us. Pluribus, which was created by Breaking Bad’s showrunner Vince Gilligan, has been celebrated by audiences for its rich exploration of queer trauma and conversion therapy.
Jean Smart was Hack’s only win of the night, as Hannah Einbinder couldn’t repeat her Emmy victory in the supporting actress in a comedy series category against Janelle James, who nabbed a trophy for Abbott Elementary. Hacks lost the best comedy series award to The Studio, as it did at the Emmys in September. And in the limited series category, Erin Doherty repeated her Emmy success in supporting actress, joining in yet another Adolescence awards sweep.
As Oscar fans speculate on what these Critics Choice wins mean for future ceremonies, we have next week’s Golden Globes ceremony to look forward to on Jan. 11.
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