Bars & Parties
Mark your calendar
Fall season peppered with LGBT events


Fall events of interest to the LGBT community include the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Some fall events don’t fit in our other fall arts categories. Here are a few to note.
On Sept. 20, the D.C. Center has its fall reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Reeves Center (2000 14th Street, N.W.). Tickets are $75. Visit thedccenter.org for details.
On Sept. 21, Hope D.C., a men’s HIV-positive social group, has its 25th anniversary at 7 p.m. a private residence in Arlington. For details, call 202-466-5783 or visit hopedc.org/events.
Sept. 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Details are at cdc.gov or aids.gov/awareness-days.
On Sept. 28, the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club has its 37th anniversary Leadership Awards Reception at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar (223 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E.). Tickets are available at steindemocrats.org or at the door.
Sept. 28 is also Gay Day at Hillwood Estate (4155 Linnean Ave., N.W.) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $15. Visit hillwoodmuseum.org for details.
If you happen to be in Los Angeles that weekend, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has its 40th anniversary event on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. at Sportmen’s Lodge (12833 Ventura Bouevard, Studio City, Calif.). Tickets are $125. Visit thetaskforce.org for details.
On Oct. 5, Human Rights Campaign has its national dinner at the Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon P., N.W.). It’s sold out but a waiting list is available at hrcnationaldinner.org.
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day. There’s a Facebook page devoted to it.
On Oct. 14, Us Helping Us has its 25th anniversary awards event (“A Passion for Living” at 6 p.m. at Arena Stage (1101 6th Street, S.W.). Actress/singer Jennifer Holliday will be honored. Tickets are $150. Visit uhupil.org for details.
Oct. 15 is National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Details are at aids.gov/awareness-days.
Oct. 24 is the Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. party/awards reception at Huxley (1730 M Street, N.W.). Details pending.
Oct. 26 is AIDS Walk Washington. Visit aidswalkwashington.org for details or to register.
Oct. 29 is the High Heel Race on 17th Street, N.W. A Facebook page has details.
Nov. 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Details pending on the Washington event.
Bars & Parties
MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

“MIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn” will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis.
This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.
Bars & Parties
Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride
Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

Capital Pride will host “Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.
There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops.
To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.

Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall, a New Year’s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venue’s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in style—where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”
The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
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