Out & About
Spooky gay fun
LGBT Halloween parties are going on throughout the city
(Washington Blade file photo by Ann Little)
There are tons of local gay Halloween parties planned in the region. All events are for Halloween night (Oct. 31). Here are a few:
D.C. Bear Crue hosts a Monster Bear Party at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 6-11 p.m. There will be a Halloween costume contest with third prize winner receiving $25 in drink tickets and a bottle of cheap vodka, second prize is $50 in drink tickets and a bottle of Smirnoff and first prize is $100 in drink tickets and a bottle of Grey Goose. For more details, visit dcbearcrue.com.
Mixtape holds its third annual Halloween bash at the Howard Theatre (620 T St., N.W.) from midnight-4 a.m. DJ Shea Van Horn and DJ Matt Bailer will play a mix of indie, dance and pop. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit thehowardtheatre.com.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) hosts Not Another Drag Show: the 10th Edition at 10 p.m. Performances will be by Sofonda Coxxx, Gladys Kravitz, Surley Bossy and many more. There will be a live auction, Halloween costume contest and drink specials. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door to benefit the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s GenOUT youth outreach program. For details, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) hosts a Halloween party Thrillher at 7:30 p.m. There will be a costume contest at midnight with a $300 cash prize. DJ Lez Rage will play tracks and there will be drink specials. For more details, visit phase1dc.com.
Girl Code hosts #GirlCodeFridaze Halloween Edition, a costume party, at Vita Lounge (1318 9th St., N.W.) from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Admission is $10 before midnight and $15 after. Come in costume and admission is $10 all night. For more information, visit girlcodefridaze.eventbee.com.
Treats or Freaks, an LGBT ladies Halloween party, is at Mad Momos (3605 14th St., N.W.) from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Jai Syncere, Dj India and DJ DeeDub will provide music. Come in costume and tickets are $10 before11:30 and $15 after, without a costume tickets are $20 all night. There will be four costume contests with cash prizes. For more information, visit dcpridebarhop.com.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts Madscience Presents: Freak Show at 10 p.m. DJ Madscience will host the party. Sasha Adams will host the costume contest with a grand prize of $1,000. Belevedere drinks are $6 all night and there will also be an open vodka bar from 11 p.m.-midnight. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
Number Nine (1435 P St., N.W.) holds a Halloween party at 10 p.m. hosted by Peaches. There will be a costume contest starting at 11 p.m. with a prize of $250 in cash and a $250 Number Nine gift card. For more details, visit numberninedc.com.
The Mansion on O Street (2020 O St., N.W.) hosts a Halloween costume party from 8 p.m.-midnight. There will be a DJ, prizes, a chocolate fountain, pumpkin decorating contest and a treasure hunt. During the party guests will have the opportunity to explore the 100 rooms in the mansion. There is also a cash bar. Costume contest categories include best couples costume, most creative, scariest costume and more. Tickets are $50. For more information, visit omansion.com.
In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.
The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.
For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.
Friday, February 6
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, February 7
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, February 8
DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 9
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, February 10
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 11
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, February 12
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Catfish Comedy will host “2026 Queer Kickoff Show” on Thursday, Feb. 5 at A League of Her Own (2319 18th Street, N.W.). This show features D.C.’s funniest LGBTQ and femme comedians. The lineup features performers who regularly take the stage at top clubs like DC Improv and Comedy Loft, with comics who tour nationally.
Tickets are $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
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