Out & About

Pride, Pride and more Pride

Weekend packed with dance parties, parade, festival, concerts and more

Published

11 years ago

June 12, 2015

Mariah Cooper

Capital Pride Festival, gay news, gay politics dc

Capital Pride Festival (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Friday, June 12

Congregation Bet Mishpachah hosts a National Pride Shabbat at 6th and I Historic Synagogue (600 I St., N.W.) from 6:30-10 p.m. today. After the service there will be a dinner served.

The third annual D.C. Front Runners Pride Run 5K begins at Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) at 7 p.m. tonight. Admission to the race is sold out. After the race there will be a finish line party with beer for race participants, a DJ, entertainment and an awards ceremony for the top runners.

Capital Pride and Brightest Young Things present Flashback Opening Dance Party, Pride’s official opening party, at Arena Stage (1101 6th St., S.W.) tonight at 8:30 p.m. Adore Delano from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and Frenchie Davis from “American Idol” and “The Voice” will perform. Birdie LaCage, Pussy Noir and more will also make appearances. DJ Shea Van Horn, DJ Matt Bailer and many more will play music for the night. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the party. There is no dress code but staying on theme with ‘80s workout clothing is encouraged.

Saturday, June 13

Rainbow History Project hosts a historic gay D.C. walking tour beginning at the Dupont Circle Fountain today from 10-11:30 a.m. Brock Thompson will guide the tour to visit bars, homes and protest sports that held significance to LGBT activism in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Dupont Circle Hotel (1500 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.) hosts Crack of Noon: Parade Day Pride Brunch today from noon-3 p.m. There will be a gourmet buffet, complimentary mimosa and cash bar featuring Stoli cocktails. There will also be a meet and greet with special guests. Tickets are $65 and must be purchased in advance.

There will be a Family Fun Zone during the Capital Pride Parade at Stead Park (1625 P St., N.W.) today from 3-8 p.m. There will be crafts, water inflatables, yard games, balloon art, snacks, face painting and much more.

The Capital Pride Parade starts at 22nd and P Streets and moves through the Dupont and Logan Circle neighborhoods today from 4:30-7:30 p.m. There will be floats, entertainment, drag queens, local businesses, politicians and much more.

SMYAL hosts Queer and Now, a youth dance party, at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Cir., N.W.) tonight from 6-10 p.m. There will be food, dancing and HIV testing. Admission is free.

The Ladies of Lure, TAGG Magazine and Capital Pride present F.U.S.E., a women’s dance party, at Howard Theatre (620 T St., N.W.) tonight from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Tickets are $15.

Scorpio Entertainment and Troyal Events host #Undergroundthrowdown at Dance Loft (4618 14th N.W.) tonight from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Music will be focused on the past four decades of gay culture in celebration of Pride’s 40th anniversary. Admission is 18 to enter and 21 to drink.

Mixtape ,a gay dance party, is at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight at 11 p.m. DJ Matt Bailer and DJ Shea Van Horn will play music for the night. Tickets are $15.

Sunday, June 14

Scandal D.C. hosts Ladies Tea, a ladies dance party, at Penn Social (801 E St., N.W.) from 4 p.m.-midnight.

The Capital Pride Festival is today from noon-7 p.m. along Pennsylvania Ave. between 3rd and 7th streets. There will be vendors, food, music, entertainment and much more.

The Pride Concert presented by Hot 99.5 is at the Capitol Concert Stage in front of the U.S. Capitol Building today from 1-9 p.m. Performers include Wilson Phillips, En Vogue, Katy Tiz and Carly Rae Jepson.

The Cherry Fund and Capital Pride host an after hours charity dance event at Tropicalia (2001 14th St., N.W.) from 3:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. DJ X Gonzalez and Sean Morris will play techno and house music. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

Flower Party, Pride’s official closing party, is at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets are $5.

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Out & About

DC Black Pride is around the corner

Anthony Oakes hosts comedy show on Thursday

Published

19 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Comedian Anthony Oakes (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Anthony Oakes will host “DC Black Pride Comedy Show” on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.

Oakes will workshop his new hour about addiction, incarceration, recovery, and redemption with special guests.

This event will be hosted by the hilarious Apple Brown Betty with TJ So Silly, Howl Cooper, and featuring Patrice Deveaux. DJ Art.is will be spinning on the 1’s & 2’s. Libations will be provided by Drink Alchy. Images by RGF ENT. Tickets are $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Out & About

United Night Out set for Saturday

Team DC hosts evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag and community

Published

19 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

A scene from the 2023 United Night Out. This year’s event will be held on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

On Saturday, May 16, Team DC is taking over Audi Field for United Night OUT as D.C. United faces St. Louis SC.

Come out for an evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag, and community. The night kicks off with pre-game fun featuring DC Different Drummers, DJ Heat, and a Pride Night OUT Party at the Heineken Rooftop. Then get ready for a 7:30 p.m. match, including the National Anthem sung by Dana Nearing and a halftime drag performance.

After the match, the celebration continues at the Post-Game Rooftop Party with DJ Heat and the After Party at Dacha Navy Yard. Game tickets and after party tickets are available now through Zeffy. After party tickets are $20 and include one drink.

Calendar

Calendar: May 15-21

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

19 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 15

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Saturday, May 16

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.

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.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, May 17

Red Bear Brewing Company will host “Drag Brunch” at 11 a.m. This is a camp and comedy drag brunch with host Logan Stone. Tickets cost $10.60 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 18

“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]).

Tuesday, May 19

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, May 20

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.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will partner with House of Ruth to host “Art & Conversation” at 2:30 p.m. This free workshop is facilitated by art therapist Jenny Christakos, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, a licensed mental health clinician at House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Support Center. This session, titled “The Masks We Wear,” will explore elements connected to identity, belonging, and community. No RSVP required. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday, May 21

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work 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.