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Peak bloom season imminent for cherry blossoms

Events galore planned for D.C.’s trademark buds

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cherry blossoms, spring, gay news, Washington Blade

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Cherry Blossom Festival brings a flurry of activities that have something for everyone in the coming weeks.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival opening ceremony is at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Saturday, March 26 from 5-6:30 p.m. Enjoy traditional and contemporary performances that celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Performers include Japanese soprano singer Asako Tamura, comedy troupe Gamarjobat, jazz conductor Miho Hazara, the 6821 Quintet and musical duo Dois Hazuki. Admission is free but advance ticketing is required.

The National Building Museum (401 F St., N.W.) hosts a Family Day on Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Activities will include folding origami masterpieces, designing a memorial for the National Mall, building a tatebanko diorama and trying on traditional Japanese clothing. Admission is free.

The Blossom Kite Festival is located on the grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th St., N.W. and Constitution Ave. on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Watch kite fliers from across the country and the world give kite demonstrations and compete. Bring your own kite or make your own at the activity station. Admission is free.

The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival is at the Southwest Waterfront (600 Water St., S.W.) on Saturday, April 9 from 1-9 p.m. Fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. There will be a beer and cider garden, calligraphy, sailboat making, a food truck rally, face painting, T-shirt making and much more. Entry is free.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade begins on Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 17th Street on Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m.-noon. Performers include cast members from the musical “Jersey Boys,” R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, “The Voice” contestant Sisaundra Lewis and pop singer Tiffany. Grandstand seating tickets are $20. Standing on the street is free.

Following the parade, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival will be on M Street and New Jersey Ave. S.E. from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Various performances celebrating Japanese culture will be on four stages. Admission is $8 in advance for adults and $10 afterwards and at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.

The Cherry Blast party at Carnegie Library is on Saturday, April 16 from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. There will be a dance party, sushi and saki workshops, a cosplay competition, Tokyo street food, manga vendors, anime fashion show, gaming competition and more. Certain events have separate admission prices. Tickets range from $20-25 for single events or are $75 for all. VIP admission is $125. For more information on all of the National Cherry Blossom events, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Outdoor goods store Filson (1534 14th St., N.W.) will be giving away complimentary cherry blossom seeds with every purchase through April 17. For more details, visit filson.com.

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Out & About

DC Black Pride is around the corner

Anthony Oakes hosts comedy show on Thursday

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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

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Out & About

United Night Out set for Saturday

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

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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. 

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Calendar

Calendar: May 15-21

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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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.  

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