Out & About
D.C.-area 4th of July celebrations planned
Fireworks, a parade, parties and more over holiday weekend


(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) hosts Independence Day celebrations all week. Musical performances by PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra and D.C. Legendary Musicians take place on Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2 at noon. On Monday, crafts, music presentations and more run between 8-11:45 a.m. There will also be a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by re-enactors portraying Abigail Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Fore more information, visit archives.gov.
The city of Takoma Park holds its firework display at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Rd., Md.) Monday at approximately 9:30 p.m. There will be multiple vendors selling food, drinks, T-shirts and other novelties. For more information, visit takomapark4th.org.
The Brixton hosts an Independence Day Party on its rooftop Monday starting at 1 p.m. There will be no cover charge, and the party includes beer specials, a hot dog-eating contest and an ice luge. For details, visit brixtondc.com.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach presents its fireworks display on Rehoboth Beach Main Street (28 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) on Sunday at 9:15 p.m. Live entertainment will be performed before and after the fireworks. For more information, visit downtownrb.com.
The annual “A Capitol Fourth Concert” begins from 8-9:30 p.m. on Monday night on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Performers will include Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, Alisan Porter, General Colin L. Powell, Gavin DeGraw, Cassadee Pope, Amber Riley, Jackie Evancho, Sutton Foster, Yolanda Adams, Scott Hamilton and the cast of Broadway’s “ON YOUR FEET! The Musical.” Following the concert, the fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. Both the show and fireworks display are free and open to the public. Get a less crowded sneak peek of the concert by attending the full dress rehearsal on Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. and it’s recommended to arrive by 6 p.m.For more details, visit pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/
National Independence Day Parade begins Monday at 11:45 a.m. and on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets. Expect to see fife and drum corps, military servicemen and women, elaborate floats and VIPs. For more information, visit july4thparade.com
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd. N.E.) hosts a 3rd Floor Balcony Bash & Block Party Monday. There will be a “BBQ & Balcony Keg Tent” from 6-9 p.m. DJ Kudjo Onyx starts spinning on the roof balcony at 6 p.m. Happy Hour is from 5-8 p.m. For details, visit dceagle.com.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St N.W.) puts on a Special 4th of July Drag Brunch Monday morning from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Shi-Queeta Lee and her Divas will serve up interpretations of Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli and more. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. Your first Mimosa or Zing Zang Bloody Mary is included with a $36.83 ticket. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

Friday, May 2
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 3
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 Support Group 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 judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 4
“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 5
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 6
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 7
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 8
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. 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 with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected].

Point Foundation will host its annual “Taste of Point Reception” on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Room & Board.
The popular event will take place on the top floor and outdoor terrace at Room & Board, featuring small plates from area restaurants, hand-crafted cocktails from local mixologists, and a speaking portion where guests will hear directly from Point Foundation scholars. This year, Point is supporting a record-breaking class of 755 scholars and guests’ support will allow Point to continue its mission. Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit.
Tickets are tax deductible and can be purchased at Point’s website.
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