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.
Friday, March 27
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.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. 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.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, March 28
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 Center for the LGBT Community 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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, March 30
“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]).
“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 31
Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 1
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, April 2
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 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.
Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.
Tickets can be secured via Resy.
Out & About
‘How We Survived’ panel set for March 25
‘Living History’ discussion to be held at Spark Social
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Part One, Living History: How We Survived,” will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Spark Social House.
This event will be moderated by Abby Stuckrath, host of the “Queering the District” podcast. Panelists include: Earline Budd, activist, trans rights advocate; TJ Flavell of Go Gay DC; DC LGBTQ+ Center Board Member David Bissette; and Alexa Rodriguez, founder and executive director, Trans-Latinx DMV.
This event is part of a four-part storytelling series called “Living History,” which centers LGBTQ elders, activists, artists, and icons sharing their lived experiences and reflections with younger generations. The conversations explore themes like resilience, community organizing, chosen family, and the lessons earlier generations hope today’s LGBTQ+ and ally communities will carry forward.
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