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.
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
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.
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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