Bars & Parties
Cherry weekend is April 20-24
DJs Lisa Frank, Joe Gauthreaux et. al. on slate

Cherry (Washington Blade file photo by Hugh Clarke)
Cherry, a multi-venue dance charity party for HIV/AIDS services and prevention, runs all weekend from April 20-24.
The dance party weekend kicks off with Lux at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) on Thursday, April 20 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. The theme is luxury and lavish with music by DJ Steve Sidewalk and DJ Alain Jackinsky. Tickets are $20.
Decadence is at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) on Friday, April 21 from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. DJ Twin, DJ Micky Friedmann, DJ Ben.Jamin and DJ Lisa Frank will spin tracks all night. HIV/AIDS testing will be available onsite. Tickets are $35.
On Saturday, April 22 there will be an afternoon tea dance party, Depeche Moody, at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) from 2-7 p.m. The event will honor Cherry founder Dr. Moody Mustafa. DJ Joe Gauthreaux plays music. Tickets are $25.
Town hosts Royalty, an all-night dance party, on Saturday, April 22 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. DJ Kenneth Rivera and DJ Ivan Gomez will play the tunes. Madelyn Hatter hosts. HIV/AIDS testing will also be onsite for guests. Tickets are $20.
DJ X Gonzalez and DJ Nina Flowers keep the party going with Avant, an after-hours event, at Flash Nightclub (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) on Sunday, April 23 from 4-10 a.m.Tickets are $50.
Summer gets an early start with Action! Pool Party at Penthouse Pool at the Yards Vida Fitness (1212 4th St., S.E.) on Sunday, April 23 from noon-8 p.m. DJ Rico Alexis and DJ Eddie Martinez spin festive beats all day. Tickets are $40. Cabanas and day beds are available starting at $600 and include free admission and an open bar for 10 people.
The weekend winds down with Sashay at DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) on Sunday, April 23 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. DJ Sean Morris and DJ Nacho Chapado say goodbye to the Cherry weekend with beats ranging from techno to tribal. Tickets are $20.
Weekend party packages are also available. For a list of packages and to purchase tickets, visit cherrydc.com.
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Halloween weekend is here, and here’s a list of just some of the local events if you’re looking to have a spooky good time.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This is an opportunity to mingle with LGBTQ folk and allies. Halloween costumes are encouraged or casual beach attire is fine. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Bad Witch, Good Butch: A Sapphic Halloween Dream” on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Revolt DC. This is a halloween party for sapphics from the ages of 35 and above. There will be costumes, connection and dancing. Tickets are $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Taste Takeover will host “Abuela Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at 639 Florida Ave., N.W. DJ Yani will play music and there will be a costume contest with prizes to be won. Tickets cost $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Metro Cabaret Club will host “Spookshow Spectacular: Dance Place After Dark Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. at Dance Place. This is D.C.’s Halloween nightlife and draglesque showcase, featuring live performances, creative marketplace, and costumed revelry. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Punch Bowl Social will host “Halloween Bash” on Friday. Oct 31 at 9 p.m. at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. This will be a night of hauntingly good times with a killer DJ, vendors, and a costume contest. Tickets cost $12.09 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Thrust Lounge will host “Nightmare on 14th St.” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. DJ Tryfe will play music, and there’ll also be a costume contest with prizes. For more details, visit Thurst’s Instagram.
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Halloween Scariest Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their scariest, creepiest, most haunting look for a Halloween night they won’t forget — fueled by Casamigos and Nellie’s signature spooky fun. For more details, visit Nellie’s website.
Kiki DC will host “Kiki’s Halloween Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. This event will be hosted by Pirouette and there’ll be prizes for the top three costumes. For more details, visit Kiki’s Instagram.
Sinners and Saints will host “Heaven’s On Fire (Queer Pop Dance Party)” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. There will be two floors and music by Sonali Dawar, DJ Noons and Aria McIntosh. There will also be drink specials all night.
Crush Dance Bar will host a Halloween costume contest on Friday, Oct. 31 at 11 p.m. Drag queens Empress Lena and Sasha Adams will host the event. For more details, visit Crush’s Instagram.
