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.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
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.
