Out & About

Lotus and Water Lily Festival is July 15-22 in D.C.

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens only national park devoted to water plants

Published

9 years ago

July 14, 2017

The Lotus and Water Lily Festival starts Saturday, July 15 and runs through Saturday, July 22 at the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens operated by the National Park Service.

The water plants harness the Anacostia’s marshy terrain, heat and humidity to create and thrust skyward blooms of striking beauty and grace. Some lotus blooms dance in the breeze almost six feet in the air and are the size of a man’s head. You can smell their sweet scent as you walk between the ponds. It’s wonderfully calming to be surrounded by these masterworks of nature.

Lotus leaves remind one of elephant ears that capture harsh midday sun. The Victoria water lily produces massive pads up to 6 feet in diameter in this area by August or September.

The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is the only national park devoted to water plants. The park is located in Washington, nestled on the east bank of the Anacostia, south of New York Ave./Rt. 50 and west of highway 295. You can bike there by taking the East Branch Bike Trail. Bring a reusable water bottle and a lunch and enjoy the shady picnic area. Most of the paths are gravel and grass so wear good walking shoes and dress for the Washington summer.

The National Park Service is also arranging a free shuttle service from nearby metro stops.

You can find additional details about the Festival, including Paddle Night — a canoe tour lead by the Anacostia Watershed society — on the National Park Services website here.

Marvin Bowser is a lifestyle blogger and Blade contributor. Follow him on Instagram @FirstBroDC.

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Out & About

Blade Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth on Sept. 12

Mayor-elect Stewart, state Rep. Snyder-Hall to give remarks

Published

3 days ago

September 7, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Rehoboth Mayor-elect Susan Stewart will speak at the Blade Foundation fundraiser on Sept. 12.

The Washington Blade Foundation will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Rehoboth Beach featuring remarks from Rehoboth’s Mayor-elect Susan Stewart and Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall.

The Foundation funds fellowships for aspiring queer journalists and enterprise journalism projects.

The event will be held at a private home in Rehoboth. Tickets are $100 and include open bar from Diego’s, catered appetizers from the Blue Moon, entertainment, guest speakers, and an auction. Tickets are available here.

Calendar

Calendar: September 4-10

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

6 days ago

September 4, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, September 4

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant.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.

Saturday, September 5

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.

Sunday, September 6

“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets cost $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, September 7

Go Gay DC will host “Out in Rosslyn LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 6 p.m. at Hyatt Centric Arlington. We have been invited to visit Hyatt Centric Arlington, where we will gather in a reserved section of their lounge. Attendees will be greeted by members of the Go Gay DC Leadership Team & receive a name tag upon arrival. This event is ideal for meeting new folks, making new friends, community-building, or just to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere. Casual attire is perfectly fine. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, September 8

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.

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].

Wednesday, September 9

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, September 10

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Out & About

Archuleta to host book signing in Rehoboth Beach

Entertainer to meet with fans at Browseabout Books

Published

2 weeks ago

August 28, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

David Archuleta (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

David Archuleta will chat with fans and sign his book “Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself” on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.

The book is an inspirational account of his transformation from a closeted Mormon teen singer to a pop star who is comfortable with his queer identity. For additional information on this event, go to browseaboutbooks.com.

Archuleta will also be in Rehoboth Beach to headline the “Night of Entertainment” on Saturday, Sept. 5 for CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL weekend, which includes the Night of Dance Sept. 6.

Visit camprehoboth.org for more information.