Bars & Parties

D.C. Jane premieres

New women’s nightlife event debuts this weekend

Published

8 years ago

September 21, 2017

Mariah Cooper

DJ Rosie says the new D.C. Jane party will fill a need in D.C. lesbian nightlife. (Photo courtesy DJ Rosie)

In a city with plenty of bar and club options for straight nightlife, party promoter Bruce Yelk is hoping to give the LGBT community parties that appeal to a variety of tastes.

Yelk, whose late-night Distrkt C parties have become a staple at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.), is expanding into the lesbian market with his new women’s party, D.C. Jane.

Every fourth Friday of the month, the D.C. Eagle will be taken over by a large-scale women’s party. D.C. Jane kicks off Friday, Sept. 22 from 9 p.m.-3:30 a.m. featuring music from D.C.’s own, DJ Rosie. Tickets are $30 and include an open bar from 9-10:30 p.m. All ticket proceeds from the Sept. 22 event will benefit Capital Pride.

While the party is still in its infancy, Yelk says, “The concept is to be a Distrkt C version for women.” He hopes that D.C.’s lesbian community will consider D.C. Jane a contender in women’s parties.

“I think that the women would like some more options,” Yelk says. “I’m just hoping that I tap into what they’re looking for. That’s for the gay market too. There’s always room to look for more things to do.”

DJ Rosie agrees.

“D.C. Jane brings something new to the women’s scene with an open bar and fresh new venue,” she says. “The best part is that it allows women and their friends and allies to party while also giving back to our community.”

Yelk’s party promoter expertise was put to the test when organizing D.C. Jane as he wasn’t as experienced in women’s parties as parties for men.

“This is a much bigger beast for me. I’m much more outside my comfort zone,” Yelk says.

Yelk hosting parties at the D.C. Eagle may seem a little out of the way for people to venture, but he hopes the large venue will attract women who want to experience a party on a bigger scale.

D.C. Jane isn’t the only party Yelk has planned to take over the D.C. Eagle this fall.

“All the new events that I’m doing at the D.C. Eagle are tapping into specific niche markets, breaking the gay market down a little bit more,” Yelk says.

While Distrkt C parties are every second Saturday of the month, partygoers don’t have to wait weeks to attend. Yelk’s new events keep the fun going all month long,

These premiere events include Alto Voltaje, a gay men’s Latin-themed party, which will be every fourth Saturday of the month. One was scheduled for this weekend but was postponed due to Hurricane Maria. It’s rescheduled for Dec. 9. Instead, a bonus Distrkt C party will be held on Saturday, Sept 23 at the Eagle with DJ X Gonazlez.

The next one is Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 p.m.-4 a.m featuring tunes from DJ Ed Wood. The party will also include an open bar from 9-10:30 p.m.

The 5th Retrograde, a party on fifth Saturdays of the month, is on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Legendary DJ Billy Carroll will spin a mix of current music, classics and disco. Well and domestic bottle drink specials are $4 and run from 9-11 p.m.

DC2, which takes place on Sundays of holiday weekends, debuted this year. It continues on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Nina Flowers will get the crowd jumping and an open bar from 10-11 p.m. will keep the party going.

Online advanced tickets for these events are $25. Tickets are $30 at the door before midnight and $40 after midnight.

For more information, visit distrktc.com.

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Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties

Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more

Published

2 weeks ago

December 26, 2025

Evan Caplan

Trade leans into a shark motif with its NYE plans. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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

Published

4 weeks ago

December 12, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

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

Published

1 month ago

November 28, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Thurst Lounge (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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.