Out & About

Cherry Blossom fever hits D.C.

Paddle tour, food crawl, 5k and more among related events

Published

8 years ago

March 29, 2018

Mariah Cooper

Cherry Blossoms, gay news, Washington Blade

(Photo by Nicolas Raymond; courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

The District celebrates Cherry Blossom season with numerous events throughout the city.

Capital SUP D.C. hosts a Cherry Blossom Paddle Tour on Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Paddlers can view the Cherry Blossoms from along the East Potomac Park. Attendees can rent a paddleboard, single kayak or pedalboard for $45 or a double kayak for $60. Bring your own board for $30. After the tour, the group will visit local brewery Bluejacket (300 Tingey St., S.E.) For more details, visit capitalsup.com.

Carpe D.C. hosts Taste of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl, a self-guided food sample tour, on Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests will receive a passport that includes tastings for up to eight restaurants throughout downtown D.C. Tickets are $84. Vegetarian options are available. For more details, visit facebook.com/carpedcfood.

Cherry Blossom Wine and Beer is on Saturday, April 7 from 1-9 p.m. and Sunday, April 8 from 1-4 p.m. at the Akridge Lot at Buzzard Point (230 V St., S.W.). General admission tickets are $53.99 and include unlimited full pours of beer, cider and sangria, unlimited tastings of more than 100 wines, craft beers and ciders, access to food trucks and the local artisan market and live music. The Wine Lovers ticket is $96.41 and includes everything in general admission and four bottles of wine to take home. For more information, visit facebook.com/cherryblossomwineandbeer.

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk is on Sunday, April 8 on the Washington Monument grounds (2 15th St., N.W.). The Elite Women’s Start kicks off at 7:18 a.m., the Ten Mile Start is at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K Run-Walk Start begins at 9 a.m. The Ten Mile entry fee is $45 and the 5K entry fee is $35. For more information, visit cherryblossom.org

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

5 days ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: July 31-August 6

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

5 days ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 31

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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, August 1

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, August 2

“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 3

“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, August 4

The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.

Wednesday, August 5

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Thursday, August 6

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

Calendar

Calendar: July 24-30

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 weeks ago

July 24, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, July 24

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Trans Discussion Group from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom. The Trans Discussion Group 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, visit the DC Center’s website.

Saturday, July 25

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host Black Lesbian Support Group at 11 a,.m. Join the DC Center and the Beta Kappa Chapter of the Beta Phi Omega Sorority for a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, July 26

“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 are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, July 27

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host Queer Book Club at 6:30 p.m. This month’s selection is “Uncomfortable Labels” by Laura Kate Dale. The meeting will be held via Zoom.Email [email protected] for details.

Tuesday, July 28

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.

Wednesday, July 29

Thursday, July 30

The DC 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.