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Yelk rings in 50th; Cherry events run all weekend

Distrkt C founder celebrates birthday in style; circuit party welcomes top DJs

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Cherry, gay news, Washington Blade

A Cherry event last year. Thousands attend the annual HIV circuit party each year in Washington. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

Distrkt C founder Bruce Yelk hosts a 50th birthday celebration with parties on Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15.

On Saturday, the party gets started at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) from 10 p.m.-6:30 a.m. There will be a performance from Brasil’s Amannda. Boomer Banks, Ray Diesel, Eddie Danger, Michael Roman and Billy Santoro will also perform. There will be an open bar from 10-11 p.m. Admission is $60 at the door.

The afterparty continues at Decades (1219 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) on Sunday, April 15 from 6 a.m.-noon. DJ Manny Lehman and DJ Carl Michaels will play music all morning. Tickets at the door are $50.

Advanced tickets are $50 for both parties. For more details, visit distrktc.com.

Cherry, an annual charity dance music event which raises funds for D.C. area HIV/AIDS services and prevention, hosts multiple parties throughout the weekend.

Synergy is at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd., N.E.) on Friday, April 13 from 9 p.m.-4 a.m. DJ Tom Stephan from London and DJ Victor Calderone from New York City will play music. Whitman-Walker Health will provide HIV/AIDS testing until midnight in front of Echostage. Tickets are $35.

Moodin Rouge is at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) on Saturday, April 14 from 2-7 p.m. DJ Joe Gauthreaux will play remixes of Rita Ora, Diana Ross and more. Tickets are $25.

Chroma continues at Town on Saturday, April 14 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. DJ X Gonzalez and DJ Micky Friedmann from Berlin will spin tracks. HIV/AIDS testing provided by Whitman-Walker Health will be provided outside of Town until midnight. Tickets are $20.

Mirage/Sundance, Cherry’s official after-hours event, is at Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) on Sunday, April 15 from 3:30-9:30 a.m. DJ Eddie Martinez and DJ Alex Acosta will play music for the morning.

Aurora/Action continues on the rooftop at Flash from 6 a.m.-noon. DJ Isaac Escalanate and DJ Steve Sidewalk will finish off the party. Tickets for both Mirage and Aurora are $60.

Lafantasy Productions present Iris on Sunday, April 15 from 2-7 p.m. at L8 (727 15th St., N.W.) featuring DJ Joe Pacheco’s mix of tribal beats. Tickets are $25.

Infinity closes out the weekend at Soundcheck (1420 K St., N.,W.) on Sunday, April 15 from 9 p.m.-4 a.m. DJ Nina Flowers and DJ Alain Jackinsky play music for the night. Tickets are $30.

For more information on Cherry events, visit cherrydc.com.

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a&e features

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

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

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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). 

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Bars & Parties

Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13

‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday

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(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

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Bars & Parties

Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser

Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge

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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

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