Bars & Parties
D.C. gay groups ready for spring!
Imperial Court, Ladies of LURe have separate events April 21


BARE by LURe (Washington Blade photo by Tom Hausman)
The Imperial Court of Washington hosts its Spring Fling at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) on Saturday, April 21 from 6-9:30 p.m. Drag show starts at 7:30 p.m. There will be a best bonnet contest with the winner receiving $50 in cash and other prizes. Bonnets will be featured in a runway show later in the night. All proceeds will benefit the documentary “Queen of the Capital” by Josh Davidsburg. For more information, visit facebook.com/imperialcourtdc.
The Ladies of LURe D.C. hosts their BARE Spring Fling at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) on Saturday, April 21 from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Cheer D.C. will give a special performance to collect money to benefit the Cheer for Life Fund and SMYAL. DJ Rosie will spin tracks and the DystRucXion Dancers will perform. Cover is $7 before midnight and $10 after. For more details, visit facebook.com/lurewdc.
Bars & Parties
Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16
Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests

The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 16 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient is Abigail Hatting, a rising senior at American University.
This year’s event will feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak, in addition to surprise guests. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
Bars & Parties
MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

“MIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn” will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis.
This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.
Bars & Parties
Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride
Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

Capital Pride will host “Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.
There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops.
To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.