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D.C. gears up for the 4th

Gaggle of Independence Day events planned

Published

8 years ago

on

Independence Day, gay news, Washington Blade

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

4th of July in D.C. is always packed and this year is no different. At 8 a.m., the National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) begins its festivities with a free T-shirt giveaway to the first 1,000 guests, followed by a live musical performance by Brass Connection. Next, at 10 a.m., the Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony takes place, and the morning concludes with the National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 a.m. For more details, visit archivesjuly4.org. 

The celebrations continue at Wharf D.C. (noon-4 p.m.; 735 Water St., S.W.) with its 4th of July Summer Party. Guests can enjoy a family friendly afternoon filled with games, face painting and music from Rocknoceros. Guests are also encouraged to stay after the event ends to watch the fireworks from the pier (expected to start around 9 p.m.). 

Beyond the pier, people can also watch the fireworks from a number of rooftop terraces, including W Washington D.C. Hotel (515 15 St., N.W.) and CityBar (400 E St., S.W.). 

The W Washington D.C. Hotel hosts its annual party “Boom With a View” from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Guests get to watch the fireworks from the hotel’s terrace overlooking the mall while enjoying signature cocktails, vibrant beats and food. Tickets are $275 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. 

CityBar offers partiers yet another viewing opportunity, featuring an all-American buffet, passed bites, open bar and music. The event starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are $200 for adults and $100 for children (12-years-old and younger) and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. 

After the fireworks, D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts an Independence Day bar night from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests can enjoy Jell-O shots in red, white and blue and will get one shot free if they’re wearing at least one of the colors. Tickets are $10 at the door. 

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Out & About

LGBTQ Military Happy Hour set for Sept. 15

In-person gathering to be held at Tom’s Watch Bar

Published

1 day ago

on

September 11, 2026

By

A scene from the 2026 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Modern Military Association of America will host “Pride in Service: An LGBTQ+ Military Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. at Tom’s Watch Bar. 

This in-person gathering is the perfect chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the diversity within the military community. Come relax, meet fellow LGBTQ+ service members and allies, and enjoy a fun, supportive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on an evening full of pride, camaraderie, and good vibes. Visit Eventbrite for more details. 

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Calendar

Calendar: September 11-17

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 day ago

on

September 11, 2026

By

Friday, September 11

Go Gay DC will host “Out in DC LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena.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. 

Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook.

Saturday, September 12

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.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host screenings of “Princess Sparkles” and “Kiloran Bay” at 1:30 p.m. “Kiloran Bay” is a 13-minute musical short set amid the wild beauty of the Scottish Hebrides and the fierce joy of a wedding cèilidh. “Princess Sparkles” is about a girl who accidentally signs up to pet-sit a princess only to discover she’s actually a nippy, Fox News-watching pig. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website. 

Sunday, September 13

“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, September 14

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10:00a.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, September 15

Center Bi Pan+ 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, September 16

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.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Thursday, September 17

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 5:00 pm 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.  

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Blade Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth on Sept. 12

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

Published

5 days ago

on

September 7, 2026

By

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.

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