Out & About
LGBT events calendar: July 20-26, 2018
Highlights include WOOF! Happy Hour and drag brunch


A work by Jabari C. Jefferson on display at Artists & Makers Studios in Rockville. (Photo courtesy HeartSong)
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts its weekly WOOF! Happy Hour tonight starting at 5 p.m. for guests 21 and over. The bar will serve free pizza at 7:30 p.m., and there is no cover charge before 9:30 p.m. There are also drink specials, including draft pitchers for $9 until 10 p.m. Guests 18 and over are welcome after 9:30 p.m. For more details, look for the event on Facebook.
Following WOOF! Happy Hour, D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts its monthly Pup Night from 8 p.m.-close, offering guests the chance to play with puppies over music and drinks. Guests must be 18 to enter and 21 to drink. More information available on the event’s Facebook page.
Rock & Roll Hotel (1353 H St., N.E.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-10 p.m., featuring drink and food specials, including half-price wings and $4 rail drinks. The event has no cover charge and is for guests 21 and over. To see all the specials offered, look for the event on Facebook.
Reel Affirmations XTRA presents “Cherry Grove Stories” tonight from 7-9 p.m. at HRC (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). Directed by Michael Fisher, the film explores the beachfront enclave of Cherry Grove on Fire Island, N.Y., which previously provided a safe haven for gays from arrest and prosecution. General admission tickets are $12 and VIP tickets, which include one complimentary alcoholic beverage and movie popcorn or candy, are $25. Tickets can be purchased at thedccenter.org.
The Warner Theatre (513 13 St., N.W.) hosts pop duo Erasure for their “World Be Gone” tour with dance/electronic opener Reed & Caroline tonight and Saturday night. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $47-240 and can be purchased at livenation.com. There is an eight-ticket limit for the concert. There are no elevators at the theater.
“Two-Spirits Belong Here” takes place tonight at The Potter’s House (1658 Columbia Rd., N.W.) from 6-8 p.m. Two-Spirits were the first queer people on the American continent and tonight’s event highlights spoken word, theater, music, drag and more from Two-Spirit artists from across the country. Tickets are by donation and can be found at eventbrite.com. Donations will also be accepted at the door.
The Imperial Court of D.C. (721 8 St., S.E.) continues Morgan’s Birthday Raffle for a chance to win a Weekend Ball Package to the “Gala of the Americas: Coronation VII” (September 6-9) which includes entrance to the “Out of Town” show, coronation ball and victory brunch. Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be found at imperialcourtdc.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts drag brunch today starting at 10:30 a.m. Guests can enjoy performances by local drag artists over an all-you-can-buffet featuring cheesy grits, fresh seasonal fruit, homemade desserts and more. The first mimosa and Bloody Mary are also included in the ticket price. Nellie’s advises guests to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure being seated on time. Tickets are $42 and include gratuity and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group meets today from 1-3 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). The meeting will be facilitated by trauma social worker Dakia Davis. Anyone who identifies as an LGBT person of color is encouraged to attend the support group and engage with fellow community members in a safe space. For more information, visit thedccenter.org/events.
The D.C. Center Arts Gallery (2000 14th St., N.W.) presents its newest installation RoopKotha tonight with an opening reception from 7-9 p.m. The installation features a compilation of photos and memorabilia which document various LGBT initiatives undertaken by two advocates in Bangladesh. Guests will have the chance to meet Rasel Ahmed, a representative of the collection, during his talk and catered reception, which includes light fare, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. The event is free and open to the public; to RSVP, visit thedccenter.org/events.
Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va.) hosts DJ S-tyles tonight starting at 10 p.m. The DJ will play a mix of old school, hip hop, EDM and top 40. Guests can also enjoy a special menu offer, which includes a drink, appetizer and beer selection for $5. The rooftop and main floor both open at 8 p.m., and there is no cover charge for the event. More information available at clarendonballroom.com.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) hosts Erasure: Post Concert Video Party starting at 10 p.m. following the Erasure concert at Jiffy Lube. DJ Travis Island will spin, offering guests an array of synth-pop acts of the era. For more information, look for the event on Facebook.
SUNDAY, JULY 22
“The Rumpus Room: A Family Dance Party” takes place today from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.). The Rumpus Room adapts the club environment — disco balls, lights, music — into a family-friendly space. Maracas, hula-hoops, beach balls and other toys are also provided. The event is designed for children 8 and younger, but older siblings are welcome. Tickets are $15 each and required for all guests, except infants who are free. Guests can also purchase a four-ticket pack for $40. Maximum of three children per adult. To purchase tickets, visit ticketfly.com.
Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 23rd St., Arlington, Va.) hosts karaoke tonight starting at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come early and enjoy happy hour specials from 4-8 p.m. All guests must be 21 and up, and there is no cover charge for the event. For more information, look for the event on Facebook.
MONDAY, JULY 23
Coffee & Conversation for Older LGBT Adults meets today at 10 a.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). Guests can stop by and enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee over conversation with fellow LGBT community members. For more information, email [email protected].
Kingfisher D.C. (1414 14 St., N.W.) hosts bar bingo tonight from 8-10 p.m. The event is free to enter, and there are lots of opportunities for prizes. To RSVP, visit dcfray.com/bingo.
TUESDAY, JULY 24
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts Gaymer Night tonight at 7 p.m., featuring multi-player games on seven TVs, raffle prizes and drink specials including $3 Bud Lite. For more details, look for the event at cobaltdc.com.
Genderqueer D.C. meets tonight at 7 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). Anyone who identifies outside of the gender binary is encouraged to attend the support group, including those individuals just beginning the process of questioning and understanding their identities. For more information, visit genderqueerdc.org.
Jam Cellar (2437 15 St., N.W.) hosts a beginner swing dance class tonight starting at 7:50 p.m. No partner required; flat shoes recommended. The class is free and open to the public. For more information, look for the event on Facebook.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for Duplicate Bridge. For several decades the Lambda Bridge Club has provided a social space for gay bridge players. No reservations are required, and newcomers are welcome. Call 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.
Center Careers Job Club meets tonight at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) starting at 6 p.m. The job club offers support to job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed. The session will focus on developing interview techniques, goal planning and improving self-confidence. To sign up, visit thedccenter.org/events. For more information, email [email protected].
D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts karaoke tonight starting at 9 p.m. There is no cover charge for the event. For more information, look for the event on Facebook.
THURSDAY, JULY 26
Mandy Harvey takes the stage tonight at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage (2700 F St., N.W.), offering guests the opportunity to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act over a blend of jazz and pop. The 30-year-old Nashville native lost her residual hearing when she was 18 due to a connective tissue disorder and pursued several other careers before returning to music 10 years ago. Harvey earned national attention when she placed fourth on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” last year and continues to perform throughout the country. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.

The Rainbow History Project will host “Pickets, Protests and Parade Exhibit Tour” at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This event honors the courage, resilience and resistance of D.C.’s gay community. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hyatt Centric Arlington (1325 Wilson Blvd.). This fun event is ideal for meeting new people and community building. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Xavier Entertainment DC will host “Cowboy Carter Afterparty” at 10 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. There will be fireworks, parades, and patriotic fun. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Mezcal Amaras will host “Sha Boing Boing Showdown” at 6 p.m. at Snappy’s Small Bar (3917 Georgia Ave., N.W.). Get ready to test your hotdog eating abilities. Tickets start at $12.51 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Illusions Drag Queen Show will host “Drag Queen Dinner Show” at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St. N.W. Guests will be treated to the very best celebrity drag impersonations in entertainment. Tickets start at $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Thurst Lounge will host “A Thirsty Cowboy Afterparty” at 5 p.m. DJ Apollo will be performing. For more details, visit Thurst’s website.
9:30 Club will host “Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA” at 9 p.m. The DJ will play plenty of disco hits from the 70s and 80s. Tickets cost $45.30 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Music & Concerts
Berkshire Choral to commemorate Matthew Shepard’s life
Concert held at Washington National Cathedral

Berkshire Choral International will present a concert performance of composer Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral.
The program will be guest conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Benson, a native of the DMV who currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. The concert is a partial benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Notably, Matthew’s remains are interred at the National Cathedral and his parents, Dennis and Judy, will give opening remarks at the performance.
Tickets are $20 – $65, and 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Tickets are only available online at berkshirechoral.org.

Friday, June 26
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Bingo” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month 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.
Art Roving will host “Where Color Meets Spectrum: Blackness, Queerness & Tomorrow” at 200 I St., S.E. This is a panel discussion with Queer Art salon artists Nikki Brooks, Maps Glover & Chrys Seawood, moderated by artist and curator Brittany Mona’. The Queer Art Salon exhibition is on view from June 13 – August 1, 2025 and funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Art Exhibition Grant program. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge will host “DC Drag brunch on Rooftop – Penthouse” at 12 p.m. Guests can enjoy delicious French cuisine. The event will be hosted by Miss Capital Pride. Tickets cost $30.65 and are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Jonathan Van Ness will host a masterclass at 10 a.m. at Dupont Circle Hotel. Enjoy refreshments and community as Jonathan showcases styling techniques for a range of hair types—helping you create a gallery-worthy look that’s truly, beautifully yours. A portion of ticket sales will benefit SMYAL, a local nonprofit that has been supporting LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. for more than 40 years. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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 details, email [email protected].
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more information, email [email protected].
Tuesday, June 30
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.