Bars & Parties
Calendar: July 27-Aug. 2, 2018
Outdoor movie screenings, volunteer events, social groups and more
‘The Color Purple’ is in residence at the Kennedy Center July 31-Aug. 26. (Photo courtesy Kennedy Center)
FRIDAY, JULY 27
GAMMA support group meets tonight from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave., N.W.). Since 1978, GAMMA has provided a safe, nonjudgmental space for gay or bi men who are now or who have been in relationships with women to share and discuss their experiences. For more information, visit gammaindc.org.
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, go here.
SATURDAY, JULY 28
The D.C. Center hosts its monthly Volunteer with Food & Friends event today from 10 a.m.-noon (219 Riggs Rd., N.E.). Food & Friends prepares and delivers meals and groceries to people living with HIV, cancer and other debilitating illnesses. Those interested in volunteering can drop by and help prepare meals and get them ready for delivery. Up to 10 volunteers are needed. To register for the event, visit thedccenter.org/events.
World-renowned actor and singer Alan Cumming takes the stage at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. accompanied by D.C.’s Gay Men’s Chorus. The Scottish-American will perform “Legal Immigrant,” a cabaret of songs and stories about his 10 years as a U.S. citizen and what it means to be an immigrant. Tickets range from $29-349 and can be purchased at kennedy-center.org.
DISTRIKT of Columbia hosts its BM 2018 Fundraiser tonight from 8 p.m.-4 a.m. at D.C. nightclub Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.). DISTRIKT is a nonprofit dedicated to building diverse community through the arts, and tonight guests can support the organization over music and an open bar. Tickets are $12-15 and can be purchased at ticketfly.com. The event is only for guests 21 and older.
SUNDAY, JULY 29
Mind Your Body yoga studio hosts Twilight Outdoor Glow Yoga tonight at 7 p.m. at Crystal City Shops by the fountains (1750 Crystal Shops, Arlington, Va.). No prior experience necessary. The event is free and open to the public. To reserve a spot, visit mindyourbodyoasis.com or call 703-567-1290.
MONDAY, JULY 30
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, visit thedccenter.org.
TUESDAY, JULY 31
“The Color Purple” takes the stage tonight at 8 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, this American classic tells the story of a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, the show gives exciting nuance to Walker’s original story. The performance is recommended for ages 10 and up. Tickets range from $69-149 and can be purchased at kennedy-center.org.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social bridge. No reservations or partners required. Newcomers welcome. Call 301-345-1571 for more information.
BOOKMEN D.C., a men’s gay literature group, meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Tenleytown Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.). The group will discuss “In Search of Duende,” a collection of works by the famous gay Spanish writer Federico Garcia Lorca. All are welcome. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
THURSDAY, AUG. 2
The Library of Congress (10 First St., S.E.) presents “Back to the Future” tonight at 8:30 p.m. as part of its Summer Movies on the Lawn series. The 1985 classic follows the story of high-school student Marty McFly who is accidentally sent 30 years into the past by his friend and maverick scientist Doc Brown. Admission is free and the film is family friendly. To register for the event, visit eventbrite.com.
Canal Park (200 M St., S.E.) screens this year’s acclaimed blockbuster “Black Panther” tonight at 7 p.m. This Marvel comic film captured the attention of audiences across the country, quickly becoming the highest-grossing solo superhero film in history. Admission is free. For more information, go here.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
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).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
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.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
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.
Out actor talks lead role in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’
This gay author sees dead people
Holiday week brings setbacks for Trump-Vance trans agenda
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Long-awaited ‘Pillion’ surpasses the sexy buzz
Reasons to be optimistic about 2026
Long-awaited ‘Pillion’ surpasses the sexy buzz
Trump’s ‘American people derangement syndrome’
Using movement to boost your mental health during holidays
