Out & About
Calendar Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2018
Parties, screenings and sing-a-longs abound for Labor Day Weekend

Alison Wonderland, an Aussie DJ, plays Echostage Friday night. (Photo courtesy Capitol Music Group)
Friday, Aug. 31
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts Exile Fridays, an 18-and-up LGBT dance party, tonight from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Ba’Naka will host the drag show which features D.C.-area queens. DJ Ryan DoubleYou will spin tracks. Rail drinks are $4 until 11 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/eagledc.
D.C. Bear Crue hosts Bear Happy Hour at Uproar Lounge & Restaurant (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) tonight from 5-10 p.m. Drink specials include $5 rail cocktails and $5 draft pitchers of Bud Light and Shock Top. Free appetizers will be handed out all night. For more details, visit facebook.com/bearhappyhour.
Australian DJ Alison Wonderland performs at Echostage (2134 Queens Chapel Rd., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. American EDM DJ Party Favor opens the show. Tickets are $33.50. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit echostage.com.
Saturday, Sept. 1
The 18th Library of Congress National Book Festival is at the Washington Convention Center (801 Mt Vernon Pl., N.W.) today from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Authors scheduled to appear include gay author David Levithan, bisexual author Roxane Gay, Dave Eggers, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and many more. There will be family friendly activities on the expo-floor and a book sale. Admission is free. For more information and a complete list of authors, visit loc.gov.bookfest.
D.C. Drag Brunch celebrates its three-year anniversary at Dirty Martini (1223 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) today from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Drag show starts at noon. All-you-can-eat brunch buffet is served from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. There is also a full bar. Guests must be 21 and over for entry. Tickets are $40 but a $20 online deposit is required. For more details, visit dragshowbrunch.com.
Game of Crawls, a “Game of Thrones”-themed bar crawl is today from 4-10 p.m. Participating bars include Decades D.C., Lucky Bar, James Hoban Irish Restaurant and Bar, Buffalo Billiards and Cafe Citron. Tickets are $28.45 and include access to drink specials at all bars, a souvenir cup, crowns, beads and candy. For more information, visit facebook.com/wherelocalsgo.
Sunday, Sept. 2
Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) hosts Flashy Sundays Labor Day Weekend tonight from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Drag performers Kristina Kelly, Gabrielle Dupree and Labella Mafia will have shows at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. on the roof deck. DJ Twin and DJ Sean Morris will play music on the main floor and DJ Mike Babbitt will play music on the roof deck. Cover is $20 for the main floor and roof deck. Admission to the first floor is free. For more details, visit facebook.com/flashydc.
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center (8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md.) hosts “Leonard Bernstein at 100: West Side Story Sing-a-long” today from 4-6:50 p.m. Attendees can sing along to classic songs from the musical such as “Maria,” “Tonight” and “America.” General admission tickets are $13, senior tickets are $10 and child tickets are $8. For more information, visit silver.afi.com.
The BackRoom (715 Florida Ave., N.W.) hosts “Electric Rainbow: Labor Day Edition,” a dance party, tonight from 5-10 p.m. The party will be a Beyonce and KC birthday celebration and a Labor Day celebration. For more details, visit facebook.com/thebackroomcapo.
Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) hosts Church Labor Day Sunday tonight from 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Jane Saw hosts the party. Div0id and Daisy Confused will perform. Bil Todd, Wess the DJ and Jesse Jackson will spin tracks. For more information, visit facebook.comtradebardc.
Monday, Sept. 3
Alamo Drafthouse (15200 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge, Va.) hosts its Champagne Cinema Movie Party with a sing-a-long screening of “Grease 2” tonight at 7:20 p.m. Craft cocktails inspired by the film will be served. Guests will also receive interactive props. Tickets are $14. For more information, visit drafthouse.com.
Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) hosts Labor Gay: the Annual Day Party for Working Gurls today from 2-6 p.m. There will be popsicles, performances and a raffle. For details, visit facebook.com/tradebardc.
Tuesday, Sept. 4
The fourth annual Silver Spring Takoma Park Restaurant Week starts today and runs through Sept. 9. Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker hosts the event. Participating restaurants include Busboys and Poets, Mrs. K’s Toll House, Republic and more. For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit sstprestaurantweek.com.
Republic (6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park, Md.) hosts Alegre Happy Hour, an LGBT happy hour, today from 5-7 p.m. For more information, visit republictakoma.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 5
Bookmen D.C., an informal men’s gay literature group, discusses “The Sparsholt Affair” by Alan Hollinghurst at the Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For details, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
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 partner needed. For more information, call 301-345-1571.
Thursday, Sept. 6
Alanis Morissette performs at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va.) tonight at 8 p.m. The Canadian songstress will sing some of her biggest hits including “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know.” Tickets range from $45-80. For more details, visit wolftrap.org.
The Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Community hosts a support group meeting at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society D.C. and Asian Queers United for Action. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is marking a milestone year in its new home with a vibrant birthday celebration, inviting the community, allies, and media to join the festivities on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
Since opening its doors in Shaw, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has become a hub of support, advocacy, and celebration for LGBTQ+ residents across the District.
The birthday bash promises a day of programming including Yoga (Center Wellness), Micro Bouquet Making (Center Social), Zine Making (Center Arts), and so much more. Guests can also enjoy tours of the Center’s expanded facilities, showcasing spaces for programs, services, and community events.
Since relocating, the Center has expanded its programs, providing critical services. The birthday bash underscores the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone regardless of identity, age, or background can find community and empowerment.
For more details, contact Paul Marengo at 202-705-2890.
Friday, April 24
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Lesbian Visibility Week will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. There will be a special screening of “Ahead of the Curve.” Enjoy an evening of film, conversation, and community, with cocktails and beverages available throughout the night For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, April 25
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.
Sunday, April 26
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” at 12 p.m. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets start at $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
LGBTQ+ Community Coffee and Conversation will be at 12 p.m. at As You Are. This event is for people looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ community. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 27
“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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, April 28
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Candlelight Vigil” at 6:30 p.m. This is a vigil centered on reflection, support, and collective care. Attendees are encouraged to gather at 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning promptly at 7 p.m. and concluding by 8 p.m. The event will take place on the closed-off Wiltberger Street, providing a dedicated and intimate space for remembrance. Electronic candle lights will be available to participants. For those seeking additional support or who have questions ahead of the event, please contact [email protected].
Wednesday, April 29
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 Center for the LGBT Community 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, April 30
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 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 Center’s website.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” 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.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
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 Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. 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.
Monday, April 20
“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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ 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.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
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.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
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 5:00 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, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
