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.
Out & About
A roundup of fall events not to be missed
Laverne Cox, Oktoberfest, arts celebrations, and more
Colder temperatures don’t mean you have to stay indoors — here’s a roundup of what to do this fall.
Laverne Cox will discuss her memoir, “Transcendent,” with Dr. Melanie Bryant on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Book Fest. Cox will share her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.
Dacha Beer Garden will launch its longest and loudest Oktoberfest yet on Friday, Sept. 18. This will be 17 consecutive days of Bavarian festivities across both locations — the original Shaw beer garden and the 800-person Navy Yard garden — running through Sunday, Oct. 4. On opening night, DC Brau will tap the ceremonial first keg and then Manuela Horn, the six-foot-two Austrian yodel queen, will trade sets with Johnny Koenig and his four-piece band in a live back-and-forth of yodeling, polka, and crowd games that can only be described as Oktoberfest ping pong.
Fay Jacobs will host “Aging Gracefully: 2nd Annual Farewell Tour” on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. This show will feature a new script with lots of new stories, and only a couple of “signature” tales.
Capital One Center will host its “Celebration of the Arts” starting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at its location in Tysons, Va. There will be art, music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment. This curated experience invites you to engage with hands-on workshops, immersive art activations, and live performances. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Spark Social will host “open Mic Night” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances at Spark Social. Sign Ups are first-come-first-serve,, but you can also message the venue on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. Tickets are $13.26 and are available on Eventbrite.
Howard University’s School of Social Work will host “Intergenerational Trauma in the BIPOC Community and the Use of Art” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. This in-person, interactive workshop explores the role of art as a creative and supportive tool for understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma. Participants will examine the meaning and impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular attention to its historical roots and ongoing effects within Black and other BIPOC communities. More details are available on Eventbrite.
9:30 Club will host “BERTHA: Grateful Drag” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The group has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes to SMYAL and their work supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. Tickets are available on 9:30 Club’s website.
Steve Lacy’s “Oh Yeah?” tour is coming to The Anthem on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on The Anthem’s website.
Rapper Cupcakke will perform at Howard Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. More details are available on the theater’s website.
Team DC will host “Open Play: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Athletes and Sports Fans” on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Trade. Join Athlete Ally, Team DC and District Wrestling for a casual, in-person mixer as they celebrate LGBTQ+ sports fans and athletes at all levels of the game. Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ+ recreational league or just love watching sports, this is the place to connect, celebrate, and share the love of the game with other queer athletes, fans, business leaders, policymakers and more. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “2026 LGBT Intergenerational Extravaganza” on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m.This is an event to connect, build relationships, and have fun with LGBTQ folks from other generations, and it will include lunch, an intergenerational dialogue and breakout sessions. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Out & About
LGBTQ Military Happy Hour set for Sept. 15
In-person gathering to be held at Tom’s Watch Bar
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.
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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