Out & About
Calendar: Sept. 14-20, 2018
Screenings, happy hours, ‘Idol Live’ and the HRC National Dinner ahead for this week

The cast of ‘American Idol Live’ plays the Warner Theatre Monday night. (Photo by Eric McCandless)
Friday, Sept. 14
Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) celebrates its 25th anniversary tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m. Subhumans, Ocampo Ocampo & Watt (feat. Mike Watt and Devin Ocampo), Ted Leo, Des Demonas. Dagger Moon, Scanners and Honey will perform tonight. Ex Hex, Gray Matter, Hurry Up (feat. Kathy Foster and Westin Glass of The Thermals and Maggie Vail of Bangs), Algiers, Hammered Hulls (feat. Alec MacKaye, Mary Timony, Mark Cisneros and Chris Wilson), Wanted Man and Foul Swoops will perform on Saturday. Tickets are $25. For more details, visit blackcatdc.com.
The CinEinsomnia series presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Landmark’s E Street Cinema (555 11th St., N.W.) tonight at 11:59 p.m. There will also be a showing on Saturday at 11:59 p.m. The screenings will feature the live shadow cast, The Sonic Transducers. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit facebook.com/dcrockyhorror.
D.C. Bear Crue hosts Bear Happy Hour at Uproar Lounge & Restaurant (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) today from 5-10 p.m. Drink specials are until 10 p.m. and include $5 rail cocktails and $5 draft pitchers. Free appetizers will be handed out throughout the night. For more details, visit facebook.com/bearhappyhour.
Gamma D.C., a support group for men in mixed-orientation relationships, meets at Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave., N.W.) tonight from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The group is for men who are attracted to men but are currently, or were at one point, in relationships with women. For more information about the group, visit gammaindc.org.
Saturday, Sept. 15
The H Street Festival is on H Street N.E. today from noon-7 p.m. 11 blocks will feature 14 staging areas, music, fashion, poetry, food and an interactive children’s program. Admission is free. For more information, visit hstreetfestival.org.
HopeDC celebrates 30 years of HIV-positive support for men today at a HOPEDC member couple’s private residence in Arlington. For more details, visit hopedc.org.
The Human Rights Campaign hosts its sold-out HRC National Dinner at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mt Vernon Pl., N.W.) tonight at 6 p.m. Former Vice President Joe Biden will headline the dinner. Actress Anne Hathaway will be honored with the HRC National Equality Award. Speakers will include former Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder, Virginia Del. Danica Roem and Nevada Secretary of State candidate Nelson Araujo. There will be a cocktail reception, a live and silent auction and live entertainment. For details, visit hrcnationaldinner.org.
KhushDC hosts its South Asian LGBTQ Support Group at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today at 1:30 p.m. The group is open to people who identify as LGBTQ and have a family heritage from South Asia. For more information, visit thedccneter.org.
D.C. Veg Fest, the largest vegan celebration on the East Coast, is in the parking lot at the intersection of N. Street S.E. and First Street S.E. today from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The first 1,000 attendees will receive free bags at the info booth. Scheduled speakers include Beverly Kumari, Carol Adams, Ginny Messina, Chef Nikki, Dr. Neal Barnard and more. There will also be a kids zone and a tasting booth. Admission is free. For more details, visit dcvegfest.com.
Sunday, Sept. 16
Washington Bach Consort performs “Handel & Bach: Sing a New Song” at the National Presbyterian Church (4101 Nebraska Ave., N.W.) today at 3 p.m. The performance kicks off the Consort’s 41st season and welcomes its new Artistic Director Dana Marsh. Pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel will be performed. There will be a pre-concert lecture by Michael Marissen at 2 p.m. After the performance, there will be a post-concert reception. Tickets range from $10-69. For more information, visit facebook.com/bachconsort.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) will collect dinner for residents of Casa Ruby tonight from 7-8 p.m. Any amount of food is appreciated. Store bought meals are accepted. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
“American Idol: Live 2018” comes to the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Finalists Cade, Caleb, Catie, Gabby, Maddie and Michael will perform. Season eight winner Kris Allen and boy band Forever In Your Mind will also perform. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $29-73. For more information, visit warnertheatredc.com.
Monday, Sept. 17
PFLAG hosts its monthly meeting at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 7-9 p.m. The meeting is a confidential space to share stories and learn information about current LGBT events. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 18
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts its Packing Party from 7-9 p.m. tonight. Volunteers will assemble safer sex kits to distribute to the LGBT community. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 19
Job Club, a weekly job support program, meets at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 6-7 p.m. The program aims to help job seekers, including the long-termed unemployed, learn about job searching and networking. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Bookmen D.C., an informal men’s gay literature discussion group, meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., suite 105) to discuss “The Gay Revolution: the Story of the Struggle” by Lillian Faderman. All welcome. Details at bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Thursday, Sept. 20
Actress Sally Field appears at Sixth and I (600 I St., N.W.) to discuss her memoir “In Pieces” with “All Things Considered” co-host Ari Shapiro tonight from 7-9 p.m. The memoir chronicles her life from her childhood through her entertainment career. Tickets are $25. One ticket and one signed book is $42. Two tickets and one signed book are $55. For more information, visit sixthandi.org.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts its LGBTQ People of Color Support Group today at 6 p.m. LGBT people of color are invited to speak on issues in a safe space. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc.
“Rayceen, Fix Me Up: Single Women’s Mixer” is at Shaw Neighborhood Library (1630 7th St., N.W.) tonight from 6-8 p.m. Rayceen Pendarvis will host the mixer which is co-presented by LezBeSocial and City Promotions. There will be ice breaker games, prizes, light refreshments and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit teamrayceen.eventbrite.com.
A filmed version of the Tony-winning musical “An American in Paris” will be screened tonight and Sept. 23 at Landmark E Street Cinema (555 11th St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Details at anamericaninpariscinema.com.
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.
