Bars & Parties
Calendar Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2018
Brunches, concerts, support groups and more for the coming week
A scene from ‘Man Made,’ which screens tonight at Reel Affirmations. (photo courtesy Roadside Entertainment)
Friday, Sept. 28
D.C. Bear Crue hosts Bear Happy Hour at Uproar Lounge & Restaurant (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) today from 5-10 p.m. There will be drink specials and free appetizers handed out throughout the night. For more details, visit facebook.com/bearhappyhour.
JR.’s Bar (1519 17th St., N.W.) hosts Movie Soundtrack Night tonight from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. DJ Darryl Strickland will play popular songs from movie soundtracks. Drink specials include $4 Skyy vodka drinks and $3 Miller Lite drafts. For more information, visit facebook.com/jrsbardc.
Reel Affirmations presents a screening of the documentary “Man Made” at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. “Man Made” follows four FTM transgender men who are competing at FitCon, the only all-transgender body building competition. Rayceen Pendarvis hosts the screening. General admission tickets are $12. VIP tickets are $25 and include VIP seating, one complimentary cocktail, beer or wine and movie candy or popcorn. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/manmade.
UrbanArias presents “The Last American Hammer” at Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St., N.E.) tonight at 8 p.m. The opera tells the story of a conspiracy-theorist YouTuber hiding out from the FBI in the basement of a Toby Jug Museum. Elizabeth Futral, Timothy Mix and Briana Elyse Hunter star. General admission tickets are $45. Student tickets are $25. For more information, visit facebook.com/urbanarias.
Gamma D.C., a support group for men in mixed-orientation relationships, meets at Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave., N.W.) today 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.
Queer Girl Movie Night hosts a screening of “Lengua Materna” at Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. For more details, visit facebook.com/queergrrlmovienight.
Saturday, Sept. 29
Taqueria del Barrio (821 Upshur St., N.W.) hosts drag brunch today at noon. Kristina Kelly hosts the show. Each show features new drag performers. Admission is $25 and includes one brunch entree and one brunch cocktail. Call 202-723-0200 or email [email protected]. to RSVP.
Puff, Pass & Paint holds a two-hour painting class tonight at 7:30 p.m. The class includes an instructor and art supplies. Guests are allowed to BYOC and BYOB. The location will be disclosed upon registration. Tickets are $49. For more details, visit puffpassandpaint.com.
Sweat D.C. hosts Sweat Fest 2018 at Banneker Rec Center (2500 Georgia Ave., N.W.) today from 10 a.m.-noon. There will be vendors, contests, prize giveaways and music. The day starts with a one-hour HIIT training working led by the coaches of Sweat D.C. followed by a workout with a yoga-infused cool down. Afterwards, there will be an after-party featuring a DJ, food, alcoholic beverages and dancing for existing members and new sign-ups at Sweat D.C. (3232 Georgia Ave., N.W.) from 12:15-3:15 p.m. Admission is free. Register at sweatdc.com.
Art All Night, a free overnight arts festival, is at in various locations throughout D.C. tonight from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Participating neighborhoods include Congress Heights, North Capitol, Deanwood Heights, Minnesota Avenue, H Street, Dupont Circle, Shawn and Tenleytown. There will be painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, fashion, music, dance and more. Admission is free. For a complete list of exhibits and shows, visit artallnightdc.com.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts Gay Couture All Night: a Tribute to Marvin Gaye tonight from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Performers include Shi-Queeta-Lee, Sylvanna Duvel, Marcus B. Lee, Lillian Laurent and more. DJ C Dubz and Jim Byers will spin tracks. There will also be fire performers, capoeira, a glam photo shoot, glow dance, a mambo dance show and body painting. For more details, visit facebook.com/eagledc.
Sunday, Sept. 30
Christina Aguilera performs at MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Md.) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $131-180. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Monday, Oct. 1
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W..) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, Oct. 2
Republic (6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park, Md.) hosts Alegre Happy Hour, an LGBT happy hour, from 5-7 p.m. For more information, visit republictakoma.com.
Wednesday, Oct. 3
Taqueria del Barrio (821 Upshur St., N.W.) has drag bingo tonight at 7 p.m. Krystal Edge and a rotating team of drag performers host the game. Entry fee is $5 and includes two bingo cards. For more details, visit taqueriadelbarrio.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.
Job Club presents A Foot in the Door: Crafting Compelling Resumes at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today at 6 p.m. The 90-minute workshop will focus on writing resumes that will capture recruiters’ attention. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Thursday, Oct. 4
Asian Pacific Islander Queer Support Group is at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. The group is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society D.C. and the Asian Queers United for Action. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Dan Savage’s Hump Film Festival, an amateur short porn film festival, is at Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. The festival will revisit the best of Hump films from 2008-2017. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.
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
