Bars & Parties
Wig Night Out moves to new locale
Annual gay charity event is at Pitchers Saturday night
Wig Night Out
Pitchers
2317 18th St., N.W.
Saturday, Feb. 2
8-10 p.m.
Instead of spending a Saturday night snatching wigs over drinks, Wig Night Out wants you to don a wig over drinks in the name of charity instead.
Wig Night Out takes over Pitchers (2317 18th St., N.W.) on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 8-10 p.m. where the venue will be filled with people rocking their wigs in support of local LGBT charities.
Jeff Seese, a co-founder of Wig Night Out, says the annual event began in 2011 when he and his friends decided to throw on wigs while grabbing drinks at Dito’s bar in Floriana. Seese says everyone was curious about why they were wearing wigs and he realized they could turn their silly night into a charitable venture.
“Suddenly it dawned on us that this could be a real fundraiser idea for when people say, ‘Why are you wearing a wig?’ You know what we’re wearing it for charity,” Seese says.
The first Wig Night Out raised $1,000 for the Point Foundation and soon flourished into an event held at JR.’s Bar. When JR.’s general manager David Peruzza left JR.’s and moved to Pitchers, Seese says he asked if Wig Night Out would have a home there too.
Peruzza agreed.
This year’s Wig Night Out charities are Whitman-Walker Health and Casa Ruby. They’re both charities that were clear choices for Wig Night Out to support.
“Whitman-Walker has been a lifelong member of the community and a huge supporter of LGBTQ rights and activities. They are fundamental to our community so we want to make sure that they are recognized and find money through our community,” Seese says.
As for Casa Ruby, Seese says they want to uplift a small but important part of the local LGBT community.
“They have done a substantial amount of work with Pitchers and Dave Peruzza,” Seese says. “We felt it was necessary to highlight that organization in a broader spotlight than what they have historically seen. It’s such a small organization. Every donation really, truly means something to a place like Casa Ruby.”
Wig Night Out has already raised $10,000 for this year’s event based on donors from previous years who made significant contributions. There is a suggested $10 donation at the door. Attendees can expect plenty of wigs, a raffle and entertainment from local drag performer Kitti Chanel who will have a “bucket brigade” to collect any additional donations. Guests can purchase five raffle tickets for $10 with a long list of prizes offered from local businesses and restaurants.
Participating businesses include Pitchers, Brick Lane, Duke’s Grocery, Floriana, Taqueria del Bario, Hank’s Oyster, VIDA Fitnes, Aveda Salon and Chester Gap Cellars located in Front Royal, Va.
Seese says the night is ideal for both the LGBT community and straight allies to have fun and support local charity. Sometimes, the most fun is had from people who wander into Wig Night Out without warning.
“I actually had someone two years ago come up to me. It was a work function so a few guys after work, they’re dressed in suits,” he says. “We happened to be hosting the event and they still came in and said, ‘You know I’ve never worn a wig before.’ One of the guys said, ‘Here’s a $100 if I can wear the wig on your head for the next hour.’ And I said, ‘Absolutely’ and took the donation. He wore the wig and he had a fantastic time with his work colleagues. They were laughing, joking and they were suddenly made aware of these causes we were supporting.”
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.
Halloween weekend is here, and here’s a list of just some of the local events if you’re looking to have a spooky good time.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This is an opportunity to mingle with LGBTQ folk and allies. Halloween costumes are encouraged or casual beach attire is fine. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Bad Witch, Good Butch: A Sapphic Halloween Dream” on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Revolt DC. This is a halloween party for sapphics from the ages of 35 and above. There will be costumes, connection and dancing. Tickets are $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Taste Takeover will host “Abuela Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at 639 Florida Ave., N.W. DJ Yani will play music and there will be a costume contest with prizes to be won. Tickets cost $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Metro Cabaret Club will host “Spookshow Spectacular: Dance Place After Dark Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. at Dance Place. This is D.C.’s Halloween nightlife and draglesque showcase, featuring live performances, creative marketplace, and costumed revelry. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Punch Bowl Social will host “Halloween Bash” on Friday. Oct 31 at 9 p.m. at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. This will be a night of hauntingly good times with a killer DJ, vendors, and a costume contest. Tickets cost $12.09 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Thrust Lounge will host “Nightmare on 14th St.” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. DJ Tryfe will play music, and there’ll also be a costume contest with prizes. For more details, visit Thurst’s Instagram.
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Halloween Scariest Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their scariest, creepiest, most haunting look for a Halloween night they won’t forget — fueled by Casamigos and Nellie’s signature spooky fun. For more details, visit Nellie’s website.
Kiki DC will host “Kiki’s Halloween Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. This event will be hosted by Pirouette and there’ll be prizes for the top three costumes. For more details, visit Kiki’s Instagram.
Sinners and Saints will host “Heaven’s On Fire (Queer Pop Dance Party)” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. There will be two floors and music by Sonali Dawar, DJ Noons and Aria McIntosh. There will also be drink specials all night.
Crush Dance Bar will host a Halloween costume contest on Friday, Oct. 31 at 11 p.m. Drag queens Empress Lena and Sasha Adams will host the event. For more details, visit Crush’s Instagram.
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