Out & About
Cherry Blossom time!
Annual festival kicks into high gear with multiple events

The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the bloom of the cherry blossom trees in the District with numerous events throughout the coming weeks.
The festivities kick off with the Pink Tie Party, presented by All Nippon Airways, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) on Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy food catered by local restaurants such as Barley Mac, Cane and Columbia Firehouse and an open bar. There will also be dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $225.
The sold-out opening ceremony is at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Saturday, March 23 at 5 p.m. Performers will celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States with both traditional and contemporary performances. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon The Super Live, Ikuko Kawai, Yusaku Mochizuki and the 682 Quintet will all perform.
The Blossom Kite Festival is at the Washington Monument (2 15th St., N.W.) on Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Kite makers and flyers will showcase their skills in competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Attendees can bring their own kites or children can make kites at an activity station. Kites will also be available for purchase on-site. Admission is free.
Petalpalooza is at The Wharf (690 Wharf St., S.W.) on Saturday, April 6 from noon-9:30 p.m. There will be live music on multiple outdoor stages, a beer garden and activities for all ages. A fireworks show closes out the day at 8:30 p.m. Free admission.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade runs along Constitution Avenue N.W. on Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. “black-ish” star Anthony Anderson will serve as grand marshal. Singer Cece Peniston, Motown star Freda Payne, “The Voice” contestant Rayshun LaMarr, “American Idol” contestant Michael Woodard, “America’s Got Talent” contestant Christina Wells, Miss America Nia Franklin and the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders will also make appearances. Grandstand seating is $20 but standing along the parade route is free.
For more information on all National Cherry Blossom Festival events, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
Out & About
CAMP Rehoboth Block Party returns Oct. 18
Expect performances, vendors and more at annual celebration
CAMP Rehoboth will host its annual Block Party celebration on Sunday, Oct.18 at 11 a.m. on the second block of Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
CAMP Rehoboth invites all community members to join in the festivities and to expect magnificent performances and dozens of vendors, including artists, craftspeople, non-profits, businesses, and more.
The event started in 2015 in celebration of CAMP Rehoboth’s 25th anniversary. This year, attendees can expect to shop sea glass art, pottery, jewelry, Pride merch, body care, clothing, and learn more about local non-profit causes and businesses.
Attendance is free. For more details, visit CAMP Rehoboth’s website.
Friday, October 9
Go Gay DC will host “Out in DC LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, October 10
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.
“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 cost $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, October 11
Spark Coffee Club will be at 12 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a laid-back daytime hangout built entirely around making new connections. Whether you’re new to the city, new to the community, or just looking to expand your social circle, this is an easy, low-pressure way to spark up a conversation with the person next to you. Come solo or with a friend — you never know who you might meet. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Tuesday, October 13
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].
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, October 14
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 www.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, October 15
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. 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.
Out & About
Equality Chamber hosts Pride in Business Expo and Profits & Pours
Entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals to meet at Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs
The Equality Chamber of Commerce is bringing together LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals, advocates, and community partners on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the D.C. Mayor’s Office for LGBTQ Affairs (899 N. Capitol Street, NE).
This is an afternoon and evening focused on one essential question: How do we build businesses and a business community that can thrive? The Pride in Business Expo and Profits & Pours with Stephanie will create a powerful forum for connection, practical knowledge, and economic opportunity at the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. The Pride in Business Expo, taking place from 4-7 p.m., brings the region’s LGBTQ+ business community together to showcase businesses, build relationships, discover resources, and create new opportunities.
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