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
Archuleta to host book signing in Rehoboth Beach
Entertainer to meet with fans at Browseabout Books
David Archuleta will chat with fans and sign his book “Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself” on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.
The book is an inspirational account of his transformation from a closeted Mormon teen singer to a pop star who is comfortable with his queer identity. For additional information on this event, go to browseaboutbooks.com.
Archuleta will also be in Rehoboth Beach to headline the “Night of Entertainment” on Saturday, Sept. 5 for CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL weekend, which includes the Night of Dance Sept. 6.
Visit camprehoboth.org for more information.
Friday, August 28
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar.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.
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].
Saturday, August 29
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.
Sunday, August 30
“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.
Monday, August 31
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.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 1
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a drop-in session to share resources, provide service navigation, connect with community, and gather feedback. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, September 2
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 Center’s website.
Thursday, September 3
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.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work 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.
Out & About
UPDATE: Impulse Group’s ‘PrEP Pool Party’ cancelled
Organizers announce cancellation of event
Impulse Group DC was to host a “PrEP Pool Party” on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. at Vida Fitness: Navy Yard. However, organizers have announced that the event has been cancelled.
Visit @impulsegroupdc on Instagram for information on future events for Impulse Group DC.
-
Obituary5 days agoMusic icon and dear LGBTQ friend Dolly Parton remembered
-
National5 days agoNew data shows record-high LGBTQ population amid Trump attacks
-
District of Columbia5 days agoPush to elect more LGBTQ ANC members yields results
-
Commentary4 days agoPlease join me in supporting the Washington Blade Foundation
