Out & About
D.C. Black Pride returns
Annual Memorial Day event jam-packed with programming, parties

D.C. Black Pride returns for its annual celebration with plenty of programming, events and parties.
The 29th annual D.C. Black Pride Community Opening Reception is at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Hotel (999 Ninth St., N.W.) on Friday, May 24 from 7-9 p.m. featuring a performance by MarcWayne and local R&B artist Rinny. Admission is free but registration is requested. Admission includes two drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres. For more information, visit dcblackpride.org.
Impulse D.C. hosts 50 Shades of Noir: Celebrating Pride in the District at Hard Rock Cafe (999 E St., N.W.) on Friday, May 24 from 8-11 p.m. DJ Honey will play music. Free open bar and free food. VIP tickets are $45 and include premium open bar, a gift bag and access to the VIP Lounge. Switch your current pharmacy to AHF and receive free VIP access. General admission is free and includes rail open bar. For more details, visit facebook.com/impulsegroupdc.
The 2019 D.C. Black Pride Awards Reception is at the Park at 14th (920 14th St., N.W.) on Tuesday, May 21 from 6-9 p.m. Bishop Allyson N. Abrams and Bishop Emeritus Diana Williams will receive the Welmore Cook Award. Other award recipients include Steven Wilson, Derrick Johnson, Shi-Queeta-Lee, among others. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $10. For more information, search “D.C. Black Pride Awards Reception” on Eventbrite.
D.C. Black Pride Unity Ball is at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel (999 Ninth St., N.W.) on Thursday, May 23 from 6 p.m.-midnight. LSS Legends Statement and Stars) begins at 6 p.m. The first category kicks off at 7 p.m. Free admission. Visit facebook.com/dcblkpride.com for details.
D.C. Black Pride hosts a Pride Praise Party at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel (999 Ninth St., N.W.) on Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m.-noon. Bishop Allyson Abrams, Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks, Pastor Mark James, Pastor Darren Phelps, Rev. Dr. Aaron Wade and Rev. Dr. Robert Wise will give sermons. Diedre Gray and Love Gospel Choir will perform. New or gently used tennis shoes for the homeless are requested. For more details, visit dcblackpride.org.
Always Getting Attention Ent. hosts the Social Experiential, a D.C. Black Pride party, at Karma D.C. (2221 Adams Pl., N.E.) on Sunday, May 26 from 11 p.m.-4 a.m. DJ Obie and DJ Dave Thomm will spin tracks. There will be hookah, drink specials, VIP bottle service and more. General admission tickets are $30. VIP tickets are $40 and includes express entry and elevated VIP and stage access. For more information, visit pridesocialexperiential.eventbrite.com.
Us Helping Us presents Pride in the Park, a D.C. Black Pride celebration, at Fort Dupont Park (Minnesota Ave., S.E.) on Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be performances, games, prizes and more. Visit ushelpingus.org for details.
Lesbifriends Travel will host “Queer Night Out: DC Power FC Game” on Wednesday May 6 at 7 p.m. at Audi Field.
This will be a fun night out as DC Power FC takes the field at Audi Field, kicking off with a happy hour meetup in Navy Yard before the group walks to the stadium together. Lesbifriends and Travel group will be seated together in the stands, making it easy to connect, cheer, and enjoy the game with people who just feel like your people.
More details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 Center’s website.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is marking a milestone year in its new home with a vibrant birthday celebration, inviting the community, allies, and media to join the festivities on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
Since opening its doors in Shaw, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has become a hub of support, advocacy, and celebration for LGBTQ+ residents across the District.
The birthday bash promises a day of programming including Yoga (Center Wellness), Micro Bouquet Making (Center Social), Zine Making (Center Arts), and so much more. Guests can also enjoy tours of the Center’s expanded facilities, showcasing spaces for programs, services, and community events.
Since relocating, the Center has expanded its programs, providing critical services. The birthday bash underscores the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone regardless of identity, age, or background can find community and empowerment.
For more details, contact Paul Marengo at 202-705-2890.
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