Out & About

D.C. Black Pride returns

Annual Memorial Day event jam-packed with programming, parties

Published

7 years ago

May 16, 2019

Mariah Cooper

Black Pride, gay news, Washington Blade — Black Pride is Memorial Day weekend. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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.

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Out & About

LGBTQ Military Happy Hour set for Sept. 15

In-person gathering to be held at Tom’s Watch Bar

Published

19 hours ago

September 11, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

A scene from the 2026 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Modern Military Association of America will host “Pride in Service: An LGBTQ+ Military Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. at Tom’s Watch Bar.

This in-person gathering is the perfect chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the diversity within the military community. Come relax, meet fellow LGBTQ+ service members and allies, and enjoy a fun, supportive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on an evening full of pride, camaraderie, and good vibes. Visit Eventbrite for more details.

Calendar

Calendar: September 11-17

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

19 hours ago

September 11, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, September 11

Go Gay DC will host “Out in DC LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena.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.

Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook.

Saturday, September 12

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.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host screenings of “Princess Sparkles” and “Kiloran Bay” at 1:30 p.m. “Kiloran Bay” is a 13-minute musical short set amid the wild beauty of the Scottish Hebrides and the fierce joy of a wedding cèilidh. “Princess Sparkles” is about a girl who accidentally signs up to pet-sit a princess only to discover she’s actually a nippy, Fox News-watching pig. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.

Sunday, September 13

“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 are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, September 14

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10:00a.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 15

Center Bi Pan+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Wednesday, September 16

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 DC Center’s website.

Thursday, September 17

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm 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, breathwork 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

Blade Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth on Sept. 12

Mayor-elect Stewart, state Rep. Snyder-Hall to give remarks

Published

5 days ago

September 7, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Rehoboth Mayor-elect Susan Stewart will speak at the Blade Foundation fundraiser on Sept. 12.

The Washington Blade Foundation will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Rehoboth Beach featuring remarks from Rehoboth’s Mayor-elect Susan Stewart and Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall.

The Foundation funds fellowships for aspiring queer journalists and enterprise journalism projects.

The event will be held at a private home in Rehoboth. Tickets are $100 and include open bar from Diego’s, catered appetizers from the Blue Moon, entertainment, guest speakers, and an auction. Tickets are available here.