Arts & Entertainment
Art, books, bar parties, concerts and more make for busy Rehoboth summer
Voices from Stonewall, Best Shots from Africa among events planned
As D.C.’s signature sweltering summer approaches, make plans to take a mini-vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Del. From book signings and art auctions to dance parties, there’s plenty of upcoming events for your ultimate gay beach getaway.
Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) presents its Legends Show every Saturday at 9:30 p.m. The cast will portray legendary singer such as Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Etta James. Each week is a different show with original choreography. Admission is free. For more information, visit bluemoonrehoboth.com.
Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) hosts Sunday Tea with singer Pamala Stanley every Sunday at 6 p.m. For details, visit bluemoonrehoboth.com.
The Pines (56 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) has Wine Mondays all summer long with wines by the glass half off. For details, visit thepinesrb.com.
Purple Parrot Grill (134 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) has karaoke every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday night at 9 p.m. Every Sunday at 10 p.m. there will be the “Birdcage Girls Drag Show” hosted by Julia Sugarbaker. For more information, visit ppgrill.com.
Diego’s Hideaway presents a Memorial Day weekend party. On Thursday, May 23 from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. DJ Steve Sidewalk will play music. DJ Riddic and DJ Biff will play music on Saturday and Sunday. For more details, visit diegosbarnightclub.com.
Browseabout Books hosts an author luncheon with “Queen of the Beach Reads” author Mary Kay Andrews at the Crab House (19598 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, Del.) on Saturday, May 25 from noon-3 p.m. Andrews will discuss her new book “Sunset Beach,” answer questions and take photographs with attendees.Tickets are $55 and include an autographed copy of her book “Sunset Beach,” lunch and a non-alcoholic beverage and a Browseabout canvas tote bag. For more information, visit browseaboutbooks.com.
Browseabout Books (133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) hosts an author signing with Jackson Coppley for “The Code Hunters” on Saturday, May 25 from 2-5 p.m. “The Code Hunters” tells the story of a group of scientists who discover a 10,000-year-old tablet with mysterious codes from the future. They must race from the western U.S. to the Mediterranean to search for missing pieces while being tracked by men who want the codes. Visit browseaboutbooks.com for more details.
CAMP Rehoboth (37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) presents “Best Shot from Africa,” a photography exhibit, on display from June 8-30. Forty people joined Murray Archibald for safaris in South Africa and Botswana. Every traveler selected their best “shot from Africa” which will be displayed. There will also be a reception with the photographers on June 22 from 1-3 p.m. Proceeds from photo sales will benefit Camp Rehoboth’s arts programming with a portion of proceeds being donated to converge indigenous wildlife that was observed on the safaris. For more information, visit camprehoboth.com.
“Voices from Stonewall,” a theatrical tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, will have performances at CAMP Rehoboth (37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) on Saturday, June 22 at 4 and 7 p.m. The show, written by Michael Gilles and Fay Jacobs, will star Michael and Sally Giles, Eloise Ullman and more as they bring the words of the bar patrons, protestors and the stories of reporters who witnessed the uprising to life. Tickets are $20 and benefit Camp Rehoboth. Visit camprehboth.com for details.
CAMP Rehoboth (37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) hosts Families Pride Weekend on June 28-30. The weekend begins with Parents Night Out on Friday with babysitting offered by the YMCA. On Saturday, families can enjoy a boat ride, story time from Rehoboth Public Library, beach bonfire and dinner and a group trip to Funland on the boardwalk. Sunday kicks off with brunch, free time to explore Rehoboth, dinner and drag bingo at Camp Rehoboth Community Center followed by an evening trip to Funland. Adult tickets are $50 and include one Camp Families Pride Weekend T-shirt and admission to the family welcome party at Camp Rehoboth, beach bonfire and dinner, brunch at Camp Rehoboth and dinner and bingo. Child tickets are $35 and include one T-shirt and admission to the family welcome party at Camp Rehoboth, beach bonfire and dinner, brunch at Camp Rehoboth and dinner and drag bingo. The boat ride takes place on Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m.-noon. Boat ride tickets are $20 and sold separately. Babysitting provided by YMCA is also a separate fee for Parents Night Out. For more details, visit camprehoboth.com.
The Kinsey Sicks perform at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) on Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m. The Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet’s new musical will delve into Trumpism, racism, AIDS, Bette Midler and more.Tickets range from $35-500 and proceeds benefit CAMP Rehoboth. For more information, visit camprehoboth.com.
Gay Women of Rehoboth meet for coffee and conversation at Java Jukebox (37169 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) on Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m.-noon. This is an open event for attendees to meet other Gay Women of Rehoboth members. For details, go here.
CAMP Rehoboth hosts Sundance 2019: Ultraviolet Disco Day-Glo Sunrise for a two-night event at Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth, Beach, Del.) on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1. The Sundance Auction is on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. There will be an open bar, silent and live auction with music provided by Stephen Strasser. On Sunday, the Sundance, which includes two parties, is from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Open bar runs all night. DJ Joe Gauthreaux will spin tracks for one party. Studio54 DJ Robbie Leslie will also play music for the Sundance Disco Twilight Tea which also starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $90 for both the dances and auction or $50 for one event. Proceeds will benefit Camp Rehoboth. For more details, visit camprehoboth.com.
Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend is at the Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center (1 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.) is Sept. 19-22. On Thursday, there will be a meet and greet cocktail reception. Tickets are $25. On Friday at 7 p.m., there will be a dance party at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Convention Center Ballroom. Tickets are $25. Saturday, the group will jump on the bear bus to spend a day at the beach and travel to Gordon’s Pond. Tickets are $25. Saturday night there will be a comedy show ($40) at 7 and 9 p.m. Sunday closes out the weekend with a closing party ($5). A full weekend pass is $115. Details here.
In need of a little cheer? Fortunately, there’s a fix. The DMV boasts a wealth of holiday-themed theater, music, and dance guaranteed to lift spirits and warm hearts. Here’s a sliver of what’s out there.
Arena Stage invites audiences “to step back into the holiday spirit with the joyful return of ‘Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ (Dec. 13-22) where the rich tradition of African-American stepping blends with the magic of the season.” DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends promise to amplify the festive atmosphere. Arenastage.org
Looking for a new way to experience a Christmas favorite? With the Kennedy Center’s “Elf in Concert: Film with Live Orchestra” (through Dec. 1), you can relive the endearing comedy on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Another Kennedy Center holiday treat is “Finn” (through Dec. 22). From Chris Nee, the out creator of TV’s “Doc McStuffins” and “Vampirina,” “Finn” is filled with vibrant sea creatures and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartening, this world premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams. Kennedy-center.org
For those in search of yuletide camaraderie and keyboards, there’s the National Cathedral Christmas Day Organ Recital (Dec. 25), a tradition featuring festive music performed (at the Cathedral) by Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan, and organ scholar Ariana Corbin. Tickets not required. Livestream available. Nationalcathedral.org
At Baltimore Center Stage, ArtsCentric’s production of “Black Nativity” (Nov. 30-December 22) uses a fusion of blues, soul, jazz, spirituals, dance, and the powerful words of gay poet Langston Hughes, to tell the Christmas story through a wide-ranging African-American lens. Centerstage.org
For one night only, the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda presents “A Swingin’ Little Christmas!” (Dec. 4), a nostalgic, Christmas kitsch cabaret featuring out TV star Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), alongside Kate Flannery (“The Office”), Tim Davis (“Glee’s” vocal arranger), and The Tony Guerrero Quintet.
The following night, Dave Koz and Friends celebrate the 27th anniversary edition of the longest running jazz-based Christmas tour at Strathmore on Dec. 5. Koz, a longtime out musician (primarily sax), has released eight holiday albums, including his most recent, “Christmas Ballads.” Strathmore.org
Round House Theatre presents the world premiere of “A Hannukah Carol” (through Dec. 29). The family-friendly musical comedy tells the story of millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin who in pursuit of more followers, shuns family, friends, and holiday traditions. But on the first night of Hanukkah, Chava is visited by the ghost of deceased social media star Mimi Marley and other spirits who warn her to change her ways — or live to regret it. Roundhousetheatre.org.
Historic Ford’s Theatre again presents “A Christmas Carol” (through Dec. 31), a popular Washington tradition for decades. Conceived by Michael Baron, this dynamically staged take on the Dickens’ classic features Craig Wallace as the miserly Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. In case you haven’t seen it, do. Fords.org
At Olney Theatre, award-winning out actor Michael Russotto is stepping into the shoes of Paul Morella to star in this year’s edition of Morella’s celebrated solo adaptation of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” (Dec. 29). Russotto portrays more than 50 characters, from the miserly Scrooge to the haunting spirits, to the entire Cratchit family, including, of course, Tiny Tim. Olneytheatre.org
The adage that music can transport you to another time with just a couple of notes proves true at the Folger Library where Folger Consort, the estimable early music ensemble-in-residence, marvelously upholds a glorious Washington holiday tradition with “A Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Season” (Dec. 6-15). Folger.edu
In Falls Church, Creative Cauldron presents “Madeline’s Christmas” (Dec. 6-22), a charming show based on the classic book by author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. It’s Christmas Eve and taking care of 11 flu infected little girls and Miss Clavel isn’t easy, but when Madeline finds help from a magical rug merchant, all that’s miserable is brushed away, and the girls embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey. Matt Conner directs. Creativecauldron.org
The Washington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the glittering, gilded Warner Theatre (through Dec. 30). Featuring Tchaikovsky’s instantly familiar music and splendid choreography by Septime Weber, this Georgetown circa 1882-set production features historical figures ranging from George Washington to King George III, along with the usual suspects like children, rats, fairies, and a mysterious godfather. Washingtonballet.org
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington is back with its annual holiday extravaganza “The Holiday Show” (Dec. 4, 14, and 15) at Lincoln Theatre. This year’s uplifting lineup includes eclectic songs with exciting rhythms and beautiful harmonies, and features the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance as well as small ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus! Songs include “See Amid the Winter’s Snow,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Love is Christmas,” and “Silent Night.” Gmcw.org
Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall, a New Year’s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venue’s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in style—where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”
The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Charlemagne Chateau will host “Chateau Drag Brunch” on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 12:00p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers.
Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
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