Out & About
D.C. 4th of July events
Next week packed with patriotic festivities
Flashy Sundays, host of LGBTQ-friendly Sunday events at Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.), will set off its 4th of July event on Wednesday, July 3 from 10 p.m.-5 a.m. DJ TWiN and DJ Sean Morris will serve up the latest house music. For more information, visit flashdc.com.
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2700 F st. NW) will host “Celebrate America: A Tribute to Our Veterans” on Wednesday, July 3 at 8 p.m. Entertainment includes performances by gospel singer Sandi Patty and the Bellevue Baptist Church Choir and Orchestra conducted by Mark Blair. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at kennedy-center.org.
A League of Her Own (2319 18th St. NW) will hold Wine Down Wednesdays on Wednesday, July 3 from 6-8 p.m. Center Women and Fabulous Lesbians over 40 (FABS 40+) invite area queer women to start Independence Day off with a night of mingling with fellow FABS and a favorite adult beverage. For more information about FABS 40+ events, check out their group on MeetUp.com.
The D.C. July 4 fireworks show begins at 9:07 p.m. and is expected to run for 20 minutes. The National Mall is a popular viewing spot, so visitors are encouraged to stake out a place early and learn about the latest security restrictions, public access points, road closures and prohibited items from the National Park Service at nps.gov. Two other free Independence Day events taking place on the National Mall include A Capitol Fourth concert at the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn and Salute to America at the Lincoln Memorial. For more info, visit nps.gov.
“ERUPT! 4th of July-Eve” is Wednesday, July 3 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. at The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.). Tickets are $5 on Eventbrite.
The NoMa 4th of July Bash is today from noon-3 p.m. on the lot on First and Pierce (1150 First St., N.E.). As If, a ‘90s cover band, will perform. There will be double dutch jump roping tutorials, face painting, a moon bounce, free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
“Red, White and BBQ” is today at 5:30 p.m. at Fairmont Washington (2401 M St., N.W.) with an all-you-can-eat all-American barbecue from 5:30-8 p.m. and 9:30-11 p.m. Burgers, jumbo shrimp, corn on the cob, cole slaw and more will be served. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Friday, June 26
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].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
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.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
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.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’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 The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Oriole Park.
The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Pride Night Orioles jersey. The Washington Blade is a media sponsor of this event.
To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Out & About
Writers’ association hosts Capital Love LitFest
Inaugural literary salon scheduled for Sunday
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House (WWPH), the nation’s longest continuously operating cooperative nonprofit literary press, will present the inaugural “Capital Love LitFest” on Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md.
Designed as a full-day literary salon and cultural gathering, the event will feature more than 25 writers, nine workshops, and panel discussions, readings, and conversations centered on love, relationships, identity, healing, creativity, and connection in divisive times. Admission is pay-what-you-can, beginning at free.
The LitFest celebrates the release of “Capital Love,” WWPH’s new anthology featuring 55 writers from across the DMV, including contributors from Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The pocket-sized collectible anthology explores love in its many forms through poetry and prose and serves as a literary response to today’s social and political climate.
For more details, visit Washington Writers’ website.
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