Out & About
Calendar: Sept. 13-19
Performances, parties and events in the week to come
Friday, Sept. 13
The D.C. Center Fall Reception is tonight from 7-10 p.m. at the Warner Building (1299 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). Tickets start at $50. This is the Center’s signature fundraising event and contributions ensure programming continues for all the D.C. area LGBT community. The reception celebrates 15 years of service as well as a return to the rooftop space at the Warner building. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The Alamo Drafthouse (15200 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100, Woodbridge, Va.) is screening “Friday the 13th (1980)” for 24 hours starting at 10 p.m. tonight. Return to Camp Crystal Lake, shuttered for over 20 years due to several vicious and unsolved murders, now home to a new owner with seven frisky, young counselors. Enjoy a prime Kevin Bacon, as counselors and staff re-open the camp despite warnings from the locals. What could go wrong? For tickets and a vintage trailer, visit drafthouse.com.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Arty Queers, D.C.’s LGBTQ Art Market, is open today from 11a.m.-5 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., suite no.105). This monthly indoor market features original artwork for sale including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and more. All art is created by local LGBT artisans and displayed in the heart of the U street corridor. Art space is available for $20 per table, and interested artists should visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Drag Picnic hosted by Brooklyn Heights is today from 12:30-3 p.m. at Pitchers D.C. The event is every second and fourth Saturday of the month and showtime is promptly at 1 p.m. Performances by Brooklyn Heights and other D.C. area favorites. Reservations can be made at pitchersdc.eventbrite.com.
The Harmonizers fall show “The Circle of Life” is tonight fro 4-6:30 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, Va.). This annual event is a journey through Broadway hits, featuring 2015 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Champions “Instant Classic” and the multi-award winning Sweet Adelines quartet, “GQ.” Prices are $35 for general admission tickets and $100 for premier seating. For more information, visit harmonizers.org.
The 2019 Baltimore Drag Festival hosted by Ryan Butler, Josh Kohn and Micah E. Wood starts tonight at 7 p.m. at the Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore). Baltimore’s first-ever drag festival includes vendors, fun, community and drag performances. Headliners include Sabrina White, Karmella and Iyana Deschanel. General admission tickets are $15, $12 for members and $15-18 at the door. VIP tickets are $25, $22 for members. More information at creativealliance.org.
Rave Room featuring Tama Gucci, hosted by Friends with Benefits Radio, is tonight at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $13. Location to be sent by email shortly after purchase.Tama Gucci, a pioneer of R&B and drum and base fusion is the first featured artist of this event series featuring old-school rave, hardcore, breakbeat, hard techno and more. Tickets available at residentadvisor.net or $20 at the door.
Sunday, Sept. 15
The Maryland Renaissance Festival (1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Md.) hosts a Celtic Celebration today from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are $27 for ages 16-61 and $12 for 7-15. Today attendees can enjoy music and merriment with a Celtic flare as they enjoy entertainment throughout the village. For tickets and information, visit rennfest.com.
Monday, Sept. 16
La Ti Do presents Sarah Anne Sillers from 8-10 p.m. tonight at Le Mirch (1736 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). LTD, winner of the D.C. Metro theater arts special award and named Broadway World D.C.’s best cabaret, presents an evening of Jazz performances by Sara Anne Sillers and spotlight feature, Eric Brooks. Guest performers include Rebecca Cooley, Hannah Gilberstadt, Erin Granfield, Michael Santos Sandoval and more. Hosted by Don Michael Mendoza and Anya Randall Nebel. General admission is $20 at the door. More information available at brown paper tickets.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
The Sapphire Sapphos: 40 Years Later is tonight 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Shaw library (1630 7th St., N.W.). Founded in late 1979, this group was D.C.’s first ongoing political, social and cultural group for black lesbians. A panel discussion features past president Tania Abdulahad as she and former members reflect on the organization’s cultural and historical significance. The event is free and open to all but space is limited. Register on eventbrite.com.
The B-52s – 40th Anniversary Tour with guests Orchestral Manoevers in the Dark and Berlin starts at 8 p.m. tonight at The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.). These three chart-topping ’80s bands will thrill fans with hits including the B-52’s “Love Shack,” OMD’s “If You leave” and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.” Tickets and information on ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
The DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) hosts Astronomy on Tap tonight. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 and features professional astronomers giving short, engaging talks, prize giveaways and merchandise, including exclusive pint glasses and t-shirts, available for a small donation. Line up includes “How Stars Live and Die” by Liz Landau of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “Astronomy on a Rocket” by Nick Thomas of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, “Jupiter Exposed” by Rahul Patel of CNA Corporation, space-inspired songs by Liz Landau, astronomy bingo, and rooftop stargazing, weather permitting. For more information, visit dc9.club.
Thursday, Sept. 19
LGBT! #ShowUp4DC is today from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building, and is hosted by the D.C. Center, Capital Pride, DCHomos, Go Gay D.C., HRC and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. This event is to support H.R. 51, the D.C. Statehood Bill, scheduled for hearing today. Supporters state Congress made statehood an LGBT issue when blocking needle exchange programs and medical marijuana during the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Current D.C. Council legislation facing possible Congressional interference include LGBT Older Americans and Older People with HIV Act and the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Bill. Visit showup4dc.com for more information.
Music & Concerts
Berkshire Choral to commemorate Matthew Shepard’s life
Concert held at Washington National Cathedral
Berkshire Choral International will present a concert performance of composer Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral.
The program will be guest conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Benson, a native of the DMV who currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. The concert is a partial benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Notably, Matthew’s remains are interred at the National Cathedral and his parents, Dennis and Judy, will give opening remarks at the performance.
Tickets are $20 – $65, and 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Tickets are only available online at berkshirechoral.org.
Friday, June 26
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Bingo” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month 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.
Art Roving will host “Where Color Meets Spectrum: Blackness, Queerness & Tomorrow” at 200 I St., S.E. This is a panel discussion with Queer Art salon artists Nikki Brooks, Maps Glover & Chrys Seawood, moderated by artist and curator Brittany Mona’. The Queer Art Salon exhibition is on view from June 13 – August 1, 2025 and funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Art Exhibition Grant program. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge will host “DC Drag brunch on Rooftop – Penthouse” at 12 p.m. Guests can enjoy delicious French cuisine. The event will be hosted by Miss Capital Pride. Tickets cost $30.65 and are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Jonathan Van Ness will host a masterclass at 10 a.m. at Dupont Circle Hotel. Enjoy refreshments and community as Jonathan showcases styling techniques for a range of hair types—helping you create a gallery-worthy look that’s truly, beautifully yours. A portion of ticket sales will benefit SMYAL, a local nonprofit that has been supporting LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. for more than 40 years. Tickets are available 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 details, email [email protected].
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 information, email [email protected].
Tuesday, June 30
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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’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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Baltimore Orioles Pride Night will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:35 p.m. at Orioles Park at Camden Yards.
Festivities include immersive Pride decorations, pregame music, crafts, face painting, Pride merchandise, and more. The first 15,000 fans will receive an Orioles Pride jersey. Tickets are available on the Orioles’ website.
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