Out & About
Calendar: Sept. 20-26
Parties, shows and events in the week to come

Friday, Sept. 20
The REACH Opening Festival starts today from 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts (2700 F St., N.W.). The event includes 16 days and nights of free performances and activities celebrating the new expansion of the REACH campus. These innovative indoor and outdoor spaces put the audience at the center of the art. Tickets and information available at cams.kennedy-center.org.
The historic Woodrow Wilson House museum (2340 S. St., N.W.) presents its Vintage Garden Soirée tonight from 6-9 p.m. Step back in time and experience the excitement of the 1920s while dancing under the stars to live jazz music by the Foggy Bottom Whomp Stompers. Toast the upcoming anniversary of Women’s Suffrage with a vintage cocktail. Tickets start at $40. Come early for the VIP reception to meet the curator and see rare Suffrage artifacts. Visit woodrowwilsonhouse.org/events for tickets and information.
Fall isn’t here yet. Join host DJ Matt Bailer at the Hot Gurl Summer Queer Dance Party starting at 10 p.m. tonight in the Satellite Room (2047 9th St., N.W.). Tickets are $5 for this 21-and-up event. Doors open at 10, show starts at midnight and dancing fills the night until 3 a.m. Dee Dee Deleon, Washington Heights and Venus Fastrada also host. For tickets and information, visit eventbrite.com.
Saturday, Sept. 21
The Maryland Trans Resilience Conference is today from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lord Baltimore Hotel (20 West Baltimore St., Baltimore). The conference includes workshops, panel discussions, wellness, art, resource tables and more all within a trans-affirming environment. Admission is free but registration is encouraged at eventbrite.com.
“Coat of Many Colors: The Music of Dolly Parton” hosted by The American Pops Orchestra is tonight from 8-9:30 p.m. at Arena Stage (1101 6th St., N.W.). Tickets start at $35 for this one-night only show. Join the American Pops for a season opener featuring the music of an iconic, country legend featuring the talents of Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Joan Osborne, Nova Payton of “Dreamgirls,” Garrett Clayton of King Cobra and “Hairspray Live” and many more. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and information.
Defending our Transgender Brothers and Sisters in Arms presented by Veterans Against Hate is tonight from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Cloyd Heck Marvin Center Amphitheater (800 21st St., N.W.). Opening statement will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a panel discussion at 4:30, a reception at 6 and a screening of the documentary “TransMilitary” at 6:30. Learn more about this free event at thedccenter.org and veteransagainsthate.org.
The D.C. Shorts International Film Festival opening weekend city view party is tonight from 7-9 p.m. at the Cambria Hotel Washington, D.C. Convention Center (899 O St., N.W.). Tickets are $25. Celebrate the festival’s opening weekend with cocktails, appetizers and dancing to DJ MIM beneath the stars. Tickets and information available at dcshorts.ticketleap.com.
Sunday, Sept. 22
The Sunday Dinner Drag Show is tonight and every Sunday at Shaw’s Tavern (520 Florida Ave., N.W.) starting at 8 p.m. Join drag queen Kristina Kelly and her ladies of illusion along with dinner and a side of laughs. Free tickets are available on eventbrite.com, but attendees must still make a reservation by emailing [email protected].
QT Fusion Dance: Blues Night is tonight from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.). The event features LGBTQ blues dance lessons taught by Lucy and Clyde. Lucy McVeigh is a partner dancer with 10 years experience specializing in lindy hop and blues, while Clyde is a seasoned instructor who is the only blues dancer in D.C. to compete at the all-star level in national competitions. Lessons are $10, $5 via Facebook and free in exchange for volunteering. For more information, visit eventbrite.com or Facebook events.
Monday, Sept. 23
Rayceen’s Reading Room is tonight from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Park Public Library (3310 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Team Rayceen kick off the D.C. public library’s banned books week with an evening of entertainment filled with author talks, poetry readings, dramatic monologues and more all designed to highlight self-expression, cultural diversity and freedom of speech. Visit dclibrary.org to find out more about this and other banned book week events.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
The “Dracula” season three watch party is tonight and every Tuesday at 9 p.m. at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.). Watch the newest episode of “Dracula” with local host Crystal Edge. Following the screening will be a drag show featuring a rotating list of guest performers. There is no cover for this 18-and-up event and drinks are two for one all night, every Tuesday. For more information visit eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Night Out for Trevor hosted by The Trevor Project is tonight from 6-9 p.m. at Pitchers D.C. (2317 18th St., N.W.). Ticket sales support the project’s youth suicide prevention services. Come enjoy an open bar sponsored by Three Olives Vodka, meet local and national Trevor representatives and learn about ways you can support LGBTQ youth. For tickets and information, visit give.thetrevorproject.org.
The 14th Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Awards hosted by the Latino GLBT history project are tonight from 6-9 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). Hispanic heritage month is a time for the community to come together and recognize exceptional individuals who have celebrated and promoted the Latinx experience. Food and drink will be provided. Admission is free but donations are accepted at the door. Visit latinoglbthistory.org for more information.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E., across from the Marine Barracks) for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. Phone 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.
Thursday, Sept. 26
“Queer Eye’s” Jonathan Van Ness talks about his new memoir, “Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love” tonight starting at 7:30 p.m. at Sixth & I (600 I St., N.W.). Van Ness moves from the grooming and self-care tips that launched him to stardom on the landmark make-over series to details about his life today. For more information, visit sixthandi.org.
Out & About
Tyler Clementi Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth
Special remarks to be given by Jane Clementi, Rep. McBride
To kick off National Coming Out Month, the Tyler Clementi Foundation will host a fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth in Delaware.
The event will feature special remarks by Jane Clementi and Rep. Sarah McBride. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to support the work of the Tyler Clementi Foundation to end online and offline bullying and harassment in schools, workplaces, and faith communities.
For more details, visit the Tyler Clementi Foundation’s Facebook page.
Friday, September 25
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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.
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].
Saturday, September 26
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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, September 27
“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 cost $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, September 28
“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]).
Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The Queer Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month to discuss queer books by queer authors. This month’s reading is “Happy Iceland” by Anne Marie Wells. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
Tuesday, September 29
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host “Center Aging: Painting Class” at 1 p.m. This is a free watercolor painting workshop that will be held in the community room and led by Laya Monarez. All supplies and light snacks will be provided. This workshop involves paint, so please dress accordingly. Email Mac at [email protected] for more details.
Wednesday, September 30
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, October 1
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 5:00 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.
API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander queer community. The support group is co-sponsored by APIQS (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society DC) and AQUA (Asian Queers United for Action). For more details, email [email protected].
Out & About
A roundup of fall events not to be missed
Laverne Cox, Oktoberfest, arts celebrations, and more
Colder temperatures don’t mean you have to stay indoors — here’s a roundup of what to do this fall.
Laverne Cox will discuss her memoir, “Transcendent,” with Dr. Melanie Bryant on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Book Fest. Cox will share her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.
Dacha Beer Garden will launch its longest and loudest Oktoberfest yet on Friday, Sept. 18. This will be 17 consecutive days of Bavarian festivities across both locations — the original Shaw beer garden and the 800-person Navy Yard garden — running through Sunday, Oct. 4. On opening night, DC Brau will tap the ceremonial first keg and then Manuela Horn, the six-foot-two Austrian yodel queen, will trade sets with Johnny Koenig and his four-piece band in a live back-and-forth of yodeling, polka, and crowd games that can only be described as Oktoberfest ping pong.
Fay Jacobs will host “Aging Gracefully: 2nd Annual Farewell Tour” on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. This show will feature a new script with lots of new stories, and only a couple of “signature” tales.
Capital One Center will host its “Celebration of the Arts” starting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at its location in Tysons, Va. There will be art, music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment. This curated experience invites you to engage with hands-on workshops, immersive art activations, and live performances. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Spark Social will host “open Mic Night” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances at Spark Social. Sign Ups are first-come-first-serve,, but you can also message the venue on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. Tickets are $13.26 and are available on Eventbrite.
Howard University’s School of Social Work will host “Intergenerational Trauma in the BIPOC Community and the Use of Art” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. This in-person, interactive workshop explores the role of art as a creative and supportive tool for understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma. Participants will examine the meaning and impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular attention to its historical roots and ongoing effects within Black and other BIPOC communities. More details are available on Eventbrite.
9:30 Club will host “BERTHA: Grateful Drag” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The group has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes to SMYAL and their work supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. Tickets are available on 9:30 Club’s website.
Steve Lacy’s “Oh Yeah?” tour is coming to The Anthem on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on The Anthem’s website.
Rapper Cupcakke will perform at Howard Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. More details are available on the theater’s website.
Team DC will host “Open Play: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Athletes and Sports Fans” on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Trade. Join Athlete Ally, Team DC and District Wrestling for a casual, in-person mixer as they celebrate LGBTQ+ sports fans and athletes at all levels of the game. Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ+ recreational league or just love watching sports, this is the place to connect, celebrate, and share the love of the game with other queer athletes, fans, business leaders, policymakers and more. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “2026 LGBT Intergenerational Extravaganza” on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m.This is an event to connect, build relationships, and have fun with LGBTQ folks from other generations, and it will include lunch, an intergenerational dialogue and breakout sessions. More details are available on Eventbrite.
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