Out & About

Calendar: Sept. 20-26

Parties, shows and events in the week to come

Published

6 years ago

September 20, 2019

Philip Van Slooten

Jonathan Van Ness, gay news, Washington Blade — ‘Queer Eye’s’ **Jonathan Van Ness** talks about his new memoir, ‘Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love’ on Sept. 26. (Photo by Dexter Brown)

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.

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Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

Published

7 days ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

7 days ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

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 and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“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, January 20

Center Bi+ 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.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

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.

Thursday, January 22

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 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 Center’s website.

Calendar

Calendar: January 9-15

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 weeks ago

January 9, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 9

Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will be 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.

“Backbone Comedy” will be at 8 p.m. at As You Are. Backbone Comedy is a queer-run fundraiser comedy show at As You Are Bar DC, where comics stand up for a cause. Each show, a percentage of proceeds go to a local organization – Free Minds DC, a reentry organization for individuals impacted by incarceration. Tickets cost $19.98 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 10

Monday, January 12

“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]).

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.

Tuesday, January 13

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group 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].

Wednesday, January 14

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will partner with House of Ruth to host “Art & Conversation” at 3 p.m. at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This free workshop will involve two hours of art making, conversation, and community. Guests will explore elements of healthy relationships with a community-centered art activity. This workshop involves paint, so please dress accordingly. All materials will be provided. For more details, email [email protected].