Out & About
Calendar: Oct. 18-24
Parties, shows and events in the week to come

Friday, Oct. 18
The Washington Blade 50th Birthday Gala is tonight from 6-10 p.m. at the InterContinental D.C., The Wharf (801 Wharf St., S.W.). The public is invited to join the Blade in celebrating five decades of LGBTQ journalism. Cocktails served at 6 p.m. Dinner and program begins at 7. Proceeds benefit the Blade Foundation’s charitable community work. For tickets and information visit blade50th.com.
AEG presents Bianca Del Rio’s 2019 “It’s Jester Joke” Tour tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). Tickets start at $39.50. Doors open at 6:30, and the show starts at 8. Tickets and information are available at ticketfly.com.
LaFantasy Productions hosts its Superhero Underwear Party with Eliad Cohen tonight beginning at 10 p.m. at Saint Yves (1220 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Tickets are $35 for this 21-and-up event. Featuring guest DJ Alex Acosta and warm up entertainment by Guy Lewis. Tickets and details at seetickets.us.
Tonight starting at 10 p.m. the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) hosts Rough House, a lights off, hands on dance party. $5 cover includes clothes check. Guest DJs Lemz and The Barber Streisand. For more information visit greenlanterndc.com.
Saturday, Oct. 19
The D.C. Chamber Musicians present a free concert today at 3 p.m. at the Western Presbyterian Church (2501 Virginia Ave., N.W.). Concert preceded by master classes at 2 p.m. which are open to the public. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Visit dccos.org for more information.
Tonight from 9-11 p.m. is Desiree Dik’s Horror Show at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Featuring Bombalicious Eklaver, Magic Dyke, Skip Squealia Gilmour and special guest Rupaul’s drag race contestant Dax Exclamationpoint. More information at redbear.beer.
HER DC: The LockHer Room presented by HER App and Tagg Magazine is today from 2-6 p.m. at A League of Her Own (2319 18th St., N.W.). Tickets start at $15. This sports-themed dance party featuring DJ Mim is open to those identifying as cisgender lesbians, nonbinary and their trans brothers and sisters. Allies can purchase an ally ticket. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and information.
Tasting Tour of Delaware is tonight from 6:30-8 p.m. at Cooter Brown’s Twisted Southern Kitchen and bourbon Bar (70 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.). Guests are invited to meet at a new spot each month to sample regional foods and drinks with new friends. More information at delawarepride.org.
Pride Bowling is 7-9 p.m. at Bowlerama (3031 New Castle Ave., New Castle, Del.). Cost is $14 per bowler with two hours of bowling and free shoe rental included. Pay the Delaware Pride rep. for special pricing. For more information, visit delawarepride.org.
Sunday, Oct. 20
The 2019 SMYAL Fall Brunch is today from 10:30 a.m to 2 p.m. at D.C.’s Marriott Marquis (901 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.). SMYAL’s premier fundraising event includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, three-course brunch and a chance to hear from LGBT community leaders. Tickets available at one.bidpal.net.
Bingo with the D.C. Sisters is today from 1-4 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Tickets are $20 for this 18-and-up event fundraiser for Casa Ruby. Price includes six rounds of bingo, each with a $100 cash prize, and a chance for a door prize. Other activities include a raffle, costume contest and more. Tickets and information at dcsisters.org.
Freddie’s Follies Drag Show is tonight at 8 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (555 23rd St., Arlington, Va.). $5 cover. Showtime is 8 p.m. sharp. For more information, visit freddiesbeachbar.com.
Monday, Oct. 21
LGBTQ Affirming / Safe Space Yoga is tonight from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Norfolk LGBT Life Center (248 W 24th St., Norfolk, Va.). All body types and all yoga levels, including beginners, are welcome. For more information, visit lgbtlifecenter.org.
It’s Pride Monday tonight at The Underground (408 W Main St., Lansdale, Pa.) starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free to this dance party to kick off the week. More information available at Philadelphia.eventful.com.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Tonight is Game Night from 6-8 p.m. at the Norfolk LGBT Life Center (248 W 24th St., Norfolk, Va.). The community is invited to a night of fun and friendly competition in an affirming space. For more information, visit lgbtlifecenter.org.
The newly formed Loudoun Chapter of PFLAG invites the lgbt community and allies to participate in a monthly community group meeting every 4th Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Crossroads United Methodists Church (43454 Crossroads Dr., Ashburn, Va.). Meetings are free. Register at eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
The Virginia Film Festival begins today throughout Charlottesville and includes numerous LGBT films as part of the lineup. Venues include Common House (206 West Market St.), Culbreth Theater (University of Virginia drama building, 109 Culbreth Rd.), Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center (233 4th St., N.W.) and more. For tickets and a film list, visit virginiafilmfestival.org.
Lesbians Got Talent! FABS Open Mic Night is tonight from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at XX+ Crostino (1926 9th St., N.W.). Guests are invited to sing, play an instrument, perform poetry, share a story or otherwise showcase their talent in a supportive environment. More information at facebook.com/xxcrostino.
Thursday, Oct. 24
The Rocky Horror Show LGBTQ+ Night Out is tonight from 6-10 p.m. at the Bucks County Playhouse (70 south Main St., New Hope Pa.). Pre-show party at The Mansion Inn Bar (9 South Main St., New Hope, Pa.) at 6 p.m. serving cocktails and light fare. Live show starts at 7:30 at the playhouse. More information at newhopecelebrates.com.
Book Talk: Friends of Dorothy hosted by the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center (522 W. Maple St., Barnard Rustin Way, Allentown, Pa.) tonight from 6-8 p.m. A book signing by author Dee Michel and a dessert reception will follow. Visit bradburysullivancenter.org for more information.
AfroQueer — Black LGBTQ Immigrants in America hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis is tonight from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). This exploration of the intersections of culture, sexuality and gender is free and open to the public. Register at teamrayceen.eventbrite.com.
Thirst Trap Thursdays Drag Show continues tonight at 11 p.m. with host Venus Valhalla at Pitchers D.C. (2317 18th St., N.W.). Every Thursday guests can enjoy a cocktail and queer entertainment starting at 11 sharp. More information at pitchersbardc.com.
Live Your Life Thursdays hosted by Derek Delequa is tonight from 10-11 p.m. at Pure Flavor Hookah Lounge (228 W 9th St., Wilmington, Del.). Tickets start at $10. A Delaware Pride sponsored event. Visit delequashow.com for more information.
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.
