Out & About
Calendar: Dec. 13-19
Meetings, concerts and events in the week to come
Friday, Dec. 13
The Smithsonian Zoolights exhibit continues tonight at 5 p.m. at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). This free event includes live music, winter treats and holiday shopping. More information available at national zoo.si.edu.
Holiday Bear Bust with D.J. Shea Van Horn is tonight at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.) at 8 p.m. Festivities run all night with $30 bottomless select craft beer and cider and selfies with naughty Santa. For more information on this and other holiday events, visit redbear.beer.
Get on Bad! hosted by West Indian, Caribbean and African Lesbians in the region is tonight at 10 p.m. at XX+ Crostino (1926 9th St., N.W.). D.J. Elle Groove spins dancehall all night for this 21-and-over event. Tickets are $5 at the door or on eventbrite.com.
Birds of Prey Drag Show and Dance Party hosted by the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) is tonight. Show starts at 10:30 p.m. followed by a dance party. Details on this and other events at dceagle.com.
Glo Underwear Dance Party featuring D.J.s Ultra and Phoenix is tonight at 10 p.m. at Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.). $5 cover. Visit greenlanterndc.com for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Arty Queers: The Holiday Edition hosted by Center Arts is today from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite 105). The center’s monthly indoor LGBTQ art market features original artwork for sale to support the community. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Glam Box hosts Holiday Glamour Shots at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 5-8 p.m. An evening of retro mall merriment complete with lasers, make up and winter scenery. D.J. Joann Fabrixx spins. For more information, visit Glam Box on Facebook events.
Christmas, Mary! hosted by D.J. Travis Island is at Uproar lounge and restaurant (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. All diva videos all night from Mariah and Beyoncé to Ariana. Details on Facebook events.
Avalon Saturdays presents A Naughty XXXmas Party with D.J. Steve Sidewalk tonight at 10 p.m. at Soundcheck (1420 K St., N.W.). $20 general admission tickets and $25 VIP until 10 p.m. Tickets and details on eventbrite.com.
The Coven’s Holi-Slay is tonight at 10 p.m. in the Satellite Room (2047 9th St., N.W.) with a $10 cover for 21 and over. Free admission and one free drink to first 100. More information about the venue at satellitedc.com.
Sunday, Dec. 15
TranSwap: Fall Edition presented by DCATS and Casa Ruby is today from noon-3 p.m. at The Eaton Hotel (1201 K St., N.W.). Gender nonconforming folks invited to share fall clothes in an affirming environment. Free mending by Sew Queer. More information about the event and donations on the DCATS Facebook page.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington continues its Holiday Show today at 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). Tickets start at $25 at thelincolndc.com.
Queer Grrrl Movie Night Holigays 2019 is tonight from 7-11 p.m. at Right Proper Brewing Company (624 T St., N.W.). All genders, sexualities and presentations welcome to celebrate queer womxn in film. More information on this event and the venue on Facebook events and rightproperbrewing.com.
Appalasia, a fusion trio from Pittsburgh, will provide live musical accompaniment to a screening today at 2 p.m. of the silent D.W. Griffith melodrama “Broken Blossoms” (1919), which tells of an outsider named Cheng Huan (Richard Barthelmess), a Buddhist who leaves China and travels West to spread a message of peace. The film has been cited as having a coded/possibly gay hero. Appalasia will perform with erhu (a traditional Chinese instrument), banjo and dulcimer. It’s at the Freer Gallery in the National Gallery of Art (1050 Independence Ave.) and is free.
BETTY, a queer band that started in Washington, returns for a show tonight at 7:30 p.m. at City Winery (1350 Okie St., N.W.). They’re planning a holiday show that includes “original songs about joy, love, longing, sex, food, heartbreak and the highs and lows of the holidays.” The band is Amy Ziff, Elizabeth Ziff and Alyson Palmer. Tickets are $30-45 at citywinery.com.
Monday, Dec. 16
Queering Up for the Holidays, a poetry reading and open mic event hosted by the Line hotel (1770 Euclid St., N.W.) is tonight from 7-9 p.m. It’s presented by OutWrite and co-curated by Marlena Chertock and Dave Ring. Hosted by comic Andi Basto. More information available on OutWrite’s Facebook page.
Love is Love LGBT Book Club meets today at 7 p.m. at the Shirlington branch of the Arlington public library (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va.). Bring your favorite book to share. For ages 18 and up, no registration required. Details at library.arlingtonva.us.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
A holiday mixer hosted by The National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals is tonight 5:30-7 p.m. at Number Nine (1435 P St., N.W.). The Association is a nonprofit advocating for homeownership and wealth creation for LGBT people. Register for this free event on eventbrite.com.
The End Violence Ki Ki Ball hosted by HIPS is tonight at 6 p.m. at Ziegfeld’s Secrets D.C. (1824 Half St., S.W.). Show starts at 7 p.m. with guest host Rayceen Pendarvis. For more information, visit endviolencekikiball.com or hips.org.
The Bi Roundtable Discussion is tonight from 7-8 p.m. at the D.C. Center. Discuss bisexuality and related issues in a private setting. More information available at thedccenter.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Bookmen D.C., an informal men’s gay-literature group meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center to discuss “Speak My Language and Other Stories,” a gay anthology edited by U.K.-based journalist Torsten Hojer. All are welcome. Visit bookmendc.blogspot.com for more information.
Karaoke Night starts at 9 p.m. tonight at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.), presented by D&K sounds. More information on this and other events at dceagle.com.
Queer film director John Waters brings his annual Christmas show to the Birchmere (3701 Mt Vernon Ave., Alexandria) tonight at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $55 at birchmere.com.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Artists and Makers Studios 1 Parklawn (11810 Parklawn Dr., Suite 2010, Rockville, Md.) hosts Three Visually Rich Exhibits with viewing hours today from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring gallery exhibits “Be Still My Life” by Teresa Jarzynski, “May Beauty Follow” by Vladimir Zabavskiy and “Doors of Distinction” by Jenny Nordstrom. All are welcome to this free event. More information at artistsandmakersstudios.com.
The Lez Be Merry Pre-Christmas Party hosted by Ceo Blade Jones is tonight at 9 p.m. at the Red Lounge (2013 14th St., N.W.). Donate a toy for free entry before 10 p.m. $5 without toy before 11, $10 after all night. Visit redloungebar.com for venue information. Event details on Facebook events.
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.
Out & About
LGBTQ Military Happy Hour set for Sept. 15
In-person gathering to be held at Tom’s Watch Bar
Modern Military Association of America will host “Pride in Service: An LGBTQ+ Military Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. at Tom’s Watch Bar.
This in-person gathering is the perfect chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the diversity within the military community. Come relax, meet fellow LGBTQ+ service members and allies, and enjoy a fun, supportive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on an evening full of pride, camaraderie, and good vibes. Visit Eventbrite for more details.
Friday, September 11
Go Gay DC will host “Out in DC LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena.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.
Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet 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.
Saturday, September 12
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 will host screenings of “Princess Sparkles” and “Kiloran Bay” at 1:30 p.m. “Kiloran Bay” is a 13-minute musical short set amid the wild beauty of the Scottish Hebrides and the fierce joy of a wedding cèilidh. “Princess Sparkles” is about a girl who accidentally signs up to pet-sit a princess only to discover she’s actually a nippy, Fox News-watching pig. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Sunday, September 13
“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 are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, September 14
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10:00a.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, September 15
Center Bi Pan+ 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.
Wednesday, September 16
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, September 17
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community 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.
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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
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