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.
In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.
The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.
For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.
Friday, February 6
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
Saturday, February 7
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.
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 are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, February 8
DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 9
“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, February 10
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 is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 11
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, February 12
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 Center’s website.
Catfish Comedy will host “2026 Queer Kickoff Show” on Thursday, Feb. 5 at A League of Her Own (2319 18th Street, N.W.). This show features D.C.’s funniest LGBTQ and femme comedians. The lineup features performers who regularly take the stage at top clubs like DC Improv and Comedy Loft, with comics who tour nationally.
Tickets are $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
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