Out & About
Calendar: Dec. 20-26
Holiday events abound in the week to come


Friday, Dec. 20
The Frederick Douglass in Capitol Hill Walking tour is today from 5-6:30 p.m. beginning at the Library of Congress (101 Independence Ave., S.E.). Tickets are $17.50 on Eventbrite.
Queer Asian / Pacific Islander ZooLights hosted by KhushDC is tonight from 7-10 p.m. at the Smithsonian National Zoo (3000 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). This free event includes live music, winter treats and a craft market. Visit nationalzoo.si.edu for more information on this free event.
The Spirit of Kwanzaa hosted by The Dance Institute of Washington at THEARC Theater (1901 Mississippi Ave., S.E.) is tonight at 7 p.m. This African-American celebration features music, dancing and storytelling. Tickets start at $20 on danceinstituteofwashington.org.
Rough House hosted by Lemz and Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) is tonight at 10 p.m. The cover charge is $5 and includes clothes check. For more information on this and other events, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Hostess Desiree Dik presents the Dik in a Box holiday drag show extravaganza tonight from 9-11 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Holiday cast includes Bombalicious Eklaver, Chastity Vain, Geneva Confectionn and more. Visit redbear.beer for more information.
The Bear Cave: #HoeHoeHoe holiday event is tonight at 9 p.m. at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.). This event is hosted by Bears Can Party and features D.J. Popperz and go-go boys Pup Indigo and Badger. More information is available at greenlanterndc.com.
A Onesie Party is at Uproar Lounge (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) tonight at 9 p.m. This 21-and-up event is open to all to drink and be merry in a onesie. Visit Facebook events for more information.
The Annual Sugarplum Ball presented by Avalon Saturdays and Chorus D.C. is at Soundcheck (1420 K St., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 before midnight and $20 after. For more information, visit dougiemeyerpresents.com.
The Peach Pit ‘90s Dance Party is tonight at the DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) at 10:30 p.m. This holiday party features D.J. Matt Bailer of Mixtape fame. Tickets are $5 before midnight and $8 after. Visit dc9.club for more information.
Sunday, Dec. 22
The LGBTQ+ Charity Soccer Tournament hosted by the Latino GLBT History Project is today at Gallaudet University (800 Florida Ave., N.W.) from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on this event and the organizer, visit latinoglbthistory.org.
The Georgia O’Keeffe and Modern Art tour hosted by Washington D.C. History and Culture is today from 3-5 p.m. at the National Gallery of Art (4th St., N.W.). O’Keeffe’s abstract art is claimed to portray women’s sexuality and is fueled by sensuous photographs taken of her. More information is available on Eventbrite and Facebook events.
QT Fusion Dance: Blues Night is tonight from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.). Queer and trans blues dance lessons are taught by Elaine Patterson and Colin Hay. Registration is free on eventbrite.com.
The Washington Chorus presents “A Candlelight Christmas” tonight from 8-9:45 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). The celebration features the National Capital Brass, over 130 signers, organ music, sing-alongs and a candlelight processional. Tickets start at $19 on kennedy-center.org.
Monday, Dec. 23
“A Christmas Carol” will be performed today at 2 p.m. at Ford’s Theatre (511 10th St., N.W.). Tickets start at $64 for this holiday classic on fords.org.
The Messiah Sing-Along free concert is tonight from 6-7 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). This event concert features conductor Nancia D’Alimonte leading the Opera House Orchestra, guest soloists and a chorus. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information.
“Black Nativity” is an Afro-centric holiday performance featuring Gospel and modern dance tonight from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Anacostia Playhouse (2020 Shannon Pl., S.E.). Tickets are $50 on anacostiaplayhouse.com.
“Come From Away” performs tonight from 8-9 p.m. at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater (2700 F St., N.W.). A small Newfoundland town welcomes thousands of stranded passengers. Visit kennedy-center.org for tickets and information.
Tuesday, Dec. 24
“It’s a Wonderful Life” screens at the National Museum of American History (14th St., and Constitution Ave., N.W.) today from 3:15-5 p.m. It’s almost George’s last Christmas then angel Clarence lifts his spirits. Tickets are $10 on si.edu.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Dignity Washington celebrates Christmas Day Mass today at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church (1830 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) from 6-9 p.m. Dignity, an inclusive LGBTQ Catholic community, welcomes everyone to this public event. For more information, visit dignitywashington.org.
A Holiday Book Drive by An Open Book Foundation is today at Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe (1517 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) at 7 a.m. The Foundation brings authors, illustrators and their books to low income D.C.-area students to spark a love of reading. More information is available at anopenbookfound.org.
Hanukkah Harry’s Reindeer Ride hosted by D.C. Jews on Bikes and Edlavitch DCJCC (1529 16th St., N.W.) is today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are invited to help deliver holiday greetings to first responders on a day of service. Registration for this free event is on eventbrite.com.
The All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam is today from 6-7 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). A free holiday concert on the Millennium Stage. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information.
Thursday, Dec. 26
Moonshot Studio is a free art making event today from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Kennedy Center’s The Reach (2700 F St., N.W.). The studio offers activities from dance and beat making to poetry and animation for all ages. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information.
“Hear Me, Say My Name” hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (4th St. and Independence Ave., S.W.) from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. This free performance challenges stereotypes of what it means to be a young American Indian. More information is available at americanindian.si.edu.

The Rainbow History Project will host “Pickets, Protests and Parade Exhibit Tour” at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This event honors the courage, resilience and resistance of D.C.’s gay community. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hyatt Centric Arlington (1325 Wilson Blvd.). This fun event is ideal for meeting new people and community building. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Xavier Entertainment DC will host “Cowboy Carter Afterparty” at 10 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. There will be fireworks, parades, and patriotic fun. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Mezcal Amaras will host “Sha Boing Boing Showdown” at 6 p.m. at Snappy’s Small Bar (3917 Georgia Ave., N.W.). Get ready to test your hotdog eating abilities. Tickets start at $12.51 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Illusions Drag Queen Show will host “Drag Queen Dinner Show” at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St. N.W. Guests will be treated to the very best celebrity drag impersonations in entertainment. Tickets start at $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Thurst Lounge will host “A Thirsty Cowboy Afterparty” at 5 p.m. DJ Apollo will be performing. For more details, visit Thurst’s website.
9:30 Club will host “Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA” at 9 p.m. The DJ will play plenty of disco hits from the 70s and 80s. Tickets cost $45.30 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Music & Concerts
Berkshire Choral to commemorate Matthew Shepard’s life
Concert held at Washington National Cathedral

Berkshire Choral International will present a concert performance of composer Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral.
The program will be guest conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Benson, a native of the DMV who currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. The concert is a partial benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Notably, Matthew’s remains are interred at the National Cathedral and his parents, Dennis and Judy, will give opening remarks at the performance.
Tickets are $20 – $65, and 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Tickets are only available online at berkshirechoral.org.

Friday, June 26
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Bingo” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month 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.
Art Roving will host “Where Color Meets Spectrum: Blackness, Queerness & Tomorrow” at 200 I St., S.E. This is a panel discussion with Queer Art salon artists Nikki Brooks, Maps Glover & Chrys Seawood, moderated by artist and curator Brittany Mona’. The Queer Art Salon exhibition is on view from June 13 – August 1, 2025 and funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Art Exhibition Grant program. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge will host “DC Drag brunch on Rooftop – Penthouse” at 12 p.m. Guests can enjoy delicious French cuisine. The event will be hosted by Miss Capital Pride. Tickets cost $30.65 and are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Jonathan Van Ness will host a masterclass at 10 a.m. at Dupont Circle Hotel. Enjoy refreshments and community as Jonathan showcases styling techniques for a range of hair types—helping you create a gallery-worthy look that’s truly, beautifully yours. A portion of ticket sales will benefit SMYAL, a local nonprofit that has been supporting LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. for more than 40 years. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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 details, email [email protected].
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more information, email [email protected].
Tuesday, June 30
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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, July 2
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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
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