Out & About
Calendar: Feb. 14-20
Parties, shows and events in the week to come
Friday, Feb. 14
Valentine’s Murder Mystery at the Whittemore House (1526 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.) is tonight from 6-10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60. Valentines, palentines and galentines are invited to solve the Mystery of the Masquerade Ball. Visit thewhittmorehouse.com for more information.
Woo at the Zoo hosted by Friends of the National Zoo is tonight at 7 p.m. at the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Tickets are $50 for Friends members and $60 for others. Guests are invited to grab a cocktail, learn all about animal sex and dance the night away ‘80s prom-style. For tickets and information, visit nationalzoo.si.edu.
Valentine’s Bear Bust is tonight at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Bottomless select craft beer and cider is $35 and DJ Shea Van Horn runs the floor for this holiday event. For details, visit redbear.beer.
GLO, the underwear dance party, returns to the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a free clothes check. The event features music from resident DJs UltraPup and Phoenix Rise. Visit greenlanterndc.com for more information.
Madonna Love 3 is tonight at 10 p.m. at JR.’s (1519 17th St., N.W.). DJ Travis Island spins tunes and Madonna videos all night long. More information is available at jrsbar-DC.com and on Facebook events.
The Blade has its annual “Most Eligible LGBT Singles” party this evening at 6 p.m. at 18th & Duplex Diner (2004 18th St., N.W.). This year’s singles will be on hand. It’s free for 21 and up.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Frederick Douglass’ 202nd Birthday Celebration hosted by the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (1411 W St., S.E.) is today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event focuses on Douglass’s role in the women’s rights and suffrage movements as part of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. For a complete program list, visit nps.gov/frdo.
Chanellie’s Drag Brunch presented by Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) is today at 11 a.m. Chanel Devereaux and her team of drag performers entertain during an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. Visit nelliessportsbar.com and Eventbrite for details.
The Bear Cave #LoveOrLust hosted by Bears Can Party is tonight at 9 p.m. at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.). This post-Valentine’s Day party features two new GoGo boys, DJ Popperz spinning all music genres and no cover. More information is available at greenlanterndc.com.
Desiree Dik presents a Drag Show Extravaganza at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. This Valentine’s weekend event features performances by India Larelle Houston, Ricky Rose, Bombalicious Eklaver and more. For more information, visit redbear.beer.
Peach Pit: 90s Dance Party hosted by the DC9 nightclub (1940 9th St., N.W.) is tonight at 10:30 p.m. Cover is $5 before midnight and $8 for this party which features ’90s tunes mixed by DJ Matt Bailer. For more information, visit dc9.club.
Deviant Events (1348 H St., N.E.) hosts a body-positive dance party tonight at 10 p.m. for queer people of color. General admission is $30 and $75 for VIP. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com.
Sunday, Feb. 16
February Bingo with the Sisters is today at 1 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). This event features six rounds of Bingo for $20 with the D.C. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and a sci-fi costume contest. Visit dcsisters.org for more information on this and other events.
Dinner N Drag at Shaw’s Tavern (520 Florida Ave., N.W.) is tonight at 8 p.m. Host Kristina Kelly and her troupe of drag performers entertain diners every Sunday. Reserve a table at [email protected] and visit shawstavern.com for more information.
The Red Party hosted by Flashy Sundays (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) is tonight at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear red to this special event featuring music by TWiN, Sean Morris and DJ Steve Sidewalk on the rooftop. Cover is $20. Visit facebook.com/flashydc for details.
A new queer Flower Factory! party dubbed Spree, dubbed an “afternoon tea dance on the banks of the Anacostia,” debuts today at 4 p.m. at Dacha Navy Yard (79 Potomac Ave., S.E.). Four rotating DJs and two hosts will offer a “lounge/chill” vibe, champagne and drinks specials “with no pressure or expectations to turn fierce looks, gag with shows or get sweaty and sexy.” It’s conceived as a chance to “just groove with friends and strangers.” No cover. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Monday, Feb. 17
Chanellie’s President’s Day Drag Brunch is today at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) from noon-2:30 p.m. Host Chanel Devereaux and her team of performers entertain during this holiday-themed buffet event. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com and Eventbrite.
Monday Night Trivia is tonight at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Host William Burlew curates questions from history, science, entertainment and more. More information is available at redbear.beer.
“SNL’s” Pete Davidson will be at the D.C. Improv Comedy Club tonight at 7:30 p.m. working out new material. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $45 for VIP. For tickets and information, visit dcimprov-com.seatengine.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Art AfterWords: A Book Discussion hosted by the D.C. Public Library and the National Portrait Gallery (8th and F streets, N.W.) features a discussion on “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson in connection with portraits of Civil Rights icon Angela Davis tonight at 5:30 p.m. Visit npg.si.edu for more information.
Chance The Rapper performs Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Chance, whose younger brother Taylor Bennett came out as bisexual in 2017, is known for hits “Smoke Break” and “All Night.” Tickets are available on ticketsidekick.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
“Day of Remembrance: Preserving and Sharing a Community Collection” is tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the National Museum of American History (14th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.). Feb. 19 is the Day of Remembrance in recognition of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066 which interned nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans. Free tickets to this event are on Eventbrite and americanhistory.si.edu.
Market Crash: LGBTQ Night is tonight at 9 p.m. at The Big Board (421 H St., N.E.). This event celebrates love with no cover and guest DJ Mike Babbitt. For more information, visit thebigboarddc.com.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Queer/Trans/Nonbinary Yoga is this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Lamont Dharma House (1719 Lamont St., N.W.). YogAlle hosts yoga for those who identify outside the binary or don’t feel comfortable in a traditional yoga studio. Visit Facebook events for details.
Pretty Boi Drag Presents #OpenKingNight tonight at 8 p.m. at Busboys and Poets Brookland (625 Monroe St., N.E.). This event is open to new and seasoned drag king performers. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
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.
Furries take over the Metro
A roundup of fall events not to be missed
Activists protest outside Turkish Embassy in D.C.
Republican challenger misgenders McBride during forum, forced to leave
Queer mega stars coming to D.C. this fall
Dolly Parton biography puts her hardships into context
PHOTOS: SMYAL Fall Brunch
Fashion icon Bob Mackie dead at 87
Dozens detained after Turkish authorities raid LGBTQ groups, businesses
