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25 LGBTQ events this week

High Heel Race among highlights of Halloween week

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4 years ago

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The High Heel Race is Tuesday, Oct. 25 on 17th Street, N.W. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.

The Future is Queer: An Intergalactic Dyke Party

Tuesday, October 25
6-11 p.m.
Capitol Cider House
3930 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
$25-$45
Eventbrite

Experience burlesque, belly dance, circus acts, flow arts, body painting, a tarot booth and more in this “visionary, other-worldly, queer, fabulous and sexy” event led by queer BIPOC + and allied artists and performers.

DC Gaymers Costume Contest

Tuesday, October 25
7-10 p.m.
Uproar Lounge
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook

This free-play Tuesday event celebrates All Hollows’ Eve with Hocus Pocus 2 playing on the third floor projector. Come dressed for the costume contest.

35th annual High Heel Race

Tuesday, October 25
7-11 p.m.
Frank Kameny Way
17th Street between P and R Streets, N.W.
Facebook | Eventbrite

This D.C. institution returns for the 35th year as queens strut their stuff along 17th Street for the High Heel Race. Parties abound all along the “gayborhood” street. The pre-race parade starts at 8, but many people arrive earlier to get a good vantage point.

Halloween Bingo with Kristina Kelly

Tuesday, October 25
8 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Reservations

Join Kristina Kelly for some Halloween Bingo fun at Shaw’s Tavern on Tuesday. Specify “Bingo” when making reservations.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Wednesday, October 26
7-9 p.m.
metrobar DC
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Eventbrite

Dress as your favorite characters and watch a live screening of the cult classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at metrobar.

Pre-Halloween Party: Miercoles De Gasoline

Wednesday, October 26
9 p.m.
DIK Bar
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

The best costume wins $300 at Latin Nights at DIK Bar on Wednesday.

Rage for Roe: A Halloween Bash to Support the DC Abortion Fund

Thursday, October 27
7-11 p.m.
Hook Hall
3400 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
$20 presale / $25 door
Facebook

Tara Hoot hosts a spooky night of fun that includes a costume contest. Proceeds support the DC Abortion Fund.

RuPaul’s Night of Living Drag

Friday, October 28
8 p.m.
MGM National Harbor
101 MGM National Avenue
Oxon Hill, Md.
$58-$108
Facebook | Ticketmaster

Voss Events and World of Wonder brings the queens to MGM National Harbor on Friday with an all-star lineup.

UNCUT: Anaconda

Friday, October 28
10 p.m.
Bliss Nightclub
2122 24th Place, N.E.
$40-$70
Facebook | Eventbrite

Dougie Meyer and Kinetic presents UNCUT: Anaconda with DJs Onyx and GSP at Bliss Nightclub on Friday night / Saturday morning. There is a clothes check and play zones available for a raunchy DC Halloween. “Slither into your sexiest outfit to kick off District of the Dead at UNCUT: Anaconda . Unleash your deepest desires at this massive venue for DC’s most risqué circuit event.”

Boo-sy Drag Brunch

Saturday, October 29
12-3 p.m.
Duplex Diner
2004 18th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite

Join the Stonewall Kickball team Kicks and Tricks raising money for HIPS. See performances by Tiffany D. Carter, Echinacea Monroe and Labianna on Saturday at Duplex Diner.

Miss Adams Morgan Pageant 34

Saturday, October 29
6 p.m.
Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
$100
Facebook | Tickets

Dupont Social Club presents the annual raucous pageant at the Washington Hilton on Saturday.

Candela! Dia De Los Muertos

Saturday, October 29
9 p.m.
Uproar Lounge
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No cover / 21+
Facebook

Watch a special drag show by LaBella Mafia and Jayzeer Shantey and dance to music by DJ Milko for a fun night out at Uproar celebrating Dia De Los Muertos.

Ghoul Night

Saturday, October 29
9 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
No cover / 21+
Facebook

It’s Ghouls Night Drag Show time with Baphomette, Juniper Gin, Mota and Hennessey. Desiree Dik hosts a ghoulish night that includes a costume contest.

As You Aren’t: Alter Ego Party

Saturday, October 29
9 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Facebook

Dance the night away in your best costumes at an Alter Ego Party on Saturday. To enter the costume contest, DM As You Are by Friday.

Naughty or Nice: Nightmare on K Street

Saturday, October 29
10 p.m.
KOI
1413 K Street, N.W.
$15 advance
Facebook | Tickets

Dance to DJ MIM, Queen HD the DJ and DJ Jai Syncere at the 13th annual Naughty or Nice Nightmare on K Street party. Billed as the “biggest LGBTQ Halloween turn up in the city,” the costume party includes a contest, drink specials and more.

HellBENT

Saturday, October 29
10 p.m.
9:30 Club
815 V Street, N.W.
$25
Website | Facebook | Ticketmaster

Pussy Noir, Baphomette + Sirene Noir Jackson, Mari Con Carne and Pissy perform with music by DJs Lemz, Electrox, KS and Tommy C. at 9:30 Club’s “HellBENT” party on Saturday.

Blue Hours: Halloween Edition

Sunday, October 30
4-9 a.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30
Facebook | Eventbrite

Do you want to keep the party going after the bars have closed? Check out Blue Hours: Halloween Edition at Flash in the wee hours of Sunday morning with music by Calagna and Sean Morris.

Halloween Brunch at Lincoln

Sunday, October 30
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lincoln Restaurant DC
1110 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Website

DJ Matt Bailer brings the music from noon until 3. There is a best costume contest with a $100 Amazon gift card prize for first place. Enjoy and all-you-can-eat experience with unlimited mimosas and bloody Mary’s. There is a two hour time limit at tables.

Nellie’s Halloween Drag Brunch

Sunday, October 30
11 a.m.
Nellie’s Sports Bar
900 U Street, N.W.
$50
Eventbrite

Wear a costume and check out a Halloween-themed drag brunch at Nellie’s on Sunday.

Elevate: Halloween Drag Brunch

Sunday, October 30
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Officina
1120 Maine Avenue, S.W.
$25 (for drag show and complementary drink)
Website

Desiree Dik hosts a Halloween Drag Brunch at Officina on Sunday.

Spookiki: Be Golden, Girl!

Sunday, October 30
4 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
Facebook

Show off your group costumes at Spookiki on Sunday afternoon.

Halloween Movie Night: Beetlejuice

Sunday, October 30
6:30-8:30 p.m.
metrobar DC
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
Free
Facebook | Eventbrite

Watch the spooky season classic “Beetlejuice” among friends at metrobar DC on Sunday.

Halloween Party @ Freddie’s

Freddie’s Beach Bar (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Monday, October 31
6 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Facebook | Eventbrite

Come in costume to mingle at Freddie’s Beach Bar for a Halloween party hosted by Go Gay DC. It is free, but RSVP to help Freddie’s have a good count of who is coming. Bring a nonperishable food item along for the Arlington Food Assistance Center and party with a purpose.

Howl-o-ween Doggy Costume Pawty

Monday, October 31
7-11 p.m.
Aslin Beer Company
1740 14th Street, N.W.
Free / 21+
Facebook

Dress up your four-legged friend for a doggy costume party at Aslin Beer Company. Awards are given for cutest pooch, most original costume, human-dog costume combo and best in show. Judging begins at 8 p.m.

JR.’s Halloween Showtunes

Monday, October 31
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook

Citrine and Ricky Rosé perform at a special Halloween Edition of Monday Night Showtunes at JR.’s Bar. Showtunes start at 8 p.m. and the performances start at 10:30 p.m.

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Out & About

‘How to Survive a Plague’ screens June 5

Commemorating 45th anniversary of first report of AIDS

Published

3 days ago

on

May 27, 2026

By

(Image via IMDB)

June 5 marks the 45th anniversary of the first report of AIDS. To commemorate the occasion, Whitman-Walker Health is sponsoring a screening of the film “How to Survive a Plague” on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. at GWU Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., N.W.). 

The screening is free and you can register on Eventbrite. Other partners involved in the screening are the Center for Black Equity, Food & Friends, HIPS, and Us Helping Us.

After the film, attendees will head to Dupont Circle for a candlelight vigil at sunset.

The film reflects on lessons from the community-led response to the plague while honoring those lost to HIV and AIDS. It tells the story of activism and innovation about AIDS survival. Culled from a trove of archival footage, the film is epic and intimate, tracking a small group of people, most of them HIV-positive, in their nine-year-long battle to save their own lives, according to a statement from Whitman-Walker.

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Out & About

Here’s how to celebrate Black queer joy

Brunch and Day Party planned for Saturday

Published

1 week ago

on

May 22, 2026

By

(Photo by Whatawin/Bigstock)

Katrina Campbell-Frazier will host “Black Queer Joy: Brunch and Day Party” on Saturday, May 23 at 12 p.m. at Mixxed Food and Drinks. 

This event will bring together beautiful energy, music, games, and unforgettable moments — because joy like this deserves to be shared. 

Guests can expect unlimited rainbow mimosa flights, a “Build Your Pride” cocktail bar, full food menu and music by DJ Kei-Note K69, among other things. 

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

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Calendar

Calendar: May 22-28

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 week ago

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May 22, 2026

By

Friday, May 22

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

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, May 23

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, May 24

Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative will host “Sundae Tea: Legendary Community Talk-Back” at 6 p.m. at the Howard Theatre. This is a laid-back gathering where community vibes meet lively conversations. This legendary talk-back is your chance to share thoughts, hear stories, and connect with awesome people. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, May 25

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 books by queer authors. This month’s reading is “To Shape a Dragon’s Breath” by Moniquill Blackgoose For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Tuesday, May 26

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. 

Wednesday, May 27

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, May 28

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work 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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