Out & About
25 LGBTQ events this week
High Heel Race among highlights of Halloween week
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
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.
Friday, June 26
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].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
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.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are 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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the 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 The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Oriole Park.
The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Pride Night Orioles jersey. The Washington Blade is a media sponsor of this event.
To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Out & About
Writers’ association hosts Capital Love LitFest
Inaugural literary salon scheduled for Sunday
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House (WWPH), the nation’s longest continuously operating cooperative nonprofit literary press, will present the inaugural “Capital Love LitFest” on Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md.
Designed as a full-day literary salon and cultural gathering, the event will feature more than 25 writers, nine workshops, and panel discussions, readings, and conversations centered on love, relationships, identity, healing, creativity, and connection in divisive times. Admission is pay-what-you-can, beginning at free.
The LitFest celebrates the release of “Capital Love,” WWPH’s new anthology featuring 55 writers from across the DMV, including contributors from Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The pocket-sized collectible anthology explores love in its many forms through poetry and prose and serves as a literary response to today’s social and political climate.
For more details, visit Washington Writers’ website.
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