Out & About
10 LGBTQ events this week
New Year’s Eve parties and more
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.
LGBTQ+ Pre-New Years Celebration

Friday, December 30
7-9 p.m.
Federico Ristorante Italiano
519 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite | Facebook
Join Go Gay DC for a night out with the community at Federico.
Disco Divas with Desi Minaj

Friday, December 30
Doors 7:30 p.m. ($5 cover before 10 p.m./$8 after 10 p.m.) 21+
The Lodge
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md.
Facebook
If you are out in Maryland, its a great time to party with your favorite queens at the Lodge.
Ring In the New Year

Saturday, December 31
All Day
Nellie’s Sports Bar
900 U Street, N.W.
Website
Get started early at Nellie’s for an all day NYE party.
New Year’s Eve Party at Kiki

Saturday, December 31
8 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
21+
Facebook
Ring in the new year with a champagne toast at midnight at Kiki.
A New Year in Studio 54!

Saturday, December 31
Doors 8 p.m. (Cover $9 before 10 /$15 after 10 p.m.) 21+
The Lodge
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md.
Facebook
Celebrate with a night of divas, decadence and dancing at the Lodge.
New Year’s Eve at Shaw’s Tavern

Saturday, December 31
9 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$100
Facebook | Tickets
Tickets include an open bar until 1 a.m., a DJ until 2 p.m., a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, a 12:30 a.m. breakfast buffet, as well as hats and noisemakers for all.
Candela NYE fiesta

Saturday, December 31
9 p.m.
Uproar Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
21+/ No Cover
Facebook
Catch a performance by Gigi and Mayline and ring in the new year at Uproar.
Red Bear NYE Ball!

Saturday, December 31
9 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Co.
209 M Street, N.E.
$25 [SOLD OUT]
Facebook | Eventbrite
While this fabulous event is sold out already, hopefully you already got your tickets and I’ll see you there.
Brand New Day VI

Saturday, December 31-Monday, January 2
Doors 9 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$40-$70
Facebook | Tickets
Party all night, all day and all night again (and catch the best DJs in the area and beyond) at an epic event at Flash.
New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch

Sunday, January 1
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S.
Arlington, Va.
Facebook | Reservations
Recuperate with some good food and good fun at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington.
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.
