Out & About
10 LGBTQ events this week
Bunker opening, Golden Girls, Anetra and honoring Budd among highlights
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+ Mardi Gras

Tuesday, February 21
6 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant
555 23rd Street South
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite | Facebook
A couple events are taking place marking Mardi Gras at Freddie’s tonight. One event hosted by Go Gay DC starts at 6 and another hosted by AGLA starts at 7. Stop on by Freddie’s for a Mardi Gras party.
Toast to LGBTQ+ Elders: Earline Budd

Wednesday, February 22
5 p.m.
Atlas Theater
1333 H Street, S.E.
Free
Eventbrite
The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs is hosting a toast to LGBTQ+ Elders featuring activist Earline Budd on Wednesday.
Anetra at Pitchers

Wednesday, February 22
Meet & Greet 9 p.m. / Show 10 p.m.
Pitchers DC
2317 18th Street, N.W.
21+ / no cover
Facebook
Meet your “Drag Race” fave Anetra and catch a show with Cake Pop!, Venus Valhalla, Amber St. Lexington and Citrine on Wednesday at Pitchers DC. Arrive a little early to secure your spot in the meet & greet.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

Thursday, February 23
7:30 p.m.
Warner Theatre
513 13th Street, N.W.
$49-$103
Tickets
The “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” show comes to D.C.! Get your tickets now to watch the side-splitting spectacular.
Mother Bunker

Friday, February 24
7-9 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
no cover
Instagram
D.C.’s newest LGBTQ venue has an opening weekend packed with events. One highlight: a drag show with everyone’s favorite Bombalicious Eklaver. Check out the new dance club with no cover between 7-9 ($20 cash only after 9).
Drag Extravaganza Fundraiser

Friday, February 24
7-10 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | RSVP
Members of AQUA DC dress in drag and hold a fundraiser at UPROAR on Friday.
Candela! Neon Latin Fiesta

Saturday, February 25
9 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
21+ / no cover
Facebook
DJ Milko spins at the Neon Latin Fiesta Candela! on Saturday.
The Jump Off

Saturday, February 25
11 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Dance to a throwback “Cobalt” set (remember the LGBTQ dance venue from back in the day?) at Trade with JJ202 and Keenan Orr.
Drag Brunch Party

Sunday, February 26
Doors 12 p.m. / Show 1 p.m.
Casta’s Cuban Rum Bar
1121 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
$25
Eventbrite
Casta’s is dipping their toe into the drag brunch scene with its first ever show led by KC B. Yoncé featuring Ty Dupp, Mari Con Carne and Stella Ray.
Hello Betty Valentine’s Edition

Sunday, February 26
Seating 11 a.m. / Show 12 p.m.
Hello Betty Bethesda
940 Rose Avenue
North Bethesda, Md.
Facebook | Reservation
Have a last look at Valentine’s with a drag show at Hello Betty hosted by Dustyn Dawn and Sirene Noir Sidora Jackson featuring Vee Vee majesty and Chanel Belladonna.
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.
