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10 LGBTQ events this week

Bunker opening, Golden Girls, Anetra and honoring Budd among highlights

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Events this week include (from left) the new LGBTQ dance club Bunker opening, a 'Golden Girls' performance at Warner Theatre; Anetra of RuPaul's Drag race performing at Pitchers and a ceremony to honor activist Earline Budd. (Photo of the Golden Girls courtesy of MP Present; photo of Anetra via Facebook; Washington Blade photo of Budd 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.


LGBTQ+ Mardi Gras

(Photo via Facebook)

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

“Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” cast (Photo by MP Present)

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.


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Music & Concerts

Berkshire Choral to commemorate Matthew Shepard’s life

Concert held at Washington National Cathedral

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Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ will be performed at the Washington National Cathedral. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Berkshire Choral International will present a concert performance of composer Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral. 

The program will be guest conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Benson, a native of the DMV who currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. The concert is a partial benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Notably, Matthew’s remains are interred at the National Cathedral and his parents, Dennis and Judy, will give opening remarks at the performance.

Tickets are $20 – $65, and 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Tickets are only available online at berkshirechoral.org

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Calendar

Calendar: June 26-July 2

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, June 26

“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Bingo” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Saturday, June 27

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month 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.

Art Roving will host “Where Color Meets Spectrum: Blackness, Queerness & Tomorrow” at 200 I St., S.E. This is a panel discussion with Queer Art salon artists Nikki Brooks, Maps Glover & Chrys Seawood, moderated by artist and curator Brittany Mona’. The Queer Art Salon exhibition is on view from June 13 – August 1, 2025 and funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Art Exhibition Grant program. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge will host “DC Drag brunch on Rooftop – Penthouse” at 12 p.m. Guests can enjoy delicious French cuisine. The event will be hosted by Miss Capital Pride. Tickets cost $30.65 and are available on Eventbrite

Sunday, June 28

Jonathan Van Ness will host a masterclass at 10 a.m. at Dupont Circle Hotel. Enjoy refreshments and community as Jonathan showcases styling techniques for a range of hair types—helping you create a gallery-worthy look that’s truly, beautifully yours. A portion of ticket sales will benefit SMYAL, a local nonprofit that has been supporting LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. for more than 40 years. Tickets are available 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 details, email [email protected]

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more information, email [email protected]

Tuesday, June 30

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website

Wednesday, July 1

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

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Out & About

Baltimore Orioles Pride Night set for June 25

First 15,000 fans to receive jersey

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(Washington Blade file photo by Kevin Majoros)

Baltimore Orioles Pride Night will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:35 p.m. at Orioles Park at Camden Yards. 

Festivities include immersive Pride decorations, pregame music, crafts, face painting, Pride merchandise, and more. The first 15,000 fans will receive an Orioles Pride jersey. Tickets are available on the Orioles’ website

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