Bars & Parties
Top LGBTQ events this week
Pride month begins with Black Pride, Latinx Pride 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.
Pride By the River Super Sunday

Sunday, May 28
12-8 p.m.
Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion
1500 Anacostia Drive, S.E.
Eventbrite
Viiv Healthcare, The Pride Center of Maryland, Gilead, DC Engage, and LIVE! Maryland Casinos +Hotels sponsor Pride by the River at Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion today until 8 p.m.
La Loca: Memorial Day Edition

Sunday, May 28
7 p.m.-3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Website
Enjoy Bunker’s LGBTQ Latinx night tonight.
Flashy Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday, May 28
10 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30
Facebook | Eventbrite
DJ Twin and Dean Sullivan bring the music for the Flashy Memorial Day Weekend edition tonight.
The PRIDE Sunday Night

Sunday, May 28
11 p.m.-4 a.m.
Space DC
1355 U Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
Have a night out at DC Black Pride’s main nightlife event at Space DC.
Pride in the Park

Monday, May 29
12-7 p.m.
Fort Dupont Park
Minnesota Avenue, S.E.
Free
Website
The annual cookout and festival at Fort Dupont Park will be held on Monday.
Reign Drag Variety Show

Monday, May 29
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Second floor
Logan Stone hosts “Reign” at DIK Bar on Monday.
Roof Top Closeout Party

Monday, May 29
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Public Bar Live
1214 18th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
DC Black Pride ends with a party at Public Bar Live on Monday.
JR.’s Showtunes

Monday, May 29
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Belt out your favorite showtunes among friends at JR.’s on Monday.
Goldilocks Trivia

Tuesday, May 30
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Hang out with friends with a game of trivia at JR.’s that isn’t too hard or too easy.
Daddy Issues

Wednesday, May 31
9 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
No Cover
Instagram
Crystal Edge hosts a weekly drag show at Kiki on Wednesday.
DC Brau Pride Pils Launch Party

Thursday, June 1
6-8 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Free
Eventbrite
The Washington Blade holds a party for the release of this year’s DC Brau Pride Pils at Red Bear Brewing on Thursday.
Inaugural Latinx Orgullo Reception

Thursday, June 1
7:30-9 p.m.
The REACH at the Kennedy Center
2700 F Street, N.W.
Free
Facebook | Tickets
The Latinx History Project presents the Latinx Orgullo Reception at the Kennedy Center on Thursday.
Latinx Pride Party

Thursday, June 1
10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook | Website
The Latinx History Project holds The DC Latinx Pride Party at Bunker on Thursday.
The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers Exhibition

Friday, June 2
5-7 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade cordially invite you to the opening of The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers.
DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of countless individuals throughout the years. In recognition of their indomitable courage and resilience, an inspiring exhibition titled “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers” will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, DC.
Pride Painting with Goats

Friday, June 2
6-7 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church
3313 Arlington Boulevard
Arlington, Va.
$45
Facebook | Eventbrite
Paint on a canvass alongside the herd from Walnut Creek Farm will attend to provide inspiration, pets, cuddles, snuggles, and love. A teacher will be present to guide you in your Pride painting.
Pride on the Porch Festival

Friday, June 2
6-9 p.m. / performances 7:30
Creative Suitland Arts Center
4719 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, Md.
Facebook | Eventbrite | Website
The Creative Suitland Arts Center presents Pride on the Porch in Suitland, Md. on Friday. The outdoor festival will feature live performances, a block party, a family and children’s activity area, vendors, resources, local businesses and more.
Kinky Bears

Friday, June 2
6-10 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No cover
Facebook
Join the Kinky Bears at UPROAR for an evening with DJ Popperz and $18 bottomless Bud Light on tap.
LIYT Nights and Drag Duel

Friday, June 2
6:30 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
Free-$130
Facebook | Eventbrite
Enjoy a live entertainment event with comedy, music, dance and more.
Capital Pride Honors

Friday, June 2
7 p.m
Penn Social
801 E Street, N.W.
$25-$60
Facebook | Tickets
The Capital Pride Alliance holds its annual awards ceremony at Penn Social on Friday.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Watch Party

Friday, June 2
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Citrine hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party at JR.’s Bar on Friday.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party

Friday, June 2
8-11:59 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Facebook
Desiree Dik hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party at Red Bear Brewing Company on Friday.
Capital Pride Womxn’s Kickoff Party

Friday, June 2
9 p.m.-3 a.m.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th Street, N.W.
21+ / Free
Facebook
Capital Pride has its official Pride Womxn’s Kickoff party at A League of Her Own on Friday.
LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff Social

Friday, June 2
7 p.m.
The Commentary
801 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC hosts a get-together at The Commentary in Arlington on Friday.
Drag Underground

Friday, June 2
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
$15-$20
Eventbrite
The popular Drag Underground show is held at Dupont Underground on Friday.
LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch

Saturday, June 3
10 a.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC holds a Pride Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday.
Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seatings
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 7th Street, S.E.
$38
Eventbrite
Logan Stone leads a Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch at Crazy Aunt Helen’s on Saturday with two showings.
Journey to Josiah’s Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. shows
The Eleanor DC
100 Florida Avenue, N.E.
$20
Eventbrite
Bombalicious Eklaver hosts a drag brunch fundraiser at The Eleanor DC on Saturday.
DC Drag Brunch

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Lima Twist
1411 K Street, N.W.
21+ / $23
Eventbrite
The DC Drag Show has moved from Harlot DC to Lima Twist for an upscale drag experience every Saturday at noon.
Baltimore Trans Pride

Saturday, June 3
12-9 p.m.
2117 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Md.
Facebook
The Baltimore Trans Pride 2023 Grand March is to be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday along North Charles Street between 22nd and 23rd. The Block Party continues at 3 p.m. with performances beginning at 4 p.m.
Afterparties are scheduled at The Crown (1901 North Charles Street) and Ottobar (2549 North Howard Street). Baltimore Safe Haven also hosts a kickoff ball on Friday, June 2 at 2640 Saint Paul Street at 6 p.m.
Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival

Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Inner West Street
Annapolis, Md.
Facebook
Annapolis Pride holds its annual parade and festival on Saturday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. on Inner West Street in Annapolis, Md.
Reston Pride Festival

Saturday, June 3
12-6 p.m.
1209 Washington Plaza
Lake Anne Plaza
Reston, Va.
Facebook
The 2023 Reston Pride Festival will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on Saturday.
Spirits & Beer Showcase with Republic Restoratives & DC Brau

Saturday, June 3
1-4 p.m.
Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
$22
Eventbrite
Join the Washington Blade and guest DJ Chord to taste and learn about local offerings from DC-based distillery Republic Restoratives and brewery DC Brau.
Alexandria Pride

Saturday, June 3
2-5 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Website
The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force presents the sixth annual Alexandria Pride at Alexandria City Hall in Market Square of Old Town Alexandria, Va. on Saturday.
Queering Sound

Saturday, June 3
2 p.m.
Rhizome DC
2969 Maple Street, N.W.
$10-$20
Facebook | Tickets
The QU23 music showcase features Afrofuturism, sonic deconstruction of 20th New Musik and experimental music by queer artists and allies on Saturday, June 3 at Rhizome DC.
Drag Story Hour w/D’Manda Martini

Saturday, June 3
3:30 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
Facebook
It’s Drag Story Hour at Red Bear Brewing on Saturday.
Art Out Loud: A Rooftop Pride Party

Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Selina Union Market
411 New York Avenue, N.E.
$25-$45
Facebook
District Fray presents the official Capital Pride event “Art Out Loud” Rooftop Pride Party at Selina on Saturday.
Tara Hoot’s Pride Bingo and a Show!

Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 8th Street, N.W.
$10
Facebook
Tara Hoot hosts a game of bingo and a show alongside Shelita Ramen on Saturday.
DC Rawhides Country Western Dancing

Saturday, June 3
7-11 p.m.
Eastern Market
225 7th Street, S.E.
$5 donation
Facebook
Learn how to do some Country Western dancing at Eastern Market on Saturday with the DC Rawhides.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Present: “DOLLY!”

Saturday, June 3
8-9:30 p.m.
and
Sunday, June 4
3-4:30 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre
1215 U Street, N.W.
$20-$65
Facebook | Tickets
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington present a Dolly Parton-themed show at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.
Pride Night OUT at the Washington Spirit

Saturday, June 3
8 p.m.
Audi Field
100 Potomac Avenue, S.W.
Website
Team DC holds a Night OUT at Audi Field with the Washington Spirit on Saturday.
Pride Glitter Roll

Saturday, June 3
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Hook Hall
3400 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
$15-$20
Facebook | Eventbrite
It’s time for a roller skating experience at Hook Hall. Enjoy the glitter and drink specials and bring your own skates.
Freddie’s Follies

Saturday, June 3
9 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Facebook
The weekly drag show, consistently one of the best in the city, always draws a crowd.
Unity: A Call for Club Colors- A Highwaymen TNT Bar Nite

Saturday, June 3
9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W
$15
Facebook
The Highwaymen TNT invite you to don your leather, Levi’s, shorts, tanks and gear for a night of Pride fun.
BENT: Pride 2023

Saturday, June 3
10 p.m.
9:30 Club
815 V Street, N.W
$25
Facebook
The 9:30 Club’s Pride party is always epic.
LGBTQ+ Pride Coffee & Conversation

Sunday, June 4
12 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC holds a coffee and conversation gathering at As You Are on Sunday.
Sisters Bingo w/The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Sunday, June 4
1 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
$20
Facebook | Tickets
The DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hold a bingo game at Red Bear Brewing on Sunday.
Bars & Parties
MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

“MIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn” will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis.
This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.
Bars & Parties
Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride
Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

Capital Pride will host “Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.
There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops.
To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.

Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall, a New Year’s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venue’s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in style—where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”
The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
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