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
Labor Day sees return of SunFestival to Rehoboth Beach
DJs, live auction, comedy and more planned for end-of-summer bash
Labor Day Weekend in Rehoboth Beach brings more than the end of summer — it brings the annual SunFestival celebration benefitting CAMP Rehoboth.
The weekend promises two nights of revelry with entertainers and nationally known DJs creating the “ultimate party to close out summer” Sept. 2-3.
Saturday’s $45 general admission tickets are sold out but you can join a waitlist at the event’s website. That ticket grants you access to a comedy show and an auction where you can bid on six experiences like an eight-day boat tour through Belgium and the Netherlands or a week’s stay in Lisbon, Portugal. Organizations have donated these experiences to CAMP to auction off, with all proceeds going to the organization.
The $95 pass to both nights is also sold out. But general admission tickets for the Sept. 3 dance party starting at 7 p.m. with DJs Robbie Leslie and Joe Gauthreaux remain available. CAMP Rehoboth promises a “state-of-the-art club-like atmosphere,” with new design elements and video imaging.
Visit camprehoboth.com for tickets and more information. The weekend’s schedule is below:
Saturday, Sept. 2: A Night of Comedy, Drag, and Song, plus a LIVE Auction! (Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. Auction and show promptly start at 7:30 p.m.) Featuring Dixie Longate and Randy Roberts.
Serving up Tupperware lady realness, join in Dixie’s living room party and all its hilarity. Randy Roberts brings thrills with uncanny impersonations of iconic female vocalists and cabaret.
Experience a night filled with laughter and song as these talented performers will lift your spirits and tickle your funny bone. And not to be missed: the live auction. Check out the live auction items camprehoboth.com/sunfest2023live.
Sunday Sept. 3: A Night of Dance. (Doors open at 7 p.m. Dance ends at 1 a.m.) Featuring DJ Robbie Leslie and DJ Joe Gauthreaux.
Both DJs will offer an unforgettable musical journey starting with classic mirror ball memories, dance floor anthems, and the latest club beats, according to a CAMP Rehoboth statement. Events are held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, which CAMP promises will be transformed “into the ultimate dance party to close out the summer.”
Bars & Parties
There’s a tea party in town — and it’s for the ladies
Hank’s Oyster Bar holds event in Dupont Circle
Hank’s Oyster Bar will host “Ladies Tea Party” on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. at its location at Dupont Circle.
The Ladies Tea Party at Hank’s Dupont Circle was created in 2015 as a safe space for lesbian and queer womxn to gather and meet over drinks on a monthly basis.
This event is free with no tickets or cover charge. More details are available on Hank’s website.
Bars & Parties
20 LGBTQ events June 11
Happy Pride! Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do today (Sunday, June 11) in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community. The biggest item on the list is the Capital Pride Festival today.
Capital Pride Official Afterhours Presented by Cherry Fund
Sunday, June 11
3:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$50
Eventbrite
The Cherry Fund presents the Capital Pride Official Afterhours in the wee hours of the morning at Flash from 3:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Unhinged Pride
Sunday, June 11
3:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Some tier 2 priority entry tickets available (includes clothes check) at $50
Tickets
Party early into the morning at Bunker at Unhinged Pride from 3:30 a.m.-9 a.m. There are some tier 2 priority entry tickets available (includes clothes check) at $50 on Bunker’s website.
Class Act Drag Brunch
Sunday, June 11
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sign of the Whale
1825 M Street, N.W.
$0-$100
Eventbrite
Wake up to Tiffany D. Carter leading the Class Act Drag Brunch at Sign of the Whale today.
Elevate Drag Brunch: Pride Edition
Sunday, June 11
11 a.m. seating
Officina at the Wharf
1120 Maine Avenue, S.W.
$25
Eventbrite
The Elevate Drag Brunch: Pride Edition has seatings at 11 a.m. this morning at Officina at the Wharf. Dabatha Christie hosts a show featuring Dustyn Dawn, Christina Doll, Nubia Love Jackson and Baphomette.
Brewed Up Drag Brunch
Sunday, June 11
12 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
$25
Eventbrite
Desiree Dik hosts the Brewed Up Drag Brunch Pride Brunch today at noon. Performers include Sweet Pickles, Thea Trickality, Laronica Vegas, Ricky Rosé.
Capital Pride Festival and Concert
Sunday, June 11
12-10 p.m. (Concert 1-8 p.m. / Sunset Dance Party 8-10 p.m.)
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Free (A few VIP tickets are available close to the Festival Stage for $55)
Website
The Capital Pride Alliance presents the 2023 Capital Pride Festival today from noon until 10 p.m. along Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. The event is free and open to the public, but you can purchase VIP passes from Capital Pride’s website to get closer to the stage for the concert. The Pride Concert is held from 1-8 p.m. with a Sunset Dance Party from 8-10 p.m.
Pride Fest Pregame
Sunday, June 11
12-4 p.m.
Dirty Habit DC
555 8th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Head over to the Dirty Habit DC for the Pride Fest Pregame party on today from noon to 4 p.m.
Shi-Queeta Lee’s Illusion Drag Brunch
Sunday, June 11
12-2 p.m.
H Street Country Club
1335 H Street, N.E.
$50
Eventbrite
Famed drag artist Shi-Queeta Lee headlines the Illusion Drag Brunch at H Street Country Club today from noon to 2.
Nellie’s Pride Drag Brunch
Sunday, June 11
1 p.m.
Nellie’s Sports Bar
900 U Street, N.W.
$50
Eventbrite
Nellie’s Sports Bar holds the Nellie’s Pride Brunch today at 1 p.m.
Pride Tea Dance
Sunday, June 11
1-5 p.m.
Republic Restoratives Distillery
1369 New York Avenue, N.E.
$10
Eventbrite
LGBTQ-owned Republic Restoratives Distillery is holding a Pride Tea Dance on today from 1-5 p.m.
Pride Artisan Market
Sunday, June 11
2-5 p.m.
Capitol Cider House
3930 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
The Pride Artisan Market is free and open to the public at Capitol Cider House from, 2-5 p.m. this afternoon.
Sunday Funday: Pride Week
Sunday, June 11
2 p.m.
The Dirty Goose
913 U Street, N.W.
Instagram
The Dirty Goose holds a Sunday Funday: Pride Week party starting at 2 p.m. this afternoon.
früt Tea Dance
Sunday, June 11
3 p.m.
Kiki
910 U Street, N.W.
Instagram
Kiki holds the früt Tea Dance starting at 3 p.m. this afternoon with DJ Lemz and DJ Jaxknife.
PRIDE Beer Bust
Sunday, June 11
3-9 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant has a rooftop Pride Beer Bust from 3-9 p.m. today with music from DJ Mike Babbitt.
LGBTQ+ Social
Sunday, June 11
4 p.m.
Puro Gusto Cafe
1345 F Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC hosts an LGBTQ+ Social today at 4 p.m. at Puro Gusto Cafe.
La Loca Pride Edition
Sunday, June 11
7 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
$10
Tickets
Celebrate Latinx culture at La Loca Pride Edition today starting at 7 p.m. at Bunker.
Pride in the Sky with Vanessa Vanjie Mateo
Sunday, June 11
8 p.m.
Hotel Zena
1155 14th Street, N.W.
$35-$75
Eventbrite
RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Vanessa Vanjie Mateo attends Pride in the Sky at Hotel Zena tonight.
Sunday Service at DC9: Charm City Takeover
Sunday, June 11
8 p.m.
DC9 Nightclub
1940 9th Street, N.W.
Instagram
Experience the drag variety review with special guest host Pariah Sinclair tonight at 8 p.m. at DC9 Nightclub.
Davon Hamilton Events/Impulse DC Pride Close-Out Party
Sunday, June 11
10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Sachi Nightclub
727 15th Street, N.W.
$0-$100
Eventbrite
Davon Hamilton Events and Impulse Group DC join forces to produce the DC Pride Close-Out Party on late tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday morning at Sachi Nightclub.
KINETIC: DiscoVERS with DJ Alexis Tucci
Sunday, June 11
10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Sax Restaurant
734 11th Street, N.W.
$40-$70
Facebook | Eventbrite
KINETIC Pride events conclude with KINETIC: DiscoVERS with DJ Alexis Tucci tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday morning at Sax Restaurant.
Virginia Beach high school students stage walkouts to support transgender rights
An exciting revival of ‘Evita’ at Shakespeare Theatre
State Department hosts intersex activists from around the world
Gay clone wonders if he’s part of an ant colony
Pepco, Exelon announce $2.7 million in funding for four minority-owned businesses
New Workforce Program Aims to Help Expand Economic Opportunity for the Trans Community
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