Bars & Parties
20 LGBTQ events June 9
Capital Pride Official Opening Party at Echostage tonight
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do today in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community. This is a list from June 9. To see today’s list, click here.
The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present D.C. Changemakers
Friday, June 9 | Saturday, June 10 | Sunday June 11
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
The Washington Blade and Dupont Underground present an exhibit honoring “D.C. Changemakers” of the LGBTQ community at Dupont Underground on dates throughout June. For a full list of dates and times the exhibit is open, click here.
PRIDE: Free to Feel Good!
Friday, June 9
5 p.m.-2 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
DJ Darryl Strickland and DJ Popperz are the featured DJs at the Free to Feel Good Pride Kickoff Rally on the Rooftop at UPROAR Lounge and restaurant today. The event starts at 5 p.m. and runs into the morning.
Pride Pregame @201
Friday, June 9
5-8 p.m.
201 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.
$12
Eventbrite
Go to 201 Massachusetts for a Pride pregame with drinks, food and karaoke tonight at 5 p.m.
30th annual DC DYKE MARCH
Friday, June 9
6:30 p.m.
Lafayette Square
Pennsylvania Avenue and 16th Street, N.W.
Facebook
The DC Dyke March is a running tradition in the District. This year, it will be at Lafayette Square at 6:30 tonight. The theme this year is “Dykes for Trans Rights.”
Culture of P R I D E
Friday, June 9
7-10 p.m.
DCity Smokehouse
203 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
Looking for a thoughtful evening? Check out some Pride poetry by JK Putnam and TrUth Speaks Volumes at DCity Smokehouse tonight at 7 p.m.
DC Frontrunners Pride Run 5K
Friday, June 9
7 p.m.
Congressional Cemetery
1801 E Street, S.E.
Website
While it is too late to register to run, there is plenty of fun to be had at the DC Frontrunners Pride Run 5K today. Cheer on your friends at a truly unique Pride tradition!
LGBTQ+ Pride Social in the City
Friday, June 9
7 p.m.
Hotel Zena
1155 14th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC meets up tonight at Hotel Zena for an LGBTQ+ Pride Social in the City at Hotel Zena. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends.
PRIDE @ Metrobar
Friday, June 9
7 p.m.
Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
Eventbrite
The popular outdoor venue Metrobar is holding a Pride event of its own with music from Zach Benson, Bryce Bowyn, Synae and DJ Franxx with a drag show featuring the Washington Blade’s 2022 Best Drag King Molasses, Ruth Allen Ginsberg and Sirene Noir Sidora Jackson. Cabana spots are sold out (they ran at $60 for a table of 8), so find a free seat and enjoy the show!
Love is Love: A Friday Night Celebration
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Reservations
DJ DJ brings the music to a no cover Friday night Pride event, “Love is Love,” at Shaw’s Tavern.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party at Bunker with Jiggly Caliente
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Instagram
There are lots of places to watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” tonight, but only one nightspot with Jiggly Caliente of RPDR Season 4 as a special guest.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party at Dirty Goose
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
The Dirty Goose
913 U Street, N.W.
Instagram
Crystal Edge hosts a “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” at The Dirty Goose tonight alongside RPDR Season 2 and All-Stars 2 contestant Tatianna.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party at JR.’s with Citrine
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Citrine leads the festivities at JR.’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party tonight.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars 8” Viewing Party at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Friday, June 9
8 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Facebook
Desiree Dik is joined by “some of the best performers in the DMV” for Red Bear Brewing Company’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party.
Drag Underground
Friday, June 9
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
$15-$20
Eventbrite
The Washington Blade brings back Drag Underground for a Pride show at Dupont Underground tonight. Performers include Cake Pop!, Gigi Paris Couture, Kabuki Bukkake and Delia B. Lee.
RIOT! The Capital Pride Official Opening Party
Friday, June 9
9 p.m.-3:30 a.m.
Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel Road, N.E.
$45
Website
The Capital Pride Alliance holds its huge Official Opening Party at Echostage tonight starring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 5 and “All Stars 2” favorite Alaska and features Tatianna of RPDR Season 2/All Stars 2 and model Beaux Banks.
Bollywood Pride! LGBTQ+ Dance Party
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.
Bulldog DC
713 H Street, N.W.
$5 online / $10 door
Eventbrite
The Bollywood Pride LGBTQ+ Dance Party is tonight at 10 at Bulldog DC. The event is 21+ and features Bollywood and Bhangra beats by DJ DynAmite.
DTF
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
VIP express entry sold out / $20 cash only at door
Website
Bunker’s Pride events continue with “DTF” tonight. The event features Diego Barros with house music provided by Conner Curnick. Doors open at 8, but the party doesn’t really start until after 10.
ICONS Dance Party: A Pride Celebration
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Baja Tap Bar
2436 18th Street, N.W.
21+
Eventbrite
Baja Tap holds an epic dance party tonight featuring a soundtrack of LGBTQ icons: from George Michael to Judy Garland to Beyoncé and Kylie Minogue. The first 50 guests to arrive receive a free glass of champagne. Be sure to take a selfie at the PRIDE Photo Wall.
Jasmine Juke Joint Capital Pride Show and Dance
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.-4 a.m.
4707 Raleigh Road
Marlow Heights, Md.
$20
Eventbrite
Head out to Marlow Heights, Md. for a night of fun at the Jasmine Juke Joint Pride Show and Dance.
MIXTAPE Pride Party
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.
9:30 Club
815 V Street, N.W.
$25
Facebook | Tickets
MIXTAPE celebrates its 15th anniversary with a massive Pride party at the 9:30 Club tonight. Music is provided by DJs Matt Bailer, Khelan Bhatia, Diyanna Monet, and Pwrpuff.
UNCUT XL Pride
Friday, June 9
10 p.m.-4 a.m.
REPUBLIQ Nightclub
2122 24th Place, N.E.
$50-$90 (or purchase weekend pass).
Facebook | Eventbrite
KINETIC Pride events produce “UNCUT XL” at REPUBLIQ tonight. There is a clothes check and play zones. DJ Abel brings the music to this Capital Pride Partner event.
Hot Summer Pride
Friday, June 9
11 p.m.-3 a.m.
DC9 Nightclub
1940 9th Street, N.W.
$0-$10
Eventbrite
DC9 holds a Pride disco party inspired by the music of Donna Summer tonight.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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