Arts & Entertainment
3 Reasons Why We Can’t Wait For Sawasdee DC Thai Festival
This Independence Day weekend, you’ll be happy you stayed in town.
On Sunday, July 2, the Thai Embassy is hosting Sawasdee DC on the National Mall to celebrate 190 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States. With a star-studded line-up of performers, delicious food vendors, and ample activities to enjoy, it’s sure to be a festival unlike any other.
Sawasdee DC will take place from 10 am to 6 pm, on 3rd/4th Street of the National Mall. It features Thai pop performers, New Orleans Jazz music, Thai massage, traditional food and dance, a Muay Thai demonstration, and more.
Here are three reasons we are especially excited for Sawasdee DC!

1. Dance to Thai pop’s first LGBTQ+ group among a star-studded musical lineup Thailand’s first LGBTQ+ pop group, 4mix, will take to the stage for their first performance in Washington, DC.
Their upbeat music, affirming lyrics, and gender non-conformity have made 4mix explosively popular among fans. Since their debut in May, 2021, the band has taken the music world by storm, with a fanbase that stretches from Thailand, to Latin America, and beyond.
4Mix is just one of many talented performers on the Sawasdee DC lineup. The Thai pop singer Ally will make her Washington, DC debut, too, and Wendell Brunious will lead the New Orleans Quintet in a performance to honor the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej was a lover of jazz music and composed dozens of jazz songs himself. Brunious, who once performed for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, will play a selection of songs written by the late king. For this reason, Brunious’ performance at Sawasdee DC will be especially meaningful.

2. Pick up some Muay Thai tips from Thailand’s most famous kickboxer Musicians won’t be the only stars to grace the Sawasdee DC stage.
Buakaw Banchamek is joining the lineup of performers for a Muay Thai demonstration in his first appearance in Washington, DC.
Banchamek has earned global renown for his championship-winning Muay Thai, and is considered one of the best kickboxers in Thailand’s history. With a career spanning more than 290 wins and several championship titles, Banchamek is known for his work ethic and credited with Muay Thai’s recent growth in global popularity.
The Thai Embassy is thrilled to welcome this kickboxing legend to the District for the first time!

3. Celebrate many different aspects of Thai culture
Food, traditional dance, Thai massages — you name it! Sawasdee DC will feature a wide range of entertainers, vendors and activities that celebrate Thai culture.
Throughout the performances, an array of delicious food vendors will prepare a wide variety of traditional Thai dishes for attendees to enjoy as they watch traditional Thai dancers and other performing artists. Afterward, explore the broad range of activities at Sawasdee DC, including a Thai massage.
Want to learn more about the festival? Visit www.sawasdeedcthaifestival.com for a closer look at the fun that awaits at Sawasdee DC. We can’t wait to see you there!

Team DC will host its annual holiday party on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Trade. This event will celebrate Team DC’s sports community, athletes, and Team DC’s accomplishments this past year. Food will be catered by Seasons, and there will be a clothing drive to benefit the DC Center for the LGBT Community.
To RSVP, visit Team DC’s Instagram page.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
Friday, December 5
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].
The DC Anti-Violence Project at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host its second annual open mic event, “Queer Voices: Unwavering” at 7 p.m. This event aims to create a space that allows the LGBTQ community to honor queer siblings of all communities, mourn those lost, and celebrate the power and love in our community. If you are interested in attending or performing, visit this link.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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, December 6
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Fueling Our Future” at 7 p.m. This will be a night of purpose, community, and impact and an evening filled with good food, great music, and even better company. Guests will get to enjoy a delicious menu from Right Proper Brewing Company, sip your favorite drinks at the open bar, and enjoy live performances by the amazing Preston Hawes, Tetyana Royzman, Dan Zhang, and Susanna Mendlow. Tickets cost $110 and are available on the DC Center’s website. Funds raised will support the DC Center’s Social and Human Services.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Monday, December 8
“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]).
“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, December 9
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group 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].
Wednesday, December 10
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 thedccenter.org/careers.
“Movement for Healing with Felicia Taliaferro” will be at 3 p.m. This is a space for nervous system nourishment and embodied restoration. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, December 11
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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
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