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Fundraisers, block parties, art, wine and more events coming to our area

Enjoy the best of the season’s entertainment

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2 years ago

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Out comedian Sampson McCormick returns for a local engagement Sept. 19. (Photo courtesy Kola for 510 Media)

Temperatures are dropping, leaves are turning orange, and the sun is setting earlier. But life in D.C. is still vibrant with a variety of arts events for the coming months.

Shop Made in DC will host “Wine & Watercolors” on Friday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. at Shop Made in DC’s Georgetown location. Guests will enjoy two complimentary glasses of wine while making watercolor art inspired by one of the shop’s designs. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

Artbae will host “Intimate Encounters Art Show: Exploeing the Art of Intimacy & Connection” on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. at Selina Union Market. This event will raise awareness about HIV and sexual health while taking guests on a sensory adventure where they dive into the vulnerability of touch. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Sweet Water Gallery will host “Water in the African Sky” starting Sunday Sept. 17 at 12 p.m. at Wharf Street. This abstract exhibit by Franklin Eze will showcase works by African artists celebrating unique beauty and richness through an abstract scope. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Award-winning, Black LGBTQ comedian Sampson McCormick will perform on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at DC Comedy Loft. McCormick uses humor and nuance to help audiences process life challenges and human differences regarding race, religion, and sexuality. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on DC Comedy Loft’s website. 

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble will present “Music of the Night,” a series of three concerts starting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist. The concert program will feature songs “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Moondance,” and “A Hard Day’s Night.” Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased on CAMP Rehoboth’s website.

LGBTQ bar Shakers will host “MX Shakers,” a drag competition in which queens will start competing on Wednesday, Sept. 20. The competition will be hosted by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Tatianna. Along with Tatianna, the challenge will feature judges Evry Pleasure, King Molasses and Alexa Shontelle.

The 20th Annual DC Shorts International Film Festival begins on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at JxJ’s Cafritz Hall and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC. At least 135 films from 20 countries will be screened. There will also be parties, eight panel discussions, and filmmaker talkback after many of the showcase screenings. For more details, visit the festival’s website. 

The Anthem will host Janelle Monaé on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. as part of their “Age of Pleasure” tour. Tickets start at $144 and can be purchased on The Anthem’s website. 

The Art League will host “Art on the Rocks” on Friday, Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park. This event showcases talented local mixologists and chefs competing to create artistic cocktail and appetizer pairings inspired by art. Tickets cost $70 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

9:30 club will host “Gasolina: Reggaeton Party” on Friday, Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased on 9:30 Club’s website. 

Union Stage will host “Look What You Made Me Do: Taylor Swift Dance Party” on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 10:30 p.m. at Howard Theatre. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased on Howard Theater’s website. 

The Human Rights Campaign hosts its annual National Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the D.C. Convention Center. Tickets are sold out but you can join a waitlist at hrcnationaldinner.org. 

CAMP Rehoboth hosts its 2023 Block Party on the second block of Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Local restaurants, entertainers, businesses, and nonprofits will participate. All ages are welcome. Admission is free; donations benefit the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.

Capital Cabaret’s Annual Fall Gala and Raffle will be on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Carlysle Room. The event will feature performances from Broadway star Susan Derry and local D.C. cabaret artists. Tickets cost $150. For more details, email [email protected]. 

SMYAL hosts its 26th annual Fall Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Marriott Marquis. Tickets at smyal.org. The event includes a cocktail reception featuring a silent auction, a three-course brunch, and a chance to hear from some of the community’s most inspiring leaders.

Sweet Honey in the Rock will perform on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s College of Maryland Dodge Performing Arts Center. The group is a performance ensemble rooted in African-American history and culture. It educates, entertains and empowers its audience and community through the dynamic vehicles of a cappella singing and American Sign Language interpretation for the Deaf and hard of hearing. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

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Calendar

Calendar: February 13-19

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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4 days ago

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February 13, 2026

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Friday, February 13

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at noon at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour Meetup” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Women in their Twenties and Thirties will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the D.C. area. For more details, visit the group on Facebook. 

Saturday, February 14

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community 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.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host a screening of “Love and Pride” at 1:30 p.m. This event is a joy-filled global streaming celebration honoring queer courage, Pride, and the power of love. It’s a bold celebration of courage and community — a fearless reminder of what we’ve overcome, how love is what makes us unstoppable, and how we have always turned fear into fierce. For more details, visit the Center’s website. 

Sunday, February 15

LGBTQ+ Community Coffee and Conversation will be at 12 p.m. at As You Are. This event is for people looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ community. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, February 16

Queer Book Club will be at 7:00p.m. on Zoom. This month’s read is “Faebound” by Saara El-Arifi. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

“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]).

Tuesday, February 17

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Wednesday, February 18

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.

Thursday, February 19

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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, breath work 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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Out & About

Celebrate Black History Month

LGBTQ+ Community Center to host series of events

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2 weeks ago

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February 6, 2026

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‘Paris is Burning’ is screening as part of Black History Month commemorations at the DC Center. (File photo courtesy of Reel Affirmations)

In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.

The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities. 

On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.

The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer. 

For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.

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Calendar

Calendar: February 6-12

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 weeks ago

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February 6, 2026

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Friday, February 6

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Saturday, February 7

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community 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.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. 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, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, February 8

DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, February 9

“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]).

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, February 10

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 is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Wednesday, February 11

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.

Thursday, February 12

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm 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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