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Uptown Pride keeps it hyper local

Live music, beer garden, drag story hour, and more set for June 15

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2 years ago

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This year’s Uptown Pride is set for June 15.

Uptown Pride is Saturday, June 15 from 2-7 p.m. at 5500 Colorado Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C.

We will have live music, a beer garden, drag story hour with Petworth’s own Tara Hoot, kids’ activities, musical performances, and a queer writers reading.

Can you share the origin story of Uptown Pride? What inspired its founding?

Uptown Pride was created when jointly (but mostly Max) came up to a gullible Justin after a few glasses of rosé and asked for his hand in planning. But for real – while the larger Pride is wonderful and should be attended, the smaller community-based Pride events are also important and vital for the nodes within D.C.’s vibrant communities to have our voices heard for our LGBTQ families, friends, and especially your young ones, and those that are perhaps not comfortable yet announcing themselves. 

We formed Uptown Pride to make a community-driven festival serving the greater ‘Uptown’ community of upper Petworth, Brightwood park areas of D.C. so that families in the area can participate in an event for the entire family — an event that uplifts and also gives back to a charitable organization.

What are some of the key events and activities organized by Uptown Pride?

With this being our second year of the event – we have our staple of Miss Tara Hoot – Petworth’s own Totter Queen. She has a Drag Story Hour for the children and it is well received and attended. Our community has lots of families so we pay close attention to incorporating children’s events like Tara, family yoga with Lighthouse Yoga, large yard games etc. We also have a crowd favorite 50/50 raffle that gives back to the community – the proceeds from this raffle 100% go toward our charity of choice for that year and 99.9% of the prizes come from businesses along Kennedy Street, upper 14th and Upshur Street, N.W. – truly supporting our community.

How can community members get involved with Uptown Pride as volunteers?

Community members can find out more info about volunteering or donating by visiting our website at UptownPrideDC.com

What impact has Uptown Pride had on the local LGBTQ community since its inception?

Each year we select a charity for our 50/50 raffle prizes, a portion of T-shirt sales and booth rentals to go toward. Last year it was the Trevor Project and we raised more than $4,000. Keep in mind that last year we began planning the festival with less than three months time from start to finish. This year we have chosen DMV-based SMYAL as our charity of choice.

How does Uptown Pride address the specific needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Upper Northwest DC?

This year we have a wider program planned. While we have the DJs planned, the vendors market and family yoga, we also have DC Scores young athlete poets scheduled to recite their works about their life in D.C. and beyond, coupled with performances by Sisterfire/Roadwork and a Queer Gay Writers Reading to speak to a more historical place within the  LGBTQ+ world.

How does Uptown Pride collaborate with other local organizations?

We reach out to local businesses, non-profits, and D.C.-based orgs to see how we can best help each other grow together. Each year we identify a charity to fund with proceeds from the event. The vendor booth rentals, raffle funds, and more are donated to the charity of choice. We also liaise with local businesses up and down our local business corridors to ensure they are aware of the charities we are working with — most businesses choose to provide a percentage donation each Pride month to the charity we have chosen. We firmly believe in our D.C. roots and keeping things hyper local.

In what ways can local businesses and individuals support Uptown Pride’s mission

The only way we are able to put on the event that we do is through donations and sponsorships from business owners, nonprofits and community members throughout D.C. with a special focus on the Uptown neighborhoods. Every year we put on this festival to create an inclusive space and raise funds to donate to a local charity. Without your support we would be unable to do this. 

Alternatively, volunteering and offering your time is also a huge help as we are a 100% volunteer-based event and planning committee so if you would live to give back and be involved in that way, we welcome you to reach out on our website.

What message would you like to share with the broader D.C. community about Uptown Pride and its mission?

Uptown Pride is unwavering in its commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and uplifting environment for the LGBTQ community in D.C. Through the collective efforts of our volunteers and the engagement of our community, we strive to be a beacon of acceptance, understanding, and pride in the heart of Uptown. We focus on our six pillars which are Community Unity, Inclusive Advocacy, Educational Initiatives, Educational Initiatives, Cultural Celebrations and Volunteerism and Service.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243,  [email protected] or BurnsandNoble.com.

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Calendar: January 23-29

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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5 days ago

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January 23, 2026

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Friday, January 23

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.

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. 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]. 

Saturday, January 24

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.

Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You do not need to be a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter or the Beta Phi Omega Sorority in order to join, but they do ask that you either identify as a lesbian or are questioning that aspect of your identity. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Monday, January 26

“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]).

Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s books are “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” by Sara Raasch and “Transgender History” by Susan Stryker. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Tuesday, January 27

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. 

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.

Wednesday, January 28

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.

Asexual and Aromantic Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. Currently, this group is a meeting place for both identities, but we realize that as time passes, the groups may choose to host individual meetings.For more details, email [email protected]. 

Thursday, January 29

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

Love board games and looking for love?

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2 weeks ago

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January 16, 2026

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(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC. 

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment. 

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

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Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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2 weeks ago

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January 16, 2026

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Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

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 LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP. 

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 will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“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, January 20

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.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

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, January 22

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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