Out & About

Uptown Pride keeps it hyper local

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

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2024

Justin Noble

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.

Related Topics:District of Columbia LGBTQ Pride Petworth Pride 2024 Tara Hoot Uptown Pride

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Out & About

Tyler Clementi Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth

Special remarks to be given by Jane Clementi, Rep. McBride

Published

2 days ago

September 25, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Tyler Clementi died in 2010 by suicide. The foundation named for him is run by his parents and will host a fundraiser in Rehoboth Beach on Oct. 1. (Photo via Facebook)

To kick off National Coming Out Month, the Tyler Clementi Foundation will host a fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth in Delaware.

The event will feature special remarks by Jane Clementi and Rep. Sarah McBride. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to support the work of the Tyler Clementi Foundation to end online and offline bullying and harassment in schools, workplaces, and faith communities.

For more details, visit the Tyler Clementi Foundation’s Facebook page.

Calendar

Calendar: September 25-October 1

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 days ago

September 25, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, September 25

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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.

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event 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, September 26

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 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].

Sunday, September 27

“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets cost $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, September 28

“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. The Queer Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month to discuss queer books by queer authors. This month’s reading is “Happy Iceland” by Anne Marie Wells. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.

Tuesday, September 29

The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host “Center Aging: Painting Class” at 1 p.m. This is a free watercolor painting workshop that will be held in the community room and led by Laya Monarez. All supplies and light snacks will be provided. This workshop involves paint, so please dress accordingly. Email Mac at [email protected] for more details.

Wednesday, September 30

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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, October 1

The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. 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.

API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander queer community. The support group is co-sponsored by APIQS (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society DC) and AQUA (Asian Queers United for Action). For more details, email [email protected].

Out & About

A roundup of fall events not to be missed

Laverne Cox, Oktoberfest, arts celebrations, and more

Published

1 week ago

September 18, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Laverne Cox discusses her new memoir at the Baltimore Book Fest on Sept. 19. ('Transcendent' book cover image via Amazon)

Colder temperatures don’t mean you have to stay indoors — here’s a roundup of what to do this fall.

Laverne Cox will discuss her memoir, “Transcendent,” with Dr. Melanie Bryant on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Book Fest. Cox will share her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.

Dacha Beer Garden will launch its longest and loudest Oktoberfest yet on Friday, Sept. 18. This will be 17 consecutive days of Bavarian festivities across both locations — the original Shaw beer garden and the 800-person Navy Yard garden — running through Sunday, Oct. 4. On opening night, DC Brau will tap the ceremonial first keg and then Manuela Horn, the six-foot-two Austrian yodel queen, will trade sets with Johnny Koenig and his four-piece band in a live back-and-forth of yodeling, polka, and crowd games that can only be described as Oktoberfest ping pong.

Fay Jacobs will host “Aging Gracefully: 2nd Annual Farewell Tour” on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. This show will feature a new script with lots of new stories, and only a couple of “signature” tales.

Capital One Center will host its “Celebration of the Arts” starting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at its location in Tysons, Va. There will be art, music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment. This curated experience invites you to engage with hands-on workshops, immersive art activations, and live performances. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Spark Social will host “open Mic Night” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances at Spark Social. Sign Ups are first-come-first-serve,, but you can also message the venue on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. Tickets are $13.26 and are available on Eventbrite.

Howard University’s School of Social Work will host “Intergenerational Trauma in the BIPOC Community and the Use of Art” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. This in-person, interactive workshop explores the role of art as a creative and supportive tool for understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma. Participants will examine the meaning and impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular attention to its historical roots and ongoing effects within Black and other BIPOC communities. More details are available on Eventbrite.

9:30 Club will host “BERTHA: Grateful Drag” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The group has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes to SMYAL and their work supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. Tickets are available on 9:30 Club’s website.

Steve Lacy’s “Oh Yeah?” tour is coming to The Anthem on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on The Anthem’s website.

Rapper Cupcakke will perform at Howard Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. More details are available on the theater’s website.

Team DC will host “Open Play: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Athletes and Sports Fans” on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Trade. Join Athlete Ally, Team DC and District Wrestling for a casual, in-person mixer as they celebrate LGBTQ+ sports fans and athletes at all levels of the game. Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ+ recreational league or just love watching sports, this is the place to connect, celebrate, and share the love of the game with other queer athletes, fans, business leaders, policymakers and more. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “2026 LGBT Intergenerational Extravaganza” on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m.This is an event to connect, build relationships, and have fun with LGBTQ folks from other generations, and it will include lunch, an intergenerational dialogue and breakout sessions. More details are available on Eventbrite.