Out & About
Don’t hibernate this fall, check out these local events instead
SMYAL Brunch, drag events, RuPaul highlight busy season
Temperatures are dropping and the summer hangover is now in full effect. But that doesn’t mean you should hibernate this fall. Here’s a list of D.C.-area events you should check out in the coming months.
Sip and Paint USA will host “The Drag Queen Paint Experience” on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets cost $47.19 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
HRC National Dinner is Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Washington Hilton. Tickets are sold out but there’s a wait list available at hrc.org.
The Wanda Alston Foundation’s 2025 Fall Reception is Friday, Sept. 19 at The Wharf DC. Tickets are available at wandaalstonfoundation.org.
Plaza Artist Materials DC will host “Art Afternoon with Alex: Channeling Basquiat” on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing. This will be the first in a series of exploring the artworks of other artists by vibing their amazing unique styles. Basquiat’s raw, vibrant, expressive abstract street art combined with written word has made him an iconic artist. The event will feature products from Speedball & Posca. Tickets cost $30.23 and are available on Eventbrite.
SMYAL Fall Brunch will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Marriott Marquis featuring silent auction, cocktail reception, and seated brunch. Tickets are available at smyal.org.
Velvet Allure Cabaret will host “Art of Seduction Burlesque and Variety Show” on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Creative Suitland Arts Center. This will be a night of burlesque, aerial arts, body painting, art, food, raffles and more. The Art of Seduction is more than a show—it’s an immersive experience designed to ignite your senses and captivate your imagination. Cocktail attire is required, tickets cost $65.87 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Cagedbirds will host “The GAY Best Man” on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Chateau Inc. This is an original play in tribute to the classic ‘90s film, but with an LGBTQ twist. This is a funny and thought-provoking story of friendship, romance and drama. Tickets cost $39.19 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Summer’s Last Glow: Rooftop Soirée” on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. at Space DC Restaurant and Lounge. This is an opportunity to soak up the last golden hours of summer together before fall fully arrives — for a night that starts with connection and ends with a dance party under the stars. DJ AROB will perform and bring her signature blend of throwback jams and current hits. Tickets cost $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Les Folies Derrière will host “You Can’t Strip With Us: A Burlesque Tribute to ‘Mean Girls’” on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at DC Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern. Slip into your (pink) camo pants and flip-flops and come join Callie Pigeon and friends for this fetch burlesque and variety revue! Tickets cost $23.18 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
The Howard Theatre will host “BUTT TOOT KING” featuring Lydia Kollins, Suzie Toot, and Kori King” on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. General admission tickets cost $44.47 and can be purchased on the Howard Theatre’s website.
Echo Stage will host “RuPaul DJ Set” on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10 p.m. There will be performances by Ed Bailey and Glitterati. Tickets start at $69.15 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Impulse DC will host “Sexy and Silver” on Friday, Sept. 19 at The Gathering Spot. There will be conversation, music, and community—bridging generations of LGBTQ+ men with pride and joy. There will also be on-site wellness resources; HIV/STI testing info, PrEP & DoxyPEP info, harm reduction tools, and mental health support—seamlessly blended into the experience. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Pride SoMD will host its 8th Annual Pride Festival on Sunday, Oct 12 at 11 a.m. at Lexington Manor Passive Park. This year’s theme is “Existence is Resistance.” The festival will feature a diverse lineup of LGBTQ+ small businesses, community resources, a variety of vendors, food trucks, a dedicated kids zone, live entertainment from a DJ and more. For more details, visit Pride SoMD’s website.
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.
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.
Friday, November 28
“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].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar. 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, November 29
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 delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, November 30
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation” at 12 p.m. at As You Are. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy stimulating conversation. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, December 1
“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.
Tuesday, December 2
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Choose Our Blend” at 6 p.m. at Stardust Vintage & Gift. Guests are encouraged to come sip, sample, and vote on a lineup of custom coffee blends from Rustic Route Coffee Co., a DMV-based queer-owned roaster. Guests’ votes will help Rustic Route choose the café’s official signature roast. Event organizers will take donations, and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, December 3
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Center Aging Women’s Social Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, December 4
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 is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
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. For more details, email [email protected].
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