Out & About
Explosive ways to get your 4th on
Independence Day festivities scheduled all weekend
(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Numerous events will be happening all over the local area to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend from fireworks displays to patriotic-themed club parties.
Girl Code D.C. hosts a Fourth of July ladies dance party at Vita Lounge (1318 9th St., N.W.) on Friday at 10 p.m. The party also celebrates the Supreme Court’s nationwide legalization of LGBT marriage. There will be $5 Ciroc shots and hookah will also be available. For details, visit facebook.com/girlcodedc.
National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) hosts a reading of the Declaration of Independence by performers dressed as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Ned Hector on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. From noon-4 p.m., enjoy family activities such as story time and crafts. There will also be the chance to meet Revolutionary figures like Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, George Washington and more. For details, visit archives.org.
The city of Takoma Park holds its firework display at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Rd., Md.) Saturday at approximately 9:30 p.m. There will be multiple vendors selling food, drinks, T-shirts and other novelties. For more information, visit takomapark4th.org.
Town Danceboutique hosts “BombPop!” with DJ Randy White Saturday night at 10 p.m. Details at towndc.com.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach presents its fireworks display on Rehoboth Beach Main Street (28 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach, De.) on Sunday at 9:15 p.m. Live entertainment will be performed before and after the fireworks. For more information, visit downtownrb.com.
The annual “A Capitol Fourth Concert” begins from 8-9:30 p.m. on Saturday night on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Performers will include Barry Manilow, Alabama, Nicole Scherzinger, Hunter Hayes, Meghan Linsey, KC and the Sunshine Band and more. Following the concert, the fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. Both the show and fireworks display are free and open to the public. For more details, visit pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/
Mr. Henry’s Victorian Pub will host a gala celebrating its 60th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
There will be signature cocktails, beer and wine; plentiful throwback hors d’oeuvres, three live bands and a cocktail attire red carpet.
Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at mrhenrysdc.com.
Friday, August 7
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Balston. 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, August 8
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 will host “RA Xtra: Manhood” at 1:30 p.m. “MANHOOD” follows Dallas entrepreneur Bill Moore as he attempts to make penis enlargement as commonplace as Botox. Along the way, an OnlyFans star and a father of five put their bodies—and their insecurities—on the line. Blending dark humor with unexpected empathy, MANHOOD examines shame, addiction, and the fragile myths of American masculinity. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Sunday, August 9
“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 at this unforgettable Drag Brunch. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 10
“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, August 11
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].
Wednesday, August 12
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, August 13
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Out & About
Come showcase your singing, poetry talent
Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13
Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.
Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social 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. More details are available on Eventbrite.
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Calendar: August 7-13
Mr. Henry’s to host 60th anniversary party
