Bars & Parties
D.C. ‘Housewives’ ready for close-up
Michaele Salahi to host premiere party at EFN Lounge
Tareq and Michaele Salahi with Blade editor Kevin Naff (center) at the Blade's 40th anniversary party in October. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Washingtonians eager for the latest installment of “Real Housewives” can buy tickets for a Bravo-endorsed premiere party slated for Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. at EFN Lounge (1318 9th St., N.W.).
Tickets for the “Real Housewives of D.C.” debut event, which must be purchased in advance, range from $25 for general admission to $500 for VIP ($80 and $150 tickets are also available). Visit rhodc-premier-efbevent.eventbrite.com for tickets. Howard Cromwell Jr., the gay publisher and editor of D.C.’s “Most Fabulous Magazine” and an organizer of monthly charity nightlife events, is organizing the party as a benefit for Dab, the AIDS Bear Project, an HIV charity that will receive a portion of the proceeds.
The new show is the latest installment of the “Real Housewives” franchise, a series of Bravo reality shows overseen by Bravo impresario Andy Cohen, who’s gay. Previous installments were set in Orange County (Calif.), New York, Atlanta and New Jersey. A Beverly Hills edition is slated for late fall after D.C.
Thursday’s party will be hosted by Michaele Salahi, she of White House State Dinner-crashing fame. She’s one of this season’s housewives along with Mary Schmidt Amons, Catherine Ommanney, Lynda Erkiletian and Stacie Scott Turner.
Cromwell has partnered with Michaele and Tareq Salahi for their America’s Polo Cup events and helped them field media requests after their notorious Nov. 24, 2009 White House appearance. He says he’s known the couple for seven years and says they’ve been unfairly maligned in the media.
“There was a lot of misinformation about the Salahis,” he says. “People would see something in the Post and go, ‘Oh, well, it was in the Post,’ so they go ahead and run with the story. … It was completely blown out of proportion.”
Cromwell says “Housewives” will give America a chance to get to know the real Salahis and that gays have embraced Michaele while others have shunned her in the wake of their party-crashing scandal.
“They were at the W rooftop for an event and she felt faint,” Cromwell says. “Everybody else looked at her like she had three heads but three gay guys went and got her some water and made sure she was OK. That’s how we are. We fought all our lives to be who we are and have been misunderstood. That’s probably why gay men like her so much.”
A month before their brush with notoriety, the Salahis appeared at the Washington Blade’s 40th anniversary party last October. Editor Kevin Naff remembers them as gracious and generous — they donated wine for the event — but also eager for the limelight.
“They were friendly and outgoing and it was clear they liked to be the center of attention, though no one flipped a table,” Naff says. “I wish them well — they told me they were Blade readers, so I have a soft spot for them.”
The other D.C. “Housewives” have said the State Dinner fiasco is only a small part of the show though it occurred while filming was underway.
The show premieres Thursday, Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. on Bravo.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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