Bars & Parties
CAMP Rehoboth plans events for 25th anniversary
‘Silverbration’ festivities scheduled for early October

Steve Elkins, left, and Murray Archibald of Camp Rehoboth are gearing up for a busy October celebrating the community center’s 25 years.
CAMP Rehoboth celebrates 25 years of service to the community with its Silverbration weekend on Friday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 11.
Oct. 9 will be the Silver Gala at Nassau Valley Vineyards (32165 Winery Way, Lewes, Del.) from 7-11 p.m. and will feature illusionist Christopher Peterson. The Silver Block Party will be Oct. 11 on the second block of Baltimore Avenue and will run from noon-4 p.m.
Murray Archibald, board president of the LGBT community center that serves the Rehoboth Beach community, says the planning committee has been working on this anniversary weekend since last year. Despite having other big events to work on, such as Sundance, their biggest event festival of the year over Labor Day weekend, they were able to organize the two events.
According to Archibald, the gala will have a more traditional vibe with a band and dancing. There will also be food served from several restaurants in the area. Peterson will emcee the night. General admission tickets for the gala are $100. General admission tickets with seating are $125. Gala table sponsor tickets are $1,500.
The block party is new for CAMP Rehoboth. Plans for vendors, food trucks and a stage in front of CAMP Rehoboth for different performances have well been underway. Archibald says the city has allowed CAMP Rehoboth to close off the second block of Baltimore Avenue, something they usually don’t do, for the party. Admission to the block party is free but there is a suggested $10 donation.
The gala and block party are the two celebration events planned for the weekend but CAMP Rehoboth will remain open throughout that weekend for visitors to stop by.
Archibald is amazed to see the growth CAMP Rehoboth has made in the past 25 years.
“It’s grown from a little tiny room where people said, ‘You’re crazy. What are you doing,’ to the full community center and being able to serve the community the way we do,” Archibald says. “Not just the community but all of Delaware. Even if something gay related is going on in the news anywhere, we get a call.”
He thinks that all of the hard work CAMP Rehoboth has put into helping the community has caused the same community to want to celebrate with them.
“Part of our goal was to be a bridge to the whole community when we started it and I think the community is celebrating,” Archibald says.
Although CAMP Rehoboth has established itself as a staple in the LGBT Delaware community, it goes far beyond just servicing that community. Archibald says that CAMP Rehoboth’s close proximity to D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia has allowed it to spread its vision beyond the resort town.
Archibald also says that despite originally serving only the LGBT community it has now become an important part of Delaware as whole.
“People gay and straight turn to CAMP Rehoboth for things,” Archibald says. “It used to strike us as funny, but it doesn’t anymore. We’re visible, we’re downtown, we’re involved in things. It really shows that we’re involved at all levels of the community.”
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.
-
Photos4 days agoThe year in photos
-
Sponsored3 days agoSafer Ways to Pay for Online Performances and Queer Events
-
District of Columbia2 days agoTwo pioneering gay journalists to speak at Thursday event
-
a&e features2 days agoQueer highlights of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Aunt Gladys, that ‘Heated Rivalry’ shoutout and more
