Bars & Parties
Cherry coming April 21-24
20th anniversary event draws top DJ talent


(Washington Blade file photo by Pete Exis)
The Cherry Fund, a long-running HIV/AIDS dance benefit, returns April 21-24 and has attracted a wide spate of well-known DJs for its 20th anniversary festivities. This year’s theme is “Alice in Wonderland.”
Morabito and DJ Mike Babbitt spin at “Chasing the White Rabbit” at Cobalt on Thursday, April 21. DJ Aron and DJ Sean Morris spin at “Welcome to Wonderland” at the Howard Theatre on Friday, April 22. DJ Joe G spins at DIVA, an afternoon tea dance, on Saturday, April 23 at Town. DJ Micky Friedmann and DJ Kenneth Riversa spin at Queen of Hearts at Town that night. DJ Isaac Escalante and DJ X Gonzalez spin at Down the Rabbit Hole, an after-hours party at Flash on Sunday, April 24. DJ Alain Jackinsky spins at the closing party “Through the Looking Glass” at Tropicalia on Sunday, April 24.
Weekend passes are $150. Full details at cherryfund.org.
Bars & Parties
Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16
Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests

The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 16 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient is Abigail Hatting, a rising senior at American University.
This year’s event will feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak, in addition to surprise guests. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
Bars & Parties
MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

“MIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn” will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis.
This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.
Bars & Parties
Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride
Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

Capital Pride will host “Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.
There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops.
To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.
-
The Vatican14 hours ago
American cardinal chosen as next pope
-
a&e features20 hours ago
Your guide to the many Pride celebrations in D.C. region
-
U.S. Supreme Court2 days ago
Supreme Court allows Trump admin to enforce trans military ban
-
District of Columbia2 days ago
WorldPride permits for National Mall have yet to be approved