Bars & Parties

D.C. region gears up for Mardi Gras

Parades, theme parties and more among Fat Tuesday fun

Published

8 years ago

February 23, 2017

CTRL: Mardi Gras is at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 p.m.-4 a.m. Mardi Gras-themed décor, bead queens and surprise guests will give this CTRL party a Fat Tuesday twist. Kalorama Photography and David Claypool will provide a flashing Photo Booth for the event. Drag show begins at 10:30 p.m. Cover is $12. For more information, visit facebook.com/ctrldc.

The IVy Project presents a Mardi Gra edition of MasQUEERade at Big Chief (2002 Fenwick St., N.E.) on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Masks will be provided while supplies last. Costumes are encouraged. There will be drink specials all night and games such as Big Jenga, Corn-hole, Flip cup and more. Electrox and Milko provide music for the nigh. There is no cover. For details, visit facebook.com/ivyprojectdc.

Fall’s Church’s will have a Mardi Gras parade begins at 100 W Broad St., Falls Church, Va. on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 5-6 p.m. Locally owned, small businesses will participate in the parade which will run from Brown’s Hardware to Little Falls Street. There will be beads, candy and more. For details, search “Fall’s Church Mardi Gras parade” on Facebook.

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Bars & Parties

Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16

Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests

Published

3 days ago

May 8, 2025

Staff reports

Washington Blade editor Kevin Naff (right) with Rep. Sarah McBride at the 2024 Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach. (Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

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

Published

5 months ago

December 27, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer are back with Mixtape. (Photo by David Claypool/Kalorama Photography)

“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

Published

5 months ago

December 23, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

There are plenty of queer parties planned for New Year’s Eve around D.C., including one hosted by Capital Pride. (Photo by grapix/Bigstock)

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.