Out & About
D.C. Black Pride programming
Memorial Day weekend jam-packed with official programming

The Outdoor Festival in the Park is at Fort Dupont Park (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
D.C. Black Pride — as always — is Memorial Day weekend in Washington.
On Friday, May 25 the Pride Hospitality and Vendors area is open from noon-9 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt (1000 H St., N.W.). The Sexual Health Symposium: Sex, Lies and Videotapes runs from 4-6 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt. Free HIV/AIDS and STI testing also runs from 6-9 p.m.
The D.C. Black Pride opening reception kicks off from 6:30-8:30 p.m at the Grand Hyatt. The Intergenerationally Queer Project Workshop/Panel Discussion is from 9-11 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt featuring black lesbian and queer women advocates. Admission is free but registration is requested.
Saturday, May 27 is the D.C. Black Pride Poetry Slam at the Grand Hyatt from 7-9 p.m. Mary Bowman hosts the show. Sign-up is first come, first served. Admission is free.
On Sunday, May 26, there will be an interfaith worship service at the Grand Hyatt from 9-11 a.m. Honey Coated Nightlyfe hosts Communities Building Communities Pride Brunch at Cheers at the Big Chair (2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., S.E.) from noon-4 p.m. There will be a buffet-style brunch, mimosas and drink specials. Tickets range from $40-50.
The Outdoor Festival in the Park is at Fort Dupont Park (3600 Minnesota Ave., S.E.) on Monday, May 27 from noon-7 p.m. There will be a stage show, food and vendors. The Cultural Arts and Wellness Festival will also be showcased at the festival. Free admission.
For a complete list of events, visit dcblackpride.org.
D.C. Black Pride party time
D.C. Black Pride is at various locations throughout the District over Memorial Day weekend with headliners including Jussie Smollet, Keyshia Cole, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
Genesis Chapter X kicks off at Barcode (1101 17th St., N.W.) on Thursday, May 24 at 9:30 p.m. There will be DJs and 10 dancers.
On Friday, May 25 there will be a pre-game happy hour at the Grand Hyatt (1000 H St., N.W.) at 5 p.m. The Big Bang Mega Party follows at Karma (2221 Adams Pl., N.E.) from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. featuring R&B singer Keyshia Cole.
Daryl Wilson Promotion presents Rock the Block All Male Super Party featuring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Shangela at Ziegfield’s/Secrets (1824 Half St., S.W.) on Friday, May 25 from 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m. Rapper Dreamdoll will perform. DJ Sedrick, DJ Maestro and MC Brandon Anthony will spin tracks. Admission is $20 before midnight.
Saturday, May 26 is the D.C. Black Pride Men in White Super Party at Sax Restaurant and Lounge (734 11th St., N.W.) from 3:30-9:30 p.m. R&B diva Keke Wyatt will perform.
“Empire” star Jussie Smollett will host the 5,000 Men Supreme Fantasy Mega Party at Bliss (2221 24th Pl., N.E.) from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Special guests June’s Diary and Jazmine Sullivan will make appearances. The Red Eye Everything Mega After-Hours party kicks off at 3 a.m. at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Being Rd., N.E.).
Sunday, May 27 is the annual Manhunt Day Party at Ultrabar (911 F St., N.W.) from 4-9:30 p.m. followed by the National Traffic Light Hookup Party at Decades (1219 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) from 10 p.m.-4 a.m.
On Monday, May 28 Eden (1716 I St., N.W.) hosts a rooftop party from 4-9 p.m.
The weekend closes out with the Apocalypse Chapter X at Stadium (2127 Queens Chapel Rd., N.E.) from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Passes range from $60-200. For a complete list of events and to purchase tickets, visit omegapartydc.com.
Lesbifriends Travel will host “Queer Night Out: DC Power FC Game” on Wednesday May 6 at 7 p.m. at Audi Field.
This will be a fun night out as DC Power FC takes the field at Audi Field, kicking off with a happy hour meetup in Navy Yard before the group walks to the stadium together. Lesbifriends and Travel group will be seated together in the stands, making it easy to connect, cheer, and enjoy the game with people who just feel like your people.
More details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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]).
Tuesday, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is marking a milestone year in its new home with a vibrant birthday celebration, inviting the community, allies, and media to join the festivities on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
Since opening its doors in Shaw, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has become a hub of support, advocacy, and celebration for LGBTQ+ residents across the District.
The birthday bash promises a day of programming including Yoga (Center Wellness), Micro Bouquet Making (Center Social), Zine Making (Center Arts), and so much more. Guests can also enjoy tours of the Center’s expanded facilities, showcasing spaces for programs, services, and community events.
Since relocating, the Center has expanded its programs, providing critical services. The birthday bash underscores the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone regardless of identity, age, or background can find community and empowerment.
For more details, contact Paul Marengo at 202-705-2890.
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