Out & About
Calendar: Oct. 11-17
Parties, shows and events in the week to come


Friday, Oct. 11
Rainbow Sparks: A Coming Out Day Celebration is tonight from 5-9 p.m. at Acorn Urban Park (8060 Newell St., Silver Spring, Md.). Montgomery Parks presents an evening celebrating National Coming Out Day in support of their LGBTQ park patrons. This free event features drag king/queen story hour, spoken word open mic, face painting and games, and a closing dance party with DJ. For more information, visit montgomeryparks.org.
Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer celebrate the release of their 48th recording together “Wahoo!” tonight at 7 p.m. at Carroll Cafe at Seekers Church (276 Carroll St., N.W.). The event features special guest poet Joanne Rocky Delaplaine. Visit cathymarcy.com for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Arty Queers: D.C.’s LGBTQ Art Market is today from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). This monthly indoor event features art created by local LGBTQ artisans, including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and more. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
The 22nd annual Bethesda Row Arts Festival begins today at 11 a.m. and runs through Sunday at 6 p.m. This outdoor gallery features more than 200 juried fine arts and crafts from artists around the nation. For more information on this free event, visit eventbrite.com.
Metro Washington Financial Planning Day is today from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center (7054 Haycock Rd., Falls Church, Va). The event offers free one-on-one personalized financial advice and free financial workshops. Topics include budgeting, credit and debt, retirement and more. Register at mwfpd.eventbrite.com.
Taffety Punk Theatre Company presents Riot Grrrls “The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice” at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (545 7th St., S.E.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Featuring Danielle A. Drakes as Othello, Lisa Bruneau as Iago and directed by Kelsey Mesa. For tickets and information, visit taffetypunk.com.
Sunday, Oct. 13
Flashy’s Sixth Anniversary Party is tonight at 10 p.m. at Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.). The public is invited to celebrate Flashy’s milestone on Columbus Day weekend. Cover is $20. Extended bar until 4 a.m. Visit flashdc.com for more information.
Washington Performing Arts presents Pink Martini at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. This 25th birthday celebration (to the day!) features special guests Australian cabaret singer Meow Meow and “All Things Considered” anchor and Pink Martini guest vocalist Ari Shapiro. Visit washingtonperformingarts.org for details.
Lesbian former gospel singer Jennifer Knapp plays City Winery (1350 Okie St., N.E.) tonight at 7:30 p.m Tickets are $17 at citywinery.com.
Lesbian country singer Chely Wright plays Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave., E. Vienna, Va.) tonight at 7 p.m. Christine Havrilla opens. Tickets are $15-25 at jamminjava.com.
Monday, Oct. 14
Wicked Bloom Mondays continue tonight from 5-10 p.m. at Wicked Bloom (1540 North Capitol St., N.W.). The venue features a globally inspired menu and music by DJ Mim. For more information, visit wickedbloomdc.com.
The Baltimore Job Fair is today from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Sheraton Baltimore North (903 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson, Md.). Meet and interview with hiring managers at companies ranging from small local businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Visit eventbrite.com for more information on this free event.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
The Hysteria Brewing Company (9570 Berger Rd., Columbia, Md.) hosts Hocus Pocus Trivia tonight from 7-9 p.m. Halloween is coming and the public is invited to this free seasonal event. Make individual and group reservations at hocuspocushysteria.eventbrite.com.
An Evening with David Sedaris is at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight from 8-10 p.m. Readings by this out satirist and award-winning humor writer are followed by an audience Q&A. Tickets start at $39 are available at kennedy-center.org.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Bookmen D.C., an informal men’s gay literature group, discusses “The Collected works of Joe Brainard” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). All are welcome. For more information visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
The Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts an evening of discussion and networking tonight from 5-7 p.m. at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center (118 N. Market Street Frederick, Md.) with fellow LGBT professionals and allies in the community. Tickets are $15. Visit eventbrite.com/e/creating-safe-spaces-for-us for tickets and information.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Live Nation presents Killer Queen with the Duskwales tonight at 8 p.m. at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.). Tickets start at $27.50. This U.K.-based Queen tribute band formed in 1993 and currently features Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury. The Virginia-based Duskwales features a retro sound reminiscent of the Beatles and the Doors. Tickets available at concerts1.livenation.com.
JR.’s Thursday Top 10 Countdown is tonight from 8 p.m.-midnight at JR.’s (1519 17th St., N.W.). The venue features happy hours, showtune singalongs and other events in a neighborhood atmosphere. For more information, visit jrsbar-dc.com.

The Rainbow History Project will host “Pickets, Protests and Parade Exhibit Tour” at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This event honors the courage, resilience and resistance of D.C.’s gay community. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hyatt Centric Arlington (1325 Wilson Blvd.). This fun event is ideal for meeting new people and community building. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Xavier Entertainment DC will host “Cowboy Carter Afterparty” at 10 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. There will be fireworks, parades, and patriotic fun. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Mezcal Amaras will host “Sha Boing Boing Showdown” at 6 p.m. at Snappy’s Small Bar (3917 Georgia Ave., N.W.). Get ready to test your hotdog eating abilities. Tickets start at $12.51 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Illusions Drag Queen Show will host “Drag Queen Dinner Show” at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St. N.W. Guests will be treated to the very best celebrity drag impersonations in entertainment. Tickets start at $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Thurst Lounge will host “A Thirsty Cowboy Afterparty” at 5 p.m. DJ Apollo will be performing. For more details, visit Thurst’s website.
9:30 Club will host “Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA” at 9 p.m. The DJ will play plenty of disco hits from the 70s and 80s. Tickets cost $45.30 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Music & Concerts
Berkshire Choral to commemorate Matthew Shepard’s life
Concert held at Washington National Cathedral

Berkshire Choral International will present a concert performance of composer Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral.
The program will be guest conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Benson, a native of the DMV who currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. The concert is a partial benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Notably, Matthew’s remains are interred at the National Cathedral and his parents, Dennis and Judy, will give opening remarks at the performance.
Tickets are $20 – $65, and 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Tickets are only available online at berkshirechoral.org.

Friday, June 26
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Bingo” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Brunch” at 11 a.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.
Art Roving will host “Where Color Meets Spectrum: Blackness, Queerness & Tomorrow” at 200 I St., S.E. This is a panel discussion with Queer Art salon artists Nikki Brooks, Maps Glover & Chrys Seawood, moderated by artist and curator Brittany Mona’. The Queer Art Salon exhibition is on view from June 13 – August 1, 2025 and funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Art Exhibition Grant program. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge will host “DC Drag brunch on Rooftop – Penthouse” at 12 p.m. Guests can enjoy delicious French cuisine. The event will be hosted by Miss Capital Pride. Tickets cost $30.65 and are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Jonathan Van Ness will host a masterclass at 10 a.m. at Dupont Circle Hotel. Enjoy refreshments and community as Jonathan showcases styling techniques for a range of hair types—helping you create a gallery-worthy look that’s truly, beautifully yours. A portion of ticket sales will benefit SMYAL, a local nonprofit that has been supporting LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. for more than 40 years. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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 details, email [email protected].
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 information, email [email protected].
Tuesday, June 30
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
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