Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through August 15
Killers, Ke$ha, Baltimore Fashion Week, Ballgame day and more!
Friday, August 9
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts a Women In Their Twenties meeting tonight from 8-9:30 p.m. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. There is no cover charge and admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit towndc.com.
Whitman-Walker Health provides free HIV testing tonight at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts “Free Vodka Friday” tonight from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Cover is $10 and free vodka rail drinks will be served from 11-midnight. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. Visit cobaltdc.com for details.
The Killers play Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pwy, Columbia, Md.) tonight at 6:30 p.m. The band’s Mormon lead singer, Brandon Flowers, has a gay following and cites many gay male artists as influential in his music. Admission ranges from $40-75. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit merriweathermusic.com.
Baltimore Fashion Week continues tonight at the DoubleTree Baltimore North Hotel (1726 Reistertown Rd., Pikesville, Md.) at 8 p.m. Work by 10 local designers will be showcased this evening, and the fashion week will continue through Sunday. Admission is $40-60. For details and to purchase tickets, visit baltimore-fashionweek.com.
Saturday, August 10
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts a “21st Century Divas” dance party tonight at 10 p.m. Dance hits by today’s pop divas, such as Rihanna, Adele and Lady Gaga, play all night with accompanying music videos. Cover is $8 from 10-11 and $12 after 11. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit towndc.com.
The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) hosts “Mixtape,” an alternative gay dance party, tonight at 9:30 p.m. DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn spin alt-pop, new wave and indie rock all night. Admission is $10. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit blackcatdc.com.
Phase 1 hosts a “Stop Light Party” tonight. Guests are encouraged to pick different colored bracelets at the door, including red if you’re taken, yellow if you are “down for whatever” and green if you’re single. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and cover is $5. Visit the Phase 1 Facebook page for more information or phase1dc.com.
Whitman-Walker Health provides free HIV testing at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) this afternoon at 4 p.m. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Burgundy Crescent Volunteers, a gay volunteer organization, will help to prune the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin (Tidal Basin and Ohio Dr., N.W.) today from 9-11 a.m. Clippers are provided. For more details, visit burgundycrescent.org.
The Lumen8 Festival’s closing party is this evening from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Good Hope Road) and will feature a variety of activities such as performances by the Afro Funk All Stars, Ras Lidj and Deep Band and queer disco-punk band Glitterlust. Visit lumen8anacostia.com for details.
Sunday, August 11
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Guil-Tea Dance Party” today from 3-8 p.m. DJ Shea Van Horn spins pop guilty pleasures all afternoon. Admission is free and limited to guests 21 and over. For more details, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
Perry’s (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts its weekly Sunday Drag Brunch today from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95 for an all-you-can-eat buffet. For details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com.
Black Fox Lounge (1723) hosts “Tula’s Cabaret,” a classic lip-sync drag show, from 8-11 p.m. tonight. Admission is free. For more information, visit blackfoxlounge.com.
Burgundy Crescent Volunteers, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today from 9 a.m.-noon for the D.C. Central Kitchen (425 2nd St., N.W.). Volunteers will cook alongside chefs who work at D.C. Central Kitchen, which helps feed 3,000 individuals in the area. For details, visit burgundycrescent.org.
Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) hosts its last performance of “The Rocky Horror Show,” directed by Keith Alan Baker and Alan Paul, tonight at 7 p.m. Admission is $45. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit studiotheatre.org.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPoyUVpTkFg
The D.C. Chapter of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) is having a “Day Out at the Ballgame” event today at Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol Street, S.E.) for the Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies game. Tickets are $30 and the game starts at 5 p.m. Seats can be reserved with a credit card through eventbrite.com; visit nlgja.org/washington-dc-chapter for more information.
Monday, August 12
Ke$ha performs at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va.) at 8 p.m. tonight with opening performances by R&B singer Mike Posner and glam-rock band Semi-Precious Weapons. The show features Ke$ha’s electro-pop hits from her two studio albums, including her gay anthem, “We R Who We R.” Admission ranges from $38-48. For details and to purchase tickets, visit wolftrap.org.
Tuesday, August 13
The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts an extended happy hour tonight with all drinks half price from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. There will also be pool, video gaming systems and cards. Admission is free. For details, visit bachelorsmill.com.
The Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) hosts its weekly FUK!T Packing Party tonight from 7-9 p.m. For more details, visit thedccenter.org or greenlanterndc.com.
Dupont Italian Kitchen (1637 17th St., N.W.) hosts a bi-women discussion group tonight from 7-9 p.m. Visit the dccenter.org for more details.
D.C. Eagle (639 New York Ave., N.W.) hosts “$2 Tuesday” tonight from 4 p.m.-midnight this evening for the leather community. All domestic beer and rail drinks are $2. For details, visit dceagle.com.
Wednesday, Aug. 14
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts “Cobalt Idol” karaoke tonight at 10 p.m. There is no cover and $5 Absolut drinks will be served all night. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
The D.C. Cabaret Network hosts an open mic night this evening at Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). General admission is $10 and $15 for network members. For more information, visit blackfoxlounge.com.
The Big Gay Book Group meets tonight at 7 p.m. at 1150 F St., N.W. Suite 200. The group will discuss “A Gay and Melancholy Sound” by Merle Miller. Newcomers are welcome. Visit biggaybookgroup.com for more information.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. Reservations are not necessary and newcomers are welcome. For more information and if you need a partner, call 703-407-6540.
Thursday, Aug. 15
American Jewish World Service Office will host a breakfast and discussion today with Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, an LGBT activist in Sri Lanka and executive director of Equal Ground, a gay activist group based there. Since 2004, Equal Ground has worked to end hate and discrimination against LGBT Sri Lankans and advocate against laws there that punish homosexuality. The event will start at 8 a.m. at the American Jewish World Service office (1001 Connecticut Ave., N.W., suite 1200). It’s free but space is limited. E-mail Emily Loubaton at [email protected] or call 212-792-2856 to make a reservation.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts a polyamory discussion group tonight from 7-8 p.m. The group is open to people of all sexual orientations and genders, and newcomers will be given a basic introduction on what polamory is and its advantages and disadvantages. Visit thedccenter.org for more details.
a&e features
Pride season has begun
LGBTQ parades, festivals to be held throughout region in coming months
LGBTQ Pride festivals, parades and other events have been scheduled in large cities and small towns throughout the region. Pride events around the world culminate in June, but organizers in some municipalities have elected to hold celebrations in other months.
Pride in the region has already begun with last weekend’s Mr., Miss, and Mx. Capital Pride Pageant held at Penn Social as well as Roanoke Pride Festival held in Elmwood Park in Roanoke, Va.
Below is a list of Pride events coming to the region.
MAY
Capital Trans Pride is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St., N.W.). The website for the event advertises workshops, panel discussions, a keynote address, a resource fair and more. transpridewashingtondc.org
Equality Prince William Pride is scheduled for 12-4 p.m. on May 18 at the Harris Pavilion (9201 Center St.) in historic downtown Manassas, Va. equalityprincewilliam.org
D.C. Black Pride holds events throughout the city May 24-27. Highlights include an opening reception, dance parties and a community festival at Fort Dupont Park. The Westin Washington, DC Downtown (999 9th St., N.W.) is the host hotel, with several events scheduled there. dcblackpride.org
NOVA Pride and Safe Space NOVA will hold NOVA Pride Prom from 7-11 p.m. on May 31 at Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Va. The event is open to all high school students throughout the region, regardless of identity, from rising ninth grade students to graduating seniors. novapride.org
Capital Pride Honors will be held on May 31. The Capital Pride Alliance has announced on its website that nominations are open for awardees. The Honors celebrates excellence in the LGBTQ community and its allies. capitalpride.org
JUNE
Downtown Sykesville Connection is sponsoring Sykesville Pride Day in downtown Sykesville, Md. on June 1 from 12-4 p.m. downtownsykesville.com
Reston Pride will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on June 1 from 12-6 p.m. restonpride.org
Fairfax Pride, hosted by the City of Fairfax and George Mason University, will be held at Old Town Hall (3999 University Drive, Fairfax, Va.) on June 1 from 5-7 p.m. The event will include children’s activities and more. fairfaxva.gov
OEC Pride celebrates Pride with “art, dance, education, and fun” in Old Ellicott City. The OEC Pride Festival is held along Main Street in Ellicott City, Md. on June 1 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. visitoldellicottcity.com
Annapolis Pride has consistently drawn a giant crowd for a parade and festival in the quaint downtown of the Maryland capital. “The Voice” star L. Rodgers has been announced to headline the 2024 festival. The parade and festival will be held on June 1. annapolispride.org
The Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force Alexandria Pride is scheduled to be held at Alexandria City Hall from 3 – 6 p.m. on June 1 in Alexandria, Va. alexandriava.gov
The Portsmouth Pride Fest will be held at Festival Park adjacent to the Atlantic-Union Bank Pavilion in Portsmouth, Va. on June 1 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. portsmouthprideva.com
The Delaware Pride Festival is a free event scheduled for June 1 at Legislative Hall in Dover, Del. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.The event is billed as family friendly and open to people of all ages and sexual orientations. delawarepride.org
The City of Rockville is hosting Rockville Pride at Rockville Town Square (131 Gibbs St., Rockville, Md.) from 2-5 p.m. on June 2. The free event features live performances, information booths, and children’s activities. rockvillemd.gov
Equality Loudoun is hosting the ticketed Loudoun Pride Festival from 1-7 p.m. on June 2 at Claude Moore Park in Sterling, Va. The event features three stages, a “#Dragstravaganza,” a kid’s zone, an alcohol pavilion, a food hall and more. Tickets $5. eqloco.com
Culpepper Pride is slated to be held at Mountain Run Winery in Culpepper, Va. from 12-6 p.m. on June 2. The theme this year is “True Colors.” culpeperpride.org
The Southwest Virginia Pride Cookout Community Social is planned for 2 p.m. at the Charles R. Hill Senior Center in Vinton, Va. on June 2. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Capital Pride kicks off with the RIOT! Opening Party at Echostage starting at 9 p.m. on June 7. Tickets run from $27-$50 and can be purchased on the Capital Pride website. The event is set to feature Sapphire Cristál. capitalpride.org
Pride events continue over the weekend of June 8-9 in the nation’s capital with the Capital Pride Block Party featuring performers and a beverage garden, the massive Capital Pride Parade, Flashback: A totally Radical Tea Dance to be held at the end of the parade route, and the Capital Pride Festival and Concert. Visit capitalpride.org for more information. Other Pride events planned for the weekend in D.C. include a number of parties and the unforgettable (and free) Pride on the Pier & Fireworks Show at the Wharf sponsored by the Washington Blade from 2-10 p.m. prideonthepierdc.com
Pride in the ‘Peake will be held at Summit Pointe (580 Belaire Ave.) in Chesapeake, Va. on June 9 from 12-5 p.m. The family-focused Pride event does not serve alcohol, but will feature community organizations, food trucks and more in a street festival. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Celebrate with a drag show, dancing and a lot of wine at Two Twisted Posts Winery in Purcellville, Va. for a Pride Party from 2-5 p.m. on June 15. twotwistedposts.com
Baltimore Pride holds one of the largest Pride parades in the region on June 15 in Baltimore. (2418 Saint Paul St.). The parade concludes with a block party and festival. Pride events are scheduled from June 14-16. baltimorepride.org
The fourth annual Catonsville Pride Fest will be held at the Catonsville Presbyterian Church (1400 Frederick Rd.) in Catonsville, Md. on June 15 from 3-6 p.m. The event features a High Heel Race, pony rides, face painting, local cuisine and more. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
The Ghent Business District Palace Shops have announced a Ghent Pride event from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on June 17 at the Palace Shops and Station (301 W 21st Street) in Norfolk, Va. ghentnorfolk.org
An event dedicated to celebrating the elders in the LGBTQ community, Silver Pride is scheduled for June 20 at 5:30-8:30 p.m. Location and more information to be announced soon. capitalpride.org
Visit the Hampton Roads PrideFest and Boat Parade for a truly unique Pride experience along the Elizabeth River. The full day of entertainment, education and celebration will be held on June 22 from 12-7 p.m. at Town Point Park (113 Waterside Dr.) in Norfolk, Va. hamptonroadspride.org
Frederick, Md. will hold its annual Frederick Pride Festival at Carroll Creek Linear Park on June 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Entertainers include CoCo Montrese of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” frederickpride.org
The fourth annual Pride at the Beach is scheduled for 2-10 p.m. on June 23 at Neptune’s Park (3001 Atlantic Ave.) in Virginia Beach, Va. The event features entertainment, community vendors, beachside DJ sets, food trucks and offers a “perfect conclusion to an unforgettable Pride weekend.” hamptonroadspride.org
Winchester Pride will hold its Mx. Winchester Pride Pageant at 15 N. Loudoun St. in Winchester, Va. on June 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door. winchesterpride.com
The organizers of last year’s inaugural Ocean City Pride with a “parade” along the boardwalk in Ocean City, Md. have announced that they will be organizing a return this year with events from June 28-30. instagram.com
The third annual Arlington Pride Festival will be held at Long Bridge Park at National Landing (475 Long Bridge Dr.) in Arlington, Va. on June 29 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. arlvapride.com
FXBG Pride is holding its annual community Fredericksburg Pride March on June 29 from 10-11 a.m. at Riverfront Park (705 Sophia St.) in Fredericksburg, Va. Speeches begin at 10 a.m. and the procession starts at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Salisbury Pride “90’s Edition” is scheduled for 3 – 7 p.m. on June 29 in Downtown Salisbury, Md. Magnolia Applebottom is listed as the headliner and grand marshal. salisburyprideparade.com
The 2024 Suffolk Pride Festival is scheduled for Bennett’s Creek Park in Suffolk, Va. on June 30 from 12-7 p.m. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
Expect music, entertainment and drag performances in the picturesque mountain town of Cumberland, Md. at the Cumberland Pride Festival on June 30 from 12-4 p.m. at Canal Place. cumberlandpride.org
Montgomery County’s annual Pride in the Plaza will be held on June 30 from 12-8 p.m. at Veterans Plaza (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, Md. liveinyourtruth.org
JULY
The sixth annual Westminster Pride Festival is scheduled for downtown Westminster, Md. on July 13 from 12-6 p.m. westminsterpride.org
Hagerstown Hopes is holding its annual Hagerstown Pride Festival in Doubs Woods Park (1307 Maryland Ave.) in Hagerstown, Md. on July 13 at 11 a.m. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
The Rehoboth Beach Pride Festival will be held on July 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with other Sussex Pride events scheduled throughout the weekend of July 18-21. sussexpride.org
Us Giving Us Richmond hosts Black Pride RVA in Richmond, Va. with events on July 19-21. ugrcrva.org
Photos
PHOTOS: On assignment in Hungary, Poland, and Germany
International News Editor Michael K. Lavers traveled to Eastern Europe this month
BERLIN — The Washington Blade was on assignment in Hungary, Poland, and Germany from April 2-16.
The Blade interviewed LGBTQ activists, government officials, and refugees from Ukraine who have resettled in Berlin and in Warsaw, the Polish capital. The Blade also visited Auschwitz in Oświęcim, Poland.
The 32nd annual Roanoke Pride Festival was held at Elmwood Park in Roanoke, Va. on Sunday, April 29.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)