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SPRING ARTS PREVIEW: Events

Mostly virtual happenings in the months to come

Published

5 years ago

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spring events, gay news, Washington Blade
A scene from 2019’s Pink Tie Party. (Photo courtesy National Cherry Blossom Festival)

MARCH

Free registration for The Petal Porch Parade runs from Feb. 15 to March 15 and is part of the mostly virtual festivities for this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. Participants who register and decorate their porch’s windows, yard and/or sidewalk will be added to the official Petal Porch Parade map and receive a free lawn sign to include in their display while supplies last. The Petal Porch Parade takes place from March 20 until April 11. Neighborhoods featuring more registered Petal Porches have a better chance for the Petal Procession to pass through on the weekend of April 10-11. To register and for more information, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

“Genderosity” from Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., is a “glam rock spectacle celebrating self expression.” Songs include “Dancing Queen,” “Vogue,” “Born This Way,” “Changes,” “Home,” and “My Strongest Suit.” The Genderosity video will be available from March 13 at 7 p.m. until March 28 at 11:59 p.m. Tickets are $25; visit gmcw.org for details and tickets.

DC Gaymers hosts “Codenames,” a virtual interactive word game Tuesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. This event is free, open to the public and is part of the Gaymers ongoing activities every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Keep monitoring their Facebook page for more information on this and future events.

A virtual Transmasculine and Nonbinary Art Night hosted by the D.C.-area Transmasculine Society is Friday, March 19 at 7 p.m. Transmasculine and nonbinary folks as well as their friends, spouses and allies of any gender are welcome to join this virtual crafting circle. This free event is a chance to chat while working on new or ongoing craft projects, from coloring to more involved creations. Visit dcats.org for more information.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with a livestream event Saturday, March 20 at 6 p.m. This annual event runs March 20 to April 11 and is co-presented by the Japan Foundation and co-hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and ABC 7’s Michelle Marsh. The virtual opening ceremony features 2.5-Dimensional Musical performances of Naruto, “My Hero Academia” and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Musical; TAIKOPROJECT; tap artist Kazunori Kumagai and the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for information and to reserve access to this free event.

Stacey Abrams, founder of the voting rights organization Fair Fight, and Fair Fight Action’s CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo are guests of the Woman’s National Democratic Club Tuesday, March 23 at noon. This free virtual event features a discussion with Abrams and Groh-Wargo about their efforts to produce meaningful change in Georgia and on lessons moving forward. For updates and information, visit democraticwoman.org.

That Way Madness Lies hosted by P&P Live! is a virtual discussion of 15 of Shakespeare’s most notable works as reimagined by YA authors for a new generation. This free panel takes place Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. and features nonbinary queer authors Anna-Marie McLemore, an award-winning Latinx author, and Mark Oshiro, a 2019 Lambda Literary Award finalist, as well as YA authors Lily Anderson, Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley. For tickets and information, visit the events page at politics-prose.com.

The Cherry Blossom Festival’s Pink Tie Party, sponsored by Events DC and Amazon, is Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100-$135 and include three-course carryout dinners from a choice of popular D.C., Maryland and Virginia restaurants. Party-goers are to wear their finest pink apparel while mingling and dining virtually with partygoers from around the world. Sake experts will be on hand to present the nuances and culture of Japan’s national drink. Tickets and information are available through nationalcherryblossomfestival.org and Eventbrite.

DC Queer Flix presents “Southwest of Salem” Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. This film screening is part of the monthly discussion of LGBTQ cinema with the Mayor’s Office on LGBTQ Affairs and is shown in recognition of Women’s History Month. It is an award-winning documentary about the wrongful conviction of four Latina lesbians in Texas. Attendees will watch the film together and discuss it on Twitter using hashtags. For more information, visit lgbtq.dc.gov or the event pages on Facebook and Eventbrite.

APRIL

BookMen D.C. meets virtually Wednesday, April 7 and every first and third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Most members of this gay literature group live near D.C. but visitors to the area are welcome to join in the discussion. More information is available at bookmendc.blogspot.com and thedccenter.org.

Smut Slam D.C. presents an online open-mic event Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. via Facebook. Femme-cee Diva Darling hosts a sexy night of virtual storytelling as open-mic participants share true stories of consensual erotic adventures gone wrong. The evening’s theme is “Womp Womp” and online audiences will hear real tales of epic fails during this queer-friendly, kink-friendly, body-positive event. For more information, visit dc.smutslam.com.

Depeche Mode 20th Anniversary Dance Party is live on Twitch Saturday, April 17 at 9 p.m. This free public event is hosted by FYM Productions and streamed live from the Black Cat D.C. main stage. Visit FYM Productions on Facebook and Twitch for details.

QT Fusion Dance D.C. hosts free, with donations suggested, LGBTQ partner dance social events featuring Bachata, blues, fusion and other partnered dance instruction and social mixers. Since the onset of the pandemic, these events have moved to the group’s Facebook and Twitch accounts. Visit twitch.tv/qtfusiondance, their Facebook page or email [email protected] for more information on upcoming events.

P&P Live! presents “Madame Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power,” a discussion with the book’s author Susan Page Monday, April 19 at 6 p.m. online. More information on this free event is available at politics-prose.com.

The GLSEN Day of Silence is Friday, April 23. This annual event is a national LGBTQ student and ally demonstration to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools. Every April, students go through the school day without speaking and end the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences. The goal is to bring attention to the problem so schools and communities can discuss methods for inclusion. Visit glsen.org for information and ideas for participating during a pandemic.

The National Cryptologic Museum presents Queens of Code and Technology Wednesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. This free virtual event features historical stories of women working for the National Security Agency from the 1960s to the ‘80s. For more information, visit queensofcode.com.

MAY

DC Black Pride has been cancelled as an in-person event for 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic. But the Center for Black Equity has announced an ongoing campaign called “12 Months of Black Pride” that will consist of monthly virtual or hybrid events running until February 2022. For more information on planned community conversations, panels, parties and more, visit dcblackpride.org.

The theme is “Back in the day” for Smut Slam DC: Old School on Friday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. via Facebook. This online open-mic event is a chance for participants to sign up and share true stories of consensual encounters from the days before a hanky was a cheap pandemic precaution. Join host Diva Darling for a socially distanced queer-friendly, kink-friendly and body-positive trip down memory lane. Visit dc.smutslam.com for details.

The DC-area Transmasculine Society hosts Transmasculine and Nonbinary Chat, Chill and Game on Monday, May 24 at 5 p.m. This free event takes place on the fourth Fridays of the month and is primarily for transmasculine and nonbinary folks, but friends, spouses and allies of any gender are welcome. For more information, visit dcats.org.

NOTE: An earlier version of this calendar erroneously included a listing for the National Cannabis Festival. That event was cancelled. The Blade regrets the error.

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Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

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5 days ago

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January 16, 2026

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(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC. 

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment. 

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

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Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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5 days ago

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January 16, 2026

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Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community 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.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP. 

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“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, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

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.

Thursday, January 22

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, breathwork 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.  

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Calendar

Calendar: January 9-15

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 weeks ago

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January 9, 2026

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Friday, January 9

Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will be at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook. 

“Backbone Comedy” will be at 8 p.m. at As You Are. Backbone Comedy is a queer-run fundraiser comedy show at As You Are Bar DC, where comics stand up for a cause. Each show, a percentage of proceeds go to a local organization – Free Minds DC, a reentry organization for individuals impacted by incarceration. Tickets cost $19.98 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 10

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community 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.

Monday, January 12

“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]).

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.

Tuesday, January 13

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook. 

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Wednesday, January 14

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.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will partner with House of Ruth to host “Art & Conversation” at 3 p.m. at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This free workshop will involve two hours of art making, conversation, and community. Guests will explore elements of healthy relationships with a community-centered art activity.  This workshop involves paint, so please dress accordingly. All materials will be provided. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Thursday, January 15

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, breathwork 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.  

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