Arts & Entertainment
Top 10 events this week for LGBTQ DC
From sporting events and drag shows to Gay Day at the Zoo, there is so much to see and do!
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in D.C. that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.
DC Gaymer Towerfall Tournament
Tuesday, April 26
7 – 10 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Discord
A live TowerFall Ascension Tournament is open to players at UPROAR on Tuesday organized by DC Gaymers. Expect a 2-4 player 8-bit arrow-shooting free-for-all in a friendly bracketed competition.
The Palace Presents: Broadway Beauties
Tuesday, April 26
Doors 8:30 p.m./Show 9 p.m.
Earp’s Ordinary
3950 University Drive, Suite 210
Fairfax, Va.
$15 cover
Facebook | Instagram
“Phantoms and witches, founding fathers and desperate widows, we’ve got ’em all” at the Fairfax drag show at Earp’s Ordinary on Tuesday. Performers include Alan Xtra, Nutz N Boltz and Lemon X Fluiditea with host Mas Vusi.
Queerxpression Open Mic
Thursday, April 28
Doors 5 p.m./Show 8-10 p.m.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th Street, N.W.
No cover / 21+ / vaccination required
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“Express yourself through art!” at a spoken word, music and storytelling open mic event at the lesbian/queer bar A League of Her Own hosted by Barbi Larue.
Miss Gay Western Maryland
Friday, April 29
Doors 8 p.m./Pageant 9:30 p.m.
The Lodge
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md.
$8 cover
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Watch “Reborn,” the official preliminary competition for Miss Gay Maryland, at The Lodge on Friday. The event stars the current Miss Gay Maryland Miranda Rights.
DC Brau 11th Anniversary Party
Saturday, April 30
12 p.m.
DC Brau
3178 Bladensburg Road, N.E., Suite B.
$30-$35 / 21+
Eventbrite | Twitter
DC Brau celebrates 11 years in the District with live music, food trucks, beer releases and professional wrestling at their “11 Years of Brew-Tality” party.
Gay Day at the Zoo Opening Party
Saturday, April 30
4-7 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
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The opening party for Gay Day at the Zoo will be held at Trade, complete with drink specials and Gay Day at the Zoo swag. Expect drag performances from Haute Dish and the combined queens of the Blue Ballers and Swallows Stonewall Kickball teams.
All-Stars After-Party
Saturday, April 30
4-8 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
Join the Stonewall Kickball players for a party following the All-Stars Game at UPROAR Lounge.
Wedding Party: Bearded Brides & Beer
Saturday, April 30
8-11 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
21+
Facebook
The Wedding Party: Bearded Brides and Beer is a fundraiser for the LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL with performances by Bootsy Omega, Charlemagne Chateau, Citrine, Domingø, Molasses and Stealya Manz.
Gay Day at the Zoo
Sunday, May 1
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Free, tickets required
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The annual Gay Day at the Zoo is presented by the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community. Some groups, like Khush DC, are hosting meet-ups for specific times, but many people will come with their friends and family at their own pace. While it is free to attend, tickets are required for entry, so be sure to snatch your day pass before the tickets are sold out.
For free tickets, go to the Zoo’s website.
Zodiac Drag Contest
Sunday, May 1
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar & Grill
555 23rd Street South
Arlington, Va.
$5 cover / 21+ / vaccination required
Facebook
The monthly amateur drag contest “Miss Zodiac” will be held on Sunday at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Grill in Crystal City.
If you would like to let us know about an upcoming event, email [email protected] with details.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
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District of Columbia5 days agoHundreds of thousands expected to attend D.C. Pride events
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National5 days ago
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Congress4 days ago
EXCLUSIVE: Pelosi reflects on four decades of LGBTQ advocacy
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District of Columbia4 days ago
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