Out & About

Pride week events roundup

Your guide to LGBTQ celebrations throughout the DMV

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2024

The Washington Blade holds its annual Pride on the Pier and fireworks show on Saturday, June 8. (Photo courtesy of the Wharf)

The D.C. Metro area is awash in rainbow bunting as workers at local venues prepare for the throng of revelers celebrating Pride. The 2024 Capital Pride Parade and Festival to be held over the weekend is expected to draw several hundred thousand people to the region. But the fun doesn’t end with the main public gatherings; there are parties and events scheduled throughout the week. Here is a sampling of D.C.-area Pride events that you won’t want to miss.

Friday, June 7

Sixth & I (600 I St., N.W.) is holding a Pride Shabbat on Friday with a happy hour at 6, service at 7 and dinner at 8:15. Registration required. $36. You can get more information at sixthandi.org/event/pride-shabbat-3.

Bet Mischpachah holds a Pride Shabbat and drag happy hour at the Edlavitch D.C. Jewish Community Center (1529 16th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. Jessica Stern, U.S. Special Envoy U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQ+) persons, will be the special guest. Shabbat services will be led by Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin.

Gottmik of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performs at Crush (2007 14th St., N.W.) tonight around 10 p.m. with a meet-and-greet scheduled for 9 p.m. Limited (free) tickets to the meet-and-greet are available at crushbardc.com/events. $5 cover.

The ever-popular Drag Underground is back for a Pride Edition at Dupont Underground (19 Dupont Circle, N.W.) tonight at 8:30. Doors open at 7:30. Performers include Cake Pop!, Bombalicious Eklaver, Kabuki Bukkake and Mr. Capital Pride Xander Childs Valentino. Tickets are $15-$20 and may be purchased on Eventbrite.

Pretty Bitter, Bryce Bowyn and Ari Voxx perform at the Queer Music Rock and Drag Show: A Pride Kick-Off Party at Metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave., N.E.) from 7-11 p.m. Drag performers Evry Pleasure, Ruth Allen Ginsberg, Brooke N Hymen and Hennessy are also slated to entertain. The event is free, but tickets are available on Eventbrite.

The Capital Pride Alliance holds the giant RIOT! The Capital Pride Official Opening Party tonight at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd., N.E.) from 9 p.m.-3:30 a.m. The event stars Sapphira Cristál of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and features dancers, DJs, drag and more. 18+/$50. Further information is available at capitalpride.org.

Saturday, June 8

The massive Capital Pride Parade is held with its new route on Saturday. The parade is slated to begin at 1844 14th St., N.W. at 3 p.m., move through Shaw, Logan Circle, downtown and the Penn Quarter neighborhoods, and end on Pennsylvania Avenue. The event is free to the public and draws tens of thousands of spectators. Grand Stand tickets as well as accessible viewing reservations are available on Capital Pride’s website. More information is available here.

If you want to settle in one place during the parade to grab a refreshing beverage and catch some entertainment, you might check out the Capital Pride 17th Street Pride Block Party from 12-10 p.m. today along 17th Street, N.W. between P and S streets. The Block Party includes a “family area” at Stead Park between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Washington Blade holds its annual not-to-be-missed Pride on the Pier and Fireworks Show at The Wharf (101 District Square, S.W.) today from 2-10 p.m. There will be music, vendors and drag entertainment as well as a giant screen with live images from the Capital Pride Parade winding through the city. The event is free and open to the public, but VIP tickets are available for an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catering and open bar. To purchase tickets ($75-$125), go to prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

The Capital Pride Alliance holds its Flashback Tea Dance at the end of the parade route (Constitution Ave. and 6th St., N.W.) from 3-9 p.m. in partnership with KINETIC Presents. The DJ lineup includes Cake Pop, Robbie Leslie and DJ Joe Gauthreaux. Vocalist Max Rae is also scheduled to perform. Tickets run from $10-$15, but entry is included for all Parade contingents and the KINETIC Presents general admission and VIP Weekend Passholders. Tickets and more information is available here.

Scorpio Entertainment, Tezrah Productions and As You Are present Pride Rewind: The Official Sapphic Queer Dance Party at 8 p.m. at The Square (1850 K St., N.W.). The event is billed as having multiple DJs, “electrifying live performances,” as well as vintage video and board games. Tickets are $20-$35. The event is 18+. Tickets may be purchased at PrideRewind.com.

The Washington Blade and Capital Pride Alliance present a night “filled with heat-filled roasts, laughter, comedy, and spectacular entertainment” with the inaugural Capital Pride Roast on Saturday from 8-11:30 p.m. at Penn Social DC (801 E Street, N.W.). Roastees this year include Blair Michaels and Lena Lett. Legendary drag artist Shi-Queeta Lee is serving as the 2024 Roast Mistress. $15 admission at the door, $10 advance tickets. Tickets may be purchased at capitalpride.org.

Take time to cool off at the Capital Pride Trans Pool Party tonight from 7:30-11:30 p.m. at VIDA Penthouse Pool and Lounge (1612 U St., N.W., 4th floor). $5 admission includes entry and light refreshments. Tickets may be purchased at capitalpride.org.

The Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) is holding LOBO (Lights Out, Barks Out)! Pride 2024 on Saturday starting at 9 p.m. 21+. Pet, handler, furry and kink friendly with all genders welcome. More information is available here.

KINETIC Presents holds its Pride Under the Sea event at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd., N.E.) with pop star Slayyyter and DJs Dani Basil and Jerac. The party runs from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. The event is 18+. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased on kineticpresents.com.

Sunday, June 9

If you are still up for a good party late into the night, the Cherry Fund is hosting an after-hours event at Flash (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) from 4-8 a.m. on Sunday. The Official Capital Pride After Hours event features Australian superstar DJ Kitty Glitter. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Red Bear Brewing Company (209 M St., N.E.) is holding a Pride Divas Drag Brunch hosted by Desirée Dik on Sunday at noon. Tickets are $25 and are available on Eventbrite. Performers include Hennessy, Silver Ware Sidora, The Baphomette, Fennic B. Foxx and Johnny Alucard.

The main event, the Capital Pride Festival and Concert, draws thousands of participants to Pennsylvania Avenue on Sunday. The festival features performances, music, food, and more than 300 exhibitors. The event is free and open to the public, though VIP Concert Zone tickets are available to get a spot near the stage with a private bar, restrooms, and more. Performers include Ava Max, Billy Porter, Exposé, Sapphira Christál and KeKe Palmer. The event concludes with the Sunset Dance Party from 8-10 p.m. More information is available at capitalpride.org.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Shea Couleé will be performing at Howard Theatre tonight at 9 p.m. Tickets are $31 and are available at thehowardtheatre.com.

Monday, June 10

Center Faith is holding the 41st annual Pride Interfaith Service at Foundry United Methodist Church (1500 16th St., N.W.) on Monday at 7 p.m. There will be a memorial tribute to Center Faith Co-Founder Allan Armus. Music from the GenOut Youth Chorus will be featured.

Thursday, June 13

The Nordic Embassies are holding a Nordics for Equality: Pride Movie Screening at the Embassy of Sweden (2900 K St., N.W.) at 7:30 p.m. There will be a reception followed by screening of short films on the rooftop of the House of Sweden by Nordic filmmakers. The event is free, though registration is required for attendance.

Friday, June 14

Our friendly Baltimore neighbors begin their Pride festivities with Mt. Vernon Pride at 200 E. Read St. in Baltimore from 2-7 p.m. on June 14. More information is available at baltimorepride.org.

Baltimore Pride continues with the Twilight on the Terrace: the premier gala event hosted by the Pride Center of Maryland. The event includes food, an open bar, dancing and music. The gala will be held at 10 Art Museum Dr. in Baltimore. Tickets are $150 +fees and can be purchased at baltimorepride.org.

Saturday, June 15

The 2024 Baltimore Pride Parade and Block Party are scheduled for Saturday from 12-7 p.m. along N. Charles Street in Baltimore. It is one of the largest LGBTQ Pride Parades in the region and draws thousands of revelers, marchers, and spectators. More information can be found at baltimorepride.org.

Wild Side Media is holding a Walk on the Wild Side Pride Block Party on Saturday, June 15 from 4 p.m. to midnight at Dock5 (1309 5th St., N.E.). The Union Market District event is set to “celebrate D.C.’s vibrant arts scene.” Tickets run from $22.50-$45 and are available here.

Sunday, June 16

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington presents its show “PORTRAITS” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $28.75 and may be purchased at kenndy-center.org.

Baltimore Pride concludes with the Pride in the Park festival event at Druid Hill Park (900 Druid Park Lake Dr., Baltimore). There will be drag, music, entertainment, vendors, food, activities, and more. Further information is available at baltimorepride.org.

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Out & About

Team DC’s holiday party set for Dec. 8

Local LGBTQ sports community celebrates at Trade

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Team DC’s holiday party will be held Monday. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Team DC will host its annual holiday party on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Trade. This event will celebrate Team DC’s sports community, athletes, and Team DC’s accomplishments this past year. Food will be catered by Seasons, and there will be a clothing drive to benefit the DC Center for the LGBT Community.

To RSVP, visit Team DC’s Instagram page.

Calendar

Calendar: December 5-11

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, December 5

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].

The DC Anti-Violence Project at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host its second annual open mic event, “Queer Voices: Unwavering” at 7 p.m. This event aims to create a space that allows the LGBTQ community to honor queer siblings of all communities, mourn those lost, and celebrate the power and love in our community. If you are interested in attending or performing, visit this link.

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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, December 6

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Fueling Our Future” at 7 p.m. This will be a night of purpose, community, and impact and an evening filled with good food, great music, and even better company. Guests will get to enjoy a delicious menu from Right Proper Brewing Company, sip your favorite drinks at the open bar, and enjoy live performances by the amazing Preston Hawes, Tetyana Royzman, Dan Zhang, and Susanna Mendlow. Tickets cost $110 and are available on the DC Center’s website. Funds raised will support the DC Center’s Social and Human Services.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Monday, December 8

“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]).

“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.

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, December 9

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, December 10

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.

“Movement for Healing with Felicia Taliaferro” will be at 3 p.m. This is a space for nervous system nourishment and embodied restoration. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Thursday, December 11

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.

Calendar

Calendar: November 28-December 4

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 week ago

November 28, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, November 28

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar. 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, November 29

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.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.

Sunday, November 30

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation” at 12 p.m. at As You Are. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy stimulating conversation. For more details, visit Eventbrite.

Monday, December 1

“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, December 2

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. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Choose Our Blend” at 6 p.m. at Stardust Vintage & Gift. Guests are encouraged to come sip, sample, and vote on a lineup of custom coffee blends from Rustic Route Coffee Co., a DMV-based queer-owned roaster. Guests’ votes will help Rustic Route choose the café’s official signature roast. Event organizers will take donations, and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, December 3

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social 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. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].

Thursday, December 4

Virtual Yoga Class 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.

API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Community. For more details, email [email protected].