Bars & Parties

Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16

Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests

Published

7 hours ago

May 8, 2025

Washington Blade editor Kevin Naff (right) with Rep. Sarah McBride at the 2024 Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach. (Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 16 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient is Abigail Hatting, a rising senior at American University.

This year’s event will feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak, in addition to surprise guests. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.

A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.

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MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Bars & Parties

MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

Published

4 months ago

December 27, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer are back with Mixtape. (Photo by David Claypool/Kalorama Photography)

“MIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn” will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis.

This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.

Bars & Parties

Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride

Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

Published

5 months ago

December 23, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

There are plenty of queer parties planned for New Year’s Eve around D.C., including one hosted by Capital Pride. (Photo by grapix/Bigstock)

Capital Pride will host “Rainbow Masquerade NYE Party” on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.

There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops.

To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.

Bars & Parties

Ring in 2025 with a World Pride party

Rainbow Masquerade to be held at Hook Hall

Published

5 months ago

November 29, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by Masson/Bigstock)

Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall, a New Year’s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venue’s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in style—where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”

The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.