Bars & Parties
Return to Rehoboth
10 of our favorite places to go
After the worst winter in recent memory, who isn’t ready for some beach time? The new summer season is already underway in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Here are 10 of our favorite places to go and things to do in D.C.’s very own gay beach getaway.
1. Visit CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Ave. From poker tournaments and film festivals to AA meetings and mental illness support groups, Rehoboth’s LGBT community center, which turns 20 this year, has something for everyone.
2. Have dinner at Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave. You’ve been there a million times for happy hour and karaoke, but did you know the Moon is also one of the best restaurants in town?
3. Enjoy live music or a DJ at the Frogg Pond, First & Rehoboth Avenue. The Pond isn’t just a popular lesbian bar. It’s a welcoming place for everyone and home to regular live music performances and DJs.
4. Hit the beach. Poodle Beach, at the south end of the boardwalk, is popular with gay men, but don’t forget North Shores and the state park a short drive away (destateparks.com). It’s quieter and, if you know a local with a four-wheel drive, you can ride right onto the sand (with the proper permit) with your cooler, grill and fishing pole.
5. Margaritas at Mariachi, 14 Wilmington Ave. After a hot day on the sand, there’s no better way to cool off than with a margarita on the second-floor outdoor deck at Mariachi. Owner Yolanda and her attentive staff will take good care of you. Be sure to request the corner table with unobstructed ocean views.
6. Rent a bike and get out of town. Most visitors never leave the town of Rehoboth, but there’s more to see. Rent a bike, cross Route 1 and explore the bay and marshes. Or ride one of the several trails, like the Junction & Breakwater or nature trail at Gordon’s Pond. Dewey Beach is just a mile or so down Route 1 and Lewes is a short ride with its own restaurants and quaint shops.
7. Happy hour at Aqua, 57 Baltimore Ave. The outdoor deck and shirtless servers attract crowds throughout the season. Get there on the early side, because a long line forms most weekends.
8. Shop, shop, shop. Rehoboth’s many and varied shops are the other main attraction besides the beach. This year saw the closing of Lambda Rising, but another LGBT store has opened across the street, Proud Bookstore, owned by former Lambda employee Jocques LeClair (on Baltimore Avenue in Village by the Sea). There are home decorating, clothing, art and other shops (many of them gay-owned), so spend time perusing the locally owned stores before hitting the outlets on Route 1.
9. People watching and Bloodys at Purple Parrot, 134 Rehoboth Ave. The gay-owned Parrot is popular all week, but our favorite time to go is Sundays. Grab one of the six-top tables in front along with a Bloody Mary and watch the beachgoers on Rehoboth Avenue. The good food, friendly service and always-upbeat music make for a memorable way to end the weekend.
10. Have your photo taken by Tony Burns. If your photo hasn’t appeared in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, then you’re not going out enough. Tony has been documenting Rehoboth’s social scene for 30 years and will be honored this weekend for his dedication — and for the donation of his incomparable photo collection to CAMP Rehoboth.
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Halloween weekend is here, and here’s a list of just some of the local events if you’re looking to have a spooky good time.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This is an opportunity to mingle with LGBTQ folk and allies. Halloween costumes are encouraged or casual beach attire is fine. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Bad Witch, Good Butch: A Sapphic Halloween Dream” on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Revolt DC. This is a halloween party for sapphics from the ages of 35 and above. There will be costumes, connection and dancing. Tickets are $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Taste Takeover will host “Abuela Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at 639 Florida Ave., N.W. DJ Yani will play music and there will be a costume contest with prizes to be won. Tickets cost $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Metro Cabaret Club will host “Spookshow Spectacular: Dance Place After Dark Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. at Dance Place. This is D.C.’s Halloween nightlife and draglesque showcase, featuring live performances, creative marketplace, and costumed revelry. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Punch Bowl Social will host “Halloween Bash” on Friday. Oct 31 at 9 p.m. at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. This will be a night of hauntingly good times with a killer DJ, vendors, and a costume contest. Tickets cost $12.09 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Thrust Lounge will host “Nightmare on 14th St.” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. DJ Tryfe will play music, and there’ll also be a costume contest with prizes. For more details, visit Thurst’s Instagram.
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Halloween Scariest Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their scariest, creepiest, most haunting look for a Halloween night they won’t forget — fueled by Casamigos and Nellie’s signature spooky fun. For more details, visit Nellie’s website.
Kiki DC will host “Kiki’s Halloween Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. This event will be hosted by Pirouette and there’ll be prizes for the top three costumes. For more details, visit Kiki’s Instagram.
Sinners and Saints will host “Heaven’s On Fire (Queer Pop Dance Party)” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. There will be two floors and music by Sonali Dawar, DJ Noons and Aria McIntosh. There will also be drink specials all night.
Crush Dance Bar will host a Halloween costume contest on Friday, Oct. 31 at 11 p.m. Drag queens Empress Lena and Sasha Adams will host the event. For more details, visit Crush’s Instagram.
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