Arts & Entertainment

Block party fun

Businesses, residents gearing up for 2nd annual 17th Street Festival

Published

14 years ago

September 22, 2011

A scene from last year’s 17th Street Festival. This year’s event is slated for 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday. (Blade file photo)

Several blocks of 17th Street N.W., roughly from P to R streets, will be closed Saturday for the second annual 17th Street Festival slated for 2 to 6 p.m., though streets will be closed from noon to 8.

Organizers say it has the flavor of “an old-fashioned block party.”

“It’s a chance to come out, meet our neighbors and just enjoy the street without having to worry about cars or any major disruptions,” says Jack Jacobson, the ANC commissioner for that area who co-conceived the idea last year with Stephen Rutgers and Lee Grenados, president of community group Urban Neighborhood Alliance and a life-long 17th Street resident.

Jacobson says the idea was born out of the street’s extensive year-long “streetscape” renovation that was completed last August and saw all the curbs, gutters and sidewalks there refurbished.

“I saw throughout all that how the residents and businesses worked very closely to make it a success, so I thought a festival inviting neighbors and showcasing businesses would be a great continuation,” Jacobson says.

Rutgers’ boyfriend, Cobalt manager Mark Rutstein, says he was inspired by a recent trip to Chicago where he saw how successful a Market Days event was.

“It was huge and really energetic,” he says. “We kept thinking, ‘This would be really cool if we could do this on 17th Street.’”

A main stage will be constructed in front of Safeway. Acts slated throughout the day include the Deb Felz Band, Sherry Vine, Eric Scott and Company Dance Crew, the Silver Liners (a popular D.C. band), the cast of “Drag City: DC,” DJs Shea Van Horn and Bil Todd who spin at local gay parties, and headliner Inaya Day, who’s slated to go on at 5 p.m.

It’s free and open to everyone but organizers conceive of it as an event mostly for the 17^th Street area and its neighbors within walking distance — Logan, Dupont and U Street areas.

“We’re hoping for a nice big turnout but we’re not thinking of it like Adams Morgan where the whole city comes,” Jacobson says with a chuckle.

He guesses about 25 to 35 percent of residents there are gay but says “about 98 percent” are gay friendly.

The blocks there are home to Cobalt and JR.’s, two of D.C.’s most popular gay bars. Rutstein says the two businesses are happy to be involved.

“It’s kind of like it is with the Pride parade, which comes right past us,” Rutstein says. “They’re bringing us all this revenue and increased foot traffic, so it’s kind of our duty to get involved and give back a little.”

There will be a kids’ zone and another area for pets. About half the businesses there will be offering specials; the Blade is a sponsor. It will be held rain or shine. Last year, organizers estimate about 5,000 stopped by throughout the day. They’re hoping for substantially more this year.

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

19 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com