Out & About
Anniversary events continue in Philly
’65 demonstration commemorated this weekend
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2015/07/1965_Annual_Reminder_460x470_courtesy_LGBT50.jpg)
![Anniversary, gay news, Washington Blade](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2015/07/1965_Annual_Reminder_insert_courtesy_LGBT50.jpg)
(Photo courtesy of LGBT 50th)
The National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration continues this weekend in Philadelphia, kicking off on Thursday.
Thursday’s events include a wreath laying at 2:15 p.m. at the Gay Pioneers Historical Marker, as well as panel discussions and parties.
Friday’s events include a national interfaith service at 4 p.m. at Historic Christ Church with a sermon by Bishop Gene Robinson. At 6 p.m., the film “Gay Pioneers” will be screened at WHYY. A Live Nation concert takes place at 7 p.m. at the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing and parties start at 10.
The main event is the anniversary ceremony on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. to be hosted by Wanda Sykes at Independence Hall. There’s a street festival Sunday.
The event was conceived to commemorate the historic Independence Day 1965 march in which early activists such as the late Frank Kameny and the late Barbara Gittings held this series of pre-Stonewall demonstrations throughout the late 1960s.
Full details on scheduling, locations and more is online at lgbt50th.org.
Out & About
Celebrate July 4 with area fireworks displays
Festivities planned for National Mall, Baltimore, Rehoboth Beach
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/06/20120704_Independence_Day_fireworks_at_Washington_Monument_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
The National Mall is the most popular place to watch the D.C. fireworks display; spread a blanket near the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. The 17-minute display starts at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
In Baltimore, the Inner Harbor Fourth of July festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and the fireworks and drone show will begin at 9:30 p.m. downtown at the harbor.
The fireworks in Rehoboth Beach, Del., will be held on Saturday, July 6.
Out & About
Smithsonian Folklife Festival underway
‘Indigenous Voices of the Americas’ program held on the Mall
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/2024_Smithsonian_Folklife_Festival_insert_courtesy_Smithsonain.jpg)
The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place on the National Mall June 26–July 1, with the program “Indigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian.”
Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has been held on the National Mall; events are free. Festival hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with evening concerts Friday through Sunday from 5:30-7 p.m. For details on specific events, visit festival.si.edu/visit.
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2024/06/rainbow_Pride_flags_in_park_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg)
The 2024 Arlington Pride Festival will be held Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. at Long Bridge Park.
This event will be a gathering of the community showcasing local talent, food, and vibrant entertainment. The event will be a celebration of diversity and love.
Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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