Arts & Entertainment

Live ‘Netflix Is a Joke’ Fest to include LGBTQ comedy night

Published

5 years ago

March 4, 2020

Netflix is getting ready to step off your screens and onto a live stage, and it’s bringing a host of your favorite LGBTQ talent with it.

Don’t panic – Netflix isn’t going off the air. The company announced on Monday that it will present the first ever Netflix Is a Joke Fest, a live comedy festival inspired by the streaming giant’s popular YouTube channel, in Los Angeles this spring.

It’s the first time Netflix has ventured into the business of live events, and, in keeping with the content provider’s brand, it looks like the watchword is variety. There’s something for everyone in the line-up, which will perform from April 27 – May 3 across twenty different venues in LA, including iconic spots like the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre, and the Hollywood Palladium. Among the big names scheduled to participate are stars like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, David Letterman, Amy Schumer, and Chelsea Handler; even “Grace and Frankie” stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin will be on hand, to host a special evening of all-female comics.

Another of the fest’s event’s that will be of particular interest to LGBTQ comedy fans is Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration, a stand-up showcase featuring a massive list of out and proud queer performers.

Alan Carr, Hannah Gadsby, Margaret Cho, Rosie O’Donnell, Sandra Bernhard, and Wanda Sykes are scheduled as the evening’s headliners, but there’s also a slew of additional talent on hand: Bianca Del Rio, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Guy Branum, James Adomian, Joel Kim Booster, Judy Gold, Lea DeLaria, Mae Martin, Marsha Warfield, Matteo Lane, Patti Harrison, Rhea Butcher, Sam Jay, Scott Thompson, Solomon Georgio, and Trixie Mattel – all of these be featured, with Demi Lovato, Graham Norton, and Ruby Rose included among the presenters.

On top of all that, the evening will also include a visit from the cast of a groundbreaking LGBTQ fan-favorite TV show, as “Schitt’s Creek: The Farewell Tour” brings the Rose family themselves (or at least, the beloved comedic giants who play them) onstage to “present a live and interactive evening that gives fans an insider’s look into the making of the series.”

According to Netflix, the evening of queer comedy will be “an unforgettable and unprecedented stand-up event… With special celebrity guests and surprise musical performances, you’re not gonna wanna miss this once in a lifetime show.”

Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration is set to happen on May 1 at the Greek Theatre in LA – but don’t let your FOMO get the best of you if you can’t be there. The show is scheduled to be taped and will presumably be available for streaming on the network at a later date.

The Netflix Is a Joke Fest itself runs April 27 – May 3, with tickets going on sale March 6.

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Arts & Entertainment

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

Published

22 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