Out & About
Sampson celebrates 20th anniversary at DC Comedy Loft
Award-winning Black gay comedian returns
![Sampson McCormick, gay news, Washington Blade](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2021/02/Sampson_McCormick_insert_courtesy_Kola_for_510_Media.jpg)
Award-winning Black gay comedian and D.C. native Sampson McCormick will be returning to the DC Comedy Loft for four shows on Friday, Aug. 27 and Saturday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
McCormick’s return will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking career in comedy and place a special emphasis on Black LGBTQ stories on film. He will be promoting his latest film “Love The One You’re With” (2021), which he wrote and executive produced and an upcoming film “Velvet Jesus,” co-produced by McCormick and written by Charles McWells.
Additionally, McCormick will partner with havegoodsex.org to offer free at home HIV/STD testing kits primarily to Black queer and transgender individuals who are sexually active and prefer to test in the privacy of their own homes. The test can be returned via priority mail and results provided via phone or text message.
For more information, visit sampsoncomedy.com.
Out & About
Celebrate July 4 with area fireworks displays
Festivities planned for National Mall, Baltimore, Rehoboth Beach
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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
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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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