Out & About
10 LGBTQ events this week
Labor Day weekend parties and a Boy George concert among attractions
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/LGBTQ_events_August_29-September_4_insert_2_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.
DC Gaymer Social
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/DC_Gaymers_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Tuedsay, Aug. 30
7-10 p.m.
Uproar Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
DCGY wants to invite you all to a freeplay gaming social event! All gaming stations will be open for free play — hosting games such as Super Smash Bros., Ultimate, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, Kirby and the Forbidden Land, Mario Party Superstars, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Brawlhalla, and more.
Underrepresented Genders Sports Mixer
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/underrepresented_genders_Team_DC_sports_mixer_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Wednesday, Aug. 31
6-8 p.m.
As You Are Bar
500 8th Street, N.E.
Facebook
All women, trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming folx are welcome at this Team DC Sports Mixer at As You Are on Wednesday.
Noche de Lotería
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/Noche_De_Loteria_poster_isnert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Wednesday, Aug. 31
8 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Join host Mari Con Carne and special guest Desiree Dik for Noche de Loteria at Trade. Lotería is a game of chance similar to bingo popular in Mexican culture. Stick around for a show.
Shaw’s Tavern 10th Anniversary Celebration
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/Kristina_Kelly_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
Thrusday, Sept. 1
6:30 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
Celebrating 10 years, Shaw’s Tavern is holding a party on Thursday. Trivia, music, entertainment, appetizers, champagne and drag make for a fun evening out.
Boy George & Culture Club
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/20150811_Boy_George_and_Culture_Club_at_Wolf_Trap_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
Thursday, Sept. 1
8-10 p.m.
Wolf Trap
1551 Trap Road
Vienna, Va.
Facebook
Boy George and the Culture Club returns to the DMV on Thursday for a concert at Wolf Trap.
Xavier Entertainment “Hard Labor” Day Weekend Events
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/Xavier_Entertainment_Hard_Labor_Weekend_poster_split_insert_via_Eventbrite.jpg)
Friday, Sept. 2 – Monday, Sept. 5
Events in venues across the city catering to the LGBTQ community
- Hard Labor Kickoff Party | Friday, Sept. 2 | Club Elevate | Free – $100 | Eventbrite
- All White Rooftop Party | Saturday, Sept. 3 | Ivy City Smokehouse | Free – $100 | Eventbrite
- Sunday Funday | Sunday, Sept. 4 | Nellie’s Sports Bar | Free – $10 | Eventbrite
- Hard Labor Cookout Main Event | Sunday, Sept. 4 | Aqua | Free – $100 | Eventbrite
Movie Night at Stead Park
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/Hugh_Jackman_in_Greatest_Showman_insert_courtesy_20th_Century_Fox.jpg)
Friday, Sept. 2
7:30 p.m.
Stead Park
1625 P Street, N.W.
Facebook
Bring your blanket, picnic basket and friends to a movie night at Stead Park featuring “The Greatest Showman.”
Freddie’s Follies
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/Freddies_Follies_Halloween_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Michael_Key.jpg)
Saturday, Sept. 3
9 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Website
Catch one of the area’s best drag shows at Freddie’s Beach Bar on Saturday.
Safe Space: A Queer Dance Party
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/galaxy_insert_by_Bigstock.jpg)
Saturday, Sept. 3
10 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
$10 donation suggested / 21+
Facebook
“For millennia, a human species called QUEERS have fought for their spaces to celebrate their community. They are still in that fight and under attack by the GLOBAL EMPIRE! However….A small group of alien beings have decided to descend to Earth to assist the RESISTANCE and help QUEERS dance their way to UTOPIA!”
Flashy Labor Day Weekend
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/08/Flashy_Labor_Day_Weekend_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, Sept. 4
10 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30/$40
Facebook
The city’s top DJs will be spinning into the morning at Flash for a night to remember.
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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