Out & About
10 LGBTQ events this week
New Year’s Eve parties and more
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/LGBTQ_2023_New_Year_insert_by_Bigstock.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.
LGBTQ+ Pre-New Years Celebration
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Federico_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, December 30
7-9 p.m.
Federico Ristorante Italiano
519 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite | Facebook
Join Go Gay DC for a night out with the community at Federico.
Disco Divas with Desi Minaj
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Disco_Divas_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, December 30
Doors 7:30 p.m. ($5 cover before 10 p.m./$8 after 10 p.m.) 21+
The Lodge
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md.
Facebook
If you are out in Maryland, its a great time to party with your favorite queens at the Lodge.
Ring In the New Year
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/NYE_Ring_in_the_New_Year_at_Nellies_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, December 31
All Day
Nellie’s Sports Bar
900 U Street, N.W.
Website
Get started early at Nellie’s for an all day NYE party.
New Year’s Eve Party at Kiki
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/NYE_Party_at_Kiki_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, December 31
8 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
21+
Facebook
Ring in the new year with a champagne toast at midnight at Kiki.
A New Year in Studio 54!
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/NYE_Party_at_the_Lodge_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, December 31
Doors 8 p.m. (Cover $9 before 10 /$15 after 10 p.m.) 21+
The Lodge
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md.
Facebook
Celebrate with a night of divas, decadence and dancing at the Lodge.
New Year’s Eve at Shaw’s Tavern
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Shaws_Tavern_NYE_Party_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, December 31
9 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$100
Facebook | Tickets
Tickets include an open bar until 1 a.m., a DJ until 2 p.m., a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, a 12:30 a.m. breakfast buffet, as well as hats and noisemakers for all.
Candela NYE fiesta
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Candela_fiesta_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, December 31
9 p.m.
Uproar Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
21+/ No Cover
Facebook
Catch a performance by Gigi and Mayline and ring in the new year at Uproar.
Red Bear NYE Ball!
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Red_Bear_NYE_party_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, December 31
9 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Co.
209 M Street, N.E.
$25 [SOLD OUT]
Facebook | Eventbrite
While this fabulous event is sold out already, hopefully you already got your tickets and I’ll see you there.
Brand New Day VI
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Flash_Brand_New_Day_VI_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, December 31-Monday, January 2
Doors 9 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$40-$70
Facebook | Tickets
Party all night, all day and all night again (and catch the best DJs in the area and beyond) at an epic event at Flash.
New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/12/Freddies_New_Years_Jazz_Brunch_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, January 1
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S.
Arlington, Va.
Facebook | Reservations
Recuperate with some good food and good fun at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington.
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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