Out & About
30 LGBTQ events this week
‘Gear up’ for Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/20190120_Mr_Mid-Atlantic_Leather_insert_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.
Drag Bingo
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Drag_Bingo_at_Red_Bear_Brewing_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Tuesday, January 10
7 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Facebook
Join host Desiree Dik for a fun night of bingo and drag at Red Bear Brewing Co.
It’s A Pride Affair: Volunteer Mixer
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Its_A_Pride_Affair_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Wednesday, January 11
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Number Nine
1435 P Street, N.W.
Facebook
Meet up and volunteer for Capital Pride. It’s an excellent place to meet new friends and to give back to the community. With WorldPride 2025 coming to D.C., volunteers are needed now more than ever.
Queer Trivia with the Mistresses
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2022/07/Queer_Trivia_with_the_Mistresses_poster_insert.jpg)
Wednesday, January 11
7-9 p.m.
The Dew Drop Inn
2801 8th Street, N.E.
Facebook
Show your LGBTQ history and culture skills of with friends with a game of trivia at the Dew Drop Inn on Wednesday.
Drag Bingo! Hosted by Brooklyn Heights
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Drag_Bingo_with_Brooklyn_Heights_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Wednesday, January 11
8-11 p.m.
Pitchers DC
2317 18th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Brooklyn Heights hosts a night of drag bingo at the popular LGBTQ sports bar Pitchers DC on Wednesday.
Geared Up: A Kinky Kickoff to Leather Weekend
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Geared_Up_at_Trade_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Thursday, January 12
7 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Here is a great way to start Leather Weekend with DJ Dean Sullivan (on at 9 p.m.).
Vernonza Extravaganza Lipsync Battle
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Veronza_Extravaganza_Lipsync_Battle_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Thursday, January 12
8 p.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Monica Vernonza and Lady London host a lipsync battle at Dupont Italian Kitchen on Thursday.
Sleaze: Triple Sweat
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Sleaze_Triple_Sweat_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Thursday, January 12
9 p.m.
DC9 Nightclub
1940 9th Street, N.W.
$15
Facebook | Eventbrite
Dance the night away at this monthly LGBTQ party at DC9.
Bootcamp: MAL Kick-Off
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Bootcamp_MAL_kickoff_at_Soundcheck_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Thursday, January 12
10 p.m.
Soundcheck
1420 K Street, N.W.
$15
Facebook | Tickets
Kinetic has done it again with a full weekend packed with parties. The official MAL kick off party starts at Soundcheck on Thursday.
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2014/01/20140119_Mr_Mid-Atlantic_Leather_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Damien_Salas.jpg)
January 13-16
Hyatt Regency Washington
400 New Jersey Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Website
Loads of events take place during this kinky weekend. While the all-weekend passes are sold out, on-site day passes are still available to buy at the Centaur store. Be sure to check out the Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition on Sunday.
Kinky Bears
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Kinky_Bears_at_Uproar_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, January 13
5:30-9:30 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No cover
Facebook
At the intersection of bears and leather comes Kinky Bears at UPROAR.
Staches and Lashes
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/The_Lodge_Staches_and_Lashes_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, January 13
Showtime 10:30
The Lodge
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, Md.
Facebook
Catch a show hosted by Chase Anthony, Ivanna Rights and Bayley out at the Lodge. Doors open at 7:30 for a RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party. $8 cover charge after 10 p.m.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 Viewing Party
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/RuPauls_Drag_Race_viewing_party_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, January 13
8-9 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Citrine hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 viewing party at JR.’s on Fridays.
Leather Weather: MAL Drag Celebration
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Leather_Weather_Red_Bear_Brewing_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, January 13
9 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Facebook
Watch a leather-inspired drag show at Red Bear on Friday hosted by Desiree Dik and featuring Crystal Edge, Amara Lee Dupree, Evry Pleasure and Dr. Torcher.
Hanky’s Out: A Highwaymen TNT Special BarNite
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Hankys_Out_at_Uproar_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, January 13
9:30 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
Do you know the hanky code? Google it. Join the Highwaymen TNT for a ‘BarNite Special: MAL Edition’ at UPROAR Lounge on Friday.
UNCUT XL
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Uncut_at_Bliss_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, January 13
10 p.m.
BLISS Nightclub
2122 24th Place, N.E.
$60-$115
Facebook | Eventbrite
Kinetic MAL Official Events continue with UNCUT XL at BLISS Nightclub on Friday.
Strip-TEAs Drag Burlesque
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/SripTEAS_burlesque_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Friday, January 13
10 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
No cover / 21+
Facebook
A drag burlesque and fetish show not to be missed starring Ricky Rosé, Blaq, Molasses and special guest Majic. The event is hosted by Citrine and music is provided by DJ Dez.
ONYX Cocktail Party & Gear Auction
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/ONYX_cocktail_party_and_gear_auction_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, January 14
2-6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Washington
400 New Jersey Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
The 12th annual Leather Cocktails event will benefit SMYAL.
Tara Hoot’s Bingo and Show
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Tara_Hoots_Bingo_anniversary_at_Crazy_Aunt_Helens_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, January 14
7 p.m.
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 8th Street, S.E.
$10
Facebook | Eventbrite
Tara Hoot hosts a night of drag bingo with a show starring Shelita Ramen and Cassi at Crazy Aunt Helen’s on Saturday.
Candela Leather (Cuero) MAL
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Candala_Leather_at_Uporar_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, January 14
9 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No cover / 21+
Facebook
Jayzeer Shantey and Lady J Monroe entertain at the Candela Leather event at UPROAR on Saturday. Music by DJ Milko.
Vanguard 5 Year Anniversary Party
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Vanguard_Dark_Dance_Party_5th_anniversary_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, January 14
9 p.m.
Safari DC Lounge
4306 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
$7 advance / $10 door
Facebook | Eventbrite
The Vanguard Dark Dance Party holds its 5th year anniversary at Safari DC Lounge on Saturday featuring DJ Roy Retrofit, DJ Johnny Panic, DJ Ultra Violet Rah and DJ Villainess.
BENT: Leatherette
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Bent_Leatherette_at_930_Club_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, January 14
10 p.m.
9:30 Club
815 V Street, N.W.
$25
Facebook | Tickets
This month’s BENT party is leather-centric at the 9:30 Club on Saturday.
KINETIC: Kink with Alyssa Edwards
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Kinetic_Kink_at_Echostage_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, January 14
10 p.m.
Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel Road, N.E.
$50-$65
Facebook | Tickets
Kinetic’s MAL events continue with the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend Main Event Dance Party at Echostage featuring “RuPaul’s” Alyssa Edwards.
Freeform 2.0: Leather and Lace
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Freeform_Leather_and_Lace_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Saturday, January 14
11 p.m.
Songbyrd Music House
540 Penn Street, N.E.
No cover / 18+
Facebook
Guest host Dirty Sanchez presents and open stage drag event and dance party with music by Kristy La Rat. Shows start at 11:30.
Drag Queen Roulette Brunch
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Drag_Queen_Roulette_Brunch_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, January 15
12 p.m.
Hello Betty Bethesda
940 Rose Avenue
North Bethesda, Md.
Facebook | Website
Reserve your table and catch a game of Drag Roulette. The audience picks the songs and the queens lip sync and dance for the win. This week’s challengers: Dustyn Dawn, Chanel Belladonna, Angel DeVero, Sirene Noir Sidora Jackson and Numi Von.
Disney Drag Me To Brunch
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Disney_Drag_Me_to_Brunch_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, January 15
12-2 p.m.
Three Monkeys Pub and Chophouse
9329 Main Street
Manassas, Va.
$10
Facebook | Eventbrite
Ophelia Bottoms hosts this Disney-inspired drag show in Manassas.
Kinky Beer Bust + UPROAR 7th Anniversary
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Kinky_Beer_Bust_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, January 15
4-9 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook
Show of your leather and gear at this Kinky Beer Bust for MAL Weekend. The event is complete with a pig roast and a cigar tent.
Pretty Boi Drag Presents #PrettyBoiAnniversary
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/20180121_Pretty_Boi_Drag_insert_c_Washington_Blade_by_Tom_Hausman.jpg)
Sunday, January 15
4-6 p.m.
Union Stage
740 Water Street, S.W.
$25-$40
Facebook | Tickets
D.C.’s premiere drag king troupe performs at Union Stage on Sunday for its anniversary.
Dinner N Drag
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Shaws_Tavern_Dinner_and_Drag_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, January 15
8 p.m.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Avenue, N.W.
Facebook | Reservations
Reserve your spot for some dinner and drag hosted by Kristina Kelly.
Flashy: Leather Edition
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Flashy_Leather_Edition_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, January 15
8 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$40
Facebook | Eventbrite
The Flash parties always bring you the city’s best DJs, and this time with a leather theme.
Babylon Sunday
![](https://www.washingtonblade.com/content/files/2023/01/Babylon_Sunday_poster_insert_via_Facebook.jpg)
Sunday, January 15
11:30 p.m.
Privilege DC Nightclub
1115 U Street, N.W.
$0-$100
Facebook | Eventbrite
Davon Hamilton Events brings you the Babylon Sunday Basement Dance Party at Privilege with sounds by DJ Apollo and DJ Obie.
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.
-
Canada1 day ago
Toronto Pride parade cancelled after pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt it
-
Theater4 days ago
Stephen Mark Lukas makes sublime turn in ‘Funny Girl’
-
Baltimore3 days ago
Despite record crowds, Baltimore Pride’s LGBTQ critics say organizers dropped the ball
-
Sports4 days ago
Haters troll official Olympics Instagram for celebrating gay athlete and boyfriend