RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 11: DRAG-HOSTED VIEWING PARTIES
At least seven queens will battle it out for the title of D.C.’s Best Host for a Reality Show Viewing Party starting this Thursday, Feb. 28, and continuing at 9 p.m. every Thursday into Pride season. The show in question is RuPaul’s Drag Race, the hit VH1 show preparing to hoist 14 new queens — plus the return of Vanessa Vanjie Mateo — on a suspecting America via its 11th Season. There’s a viewing party on the boards at just about every gay bar in town, including Pitchers, Nellie’s, Uproar, and JR.’s, the latter of which dangles the prospect of a 30-minute open bar for the patron who correctly guesses which queen will be sent packing per episode.
For total tucking immersion, it helps to wash it all down watching with a local drag queen or two. This season’s roster includes: Jane Saw at Trade, where DJ Wess will put some bass in your gawk, plus there will be games and the “usual antics,” including XL Happy Hour drink prices until 10 p.m.; Goldie Grigio at the 18th & U Duplex Diner; Crystal Edge, Katrina Colby, and D.C.’s own Drag Race alum Tatianna, plus additional guest stars each week at the DC Eagle, which caps things off with a Male Burlesque Revue in the Exile upstairs; Desiree Dik at Dew Drop Inn (www.dewdropinn.com), where every fourth Thursday, including Feb. 28, there’s a Twisted party with drag acts Bratworst, Bellatrix Foxxx, plus an amateur Slay contest; and Mister Mowens and the Queertopia party at the Dirty Goose, offering everything from the standard games and drink specials to look contests and queer art. For contact information and links, visit www.metroweekly.com/nightlife.
GREEN LANTERN’S REWIND: REQUEST LINE
Darryl Strickland was one of the most prolific DJs in gay D.C. in the ’90s, which makes him eminently qualified to serve as VJ for this first-Saturdays party focused on playing the best video hits of the ’80s and ’90s. There are drink specials on offer and the ability to make requests all night long. Saturday, March 2, starting at 9 p.m. Green Lantern, 1335 Green Ct. NW. No cover. Call 202-347-4533 or visit www.greenlanterndc.com.
ELECTRIC RAINBOW: LVE EDITION
The first Sunday of every month, DJ Chord throws a weekend winddown party in the unmarked space behind the freezer door in Capo DC, the Shaw sandwich shop. DJ TWiN joins Chord for a party to pop the cork on March and hurry up spring with heat-inducing performances from KC B. Yoncé and Jazzmine. Sunday, March 3, from 5 to 10 p.m. The BackRoom, 715A Florida Ave. NW. Call 202-910-6884 or visit www.facebook.com/TheBackRoomCapo.
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: MARDI GRAS PARTY & FUNDRAISER
Among the many gay ways to celebrate Mardi Gras, few others are likely to make you feel as good and as proud, and as close to God, as this. The LGBTQIA Alliance of the Washington National Cathedral presents a Crawfish Boil at Brookland’s Dew Drop Inn, which will host the fundraiser to build “an epic Cathedral float” for the Capital Pride parade. In addition to all-you-can-eat shucked shellfish plus an open bar for two full hours, the #FundTheFloat party offers entertainment by way of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and, direct from Dallas, gay entertainer Paul J. Williams, who, befitting the occasion, will be in character as Sister Helen Holy, “ministering on behalf of the fictitious First Southern Fried Self-Satisfied Baptist Church.” Tuesday, March 5, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Dew Drop Inn is at 2801 8th St. NE. Tickets are $100. Call 202-791-0909 or search “Pride Parade Float” at www.cathedral.org.
"Are you asking the kinkiest thing we've done?" came the typically bold response from Nymphia Wind.
That wasn't precisely the question I had posed to her and sister international drag superstar Plastique Tiara as we discussed the duo's upcoming performance at Mid-Atlantic Leather's main event party, Kinetic Presents KINK: Double Trouble. But since Nymphia brought it up, do tell.
"Well, when in London, you explore," Nymphia said, coyly referencing her time on the city's nightlife scene as a baby queen, years before becoming Season 16 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Racers, start your engines. RuPaul’s Drag Race has revealed the 14 new queens set to grace the runway for its 18th season as they vie for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar and a grand prize of $200,000.
Premiering January 2 on MTV, the season will be accompanied by another run of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked, where viewers get the chance to get an inside look at all the tea being spilt behind the scenes of the hit show.
The new season will also feature a bit of a twist from the outset. Unlike the recent spate of season-premiere episodes that feature a talent show -- remember Season 15, when the judges were somehow unimpressed with Irene the Alien’s keen ability to make a glass of ice water? -- the competition appears to be starting with a sewing challenge.
Time to pop the cork! Whether you're chasing disco nostalgia, favorite DJs, drag-fueled countdowns, or a low-key toast at your neighborhood bar, D.C.'s LGBTQ nightlife offers no shortage of options. From ticketed blowouts to no-cover hangs, these venues are ready to toss 2025 out the window and welcome a hopefully brighter 2026 with sass and style.
The Atlantis
2047 9th St. NW
theatlantis.com
The Atlantis celebrates in New Year's Eve with an 18+ ticketed dance party. The DJ-driven celebration centers on ABBA, with plenty of additional disco favorites from the '70s and '80s -- including tracks by the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher. Festivities include a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and disco attire is encouraged. Tickets are $68.40. The venue will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
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