Named after the popular hangout spot on Beverly Hills 90210, Peach Pit celebrates the pop music of the 1990s and has been a monthly entity for a full decade now of its own. Patrons are encouraged to arrive as close as possible to the 10:30 p.m. start time this Saturday, Jan. 18, or else risk waiting in a long line in the cold outside once the intimate DC9 reaches capacity. The result could be a “you’re frozen” moment when DJ Matt Bailer decides to spin your favorite Madonna jam of the decade — when you’re heart’s not open, Mm! Admission is $5 before midnight, $8 after. 21 and above.
The next day, Sunday, Jan. 19, at the same venue comes the other decade-spanning monthly venture from Bailer, this one geared to those who wanna dance with somebody who loves them while reminiscing about a time when doves cried and people were hungry like the wolf. Oh, and also when a certain Ms. Ciccone cried, “I’m burning up!” and in due time you clapped back, “with your love!” Named after the retirement village where the gay-popular TV series The Golden Girls took place, Shady Pines focuses on the ’80s, when pop music was wild and formulaic, eclectic and overproduced. The party is from 3 to 7 p.m and takes place on DC9’s enclosed, heated rooftop. Admission is free. DC9 is at 1940 9th St. NW. Call 202-483-5000 or visit www.dcnine.com.
CHANELLIE’S DRAG BRUNCH
In case you were wondering, there is not a new queen on the scene named Chanellie. Rather, Chanellie is the name of the game at Nellie’s Drag Brunch ever since Chanel Devereaux ascended to the throne as queen of queens for the venue’s popular brunch. This weekend, Devereaux will slay, sashay, and serve alongside Deja Diamond Jemaceye, Sapphire Ardwick Ardmore-Blue, and Celestia Cox at all four shows and seatings.
In addition, those at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, will also feature Indiana Bones, Chicki Parm, and Synchottia C. Diamond Blue, and the shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, will have the additional delights of LaBellela Maffia, Alexa V. Shontelle, and Holly Whatt. The All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet includes roast pork, vegetarian pasta, cheesy grits, soups, salads, fruit, and dessert, as well as everyone’s first mimosa or mary mixed by “your favorite shirtless bartender,” Andrew Sweeney. Ages 21 and up. Nellie’s Sports Bar is at 900 U St. NW. Tickets are $41.91. Call 202-332-NELL or visit www.nelliessportsbar.com.
SPARK AT A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
When we lost Cobalt last year, we also lost one of the city’s longest-running queer women’s dance events, the third-Saturdays Bare. Promoter Karen Diehl and her LURe DC team found a way to reignite last fall with a new party at a new venue, and a new sense of purpose. The next Spark at A League of Her Own in Adams Morgan strikes this Sunday, Jan. 19, starting at 9 p.m., with music by DJ Honey and drinks by ALOHO staff plus guest bartenders Jewel Murray and MJ Egan.
In addition to luring like-minded queer folk to dance, drink, and deepen their bonds, Spark also aims to raise money and/or awareness for a specific cause, organization, or “awesome” person. A portion of proceeds from the first “party with a purpose” in 2020 will go to the Obong Belton Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports women and young girls who have marginalized because of their gender. A League of Her Own is at 2319 18th St. NW. No cover. 21 and up only. Call 202-733-2568 or visit www.pitchersdc.com.
This Sunday, Jan. 19, Tammy Truong’s improbable little bear bar that could will roar into another year of business by first feeding the hungry furry fellas for free, via a three-hour Complimentary Dinner Buffet starting at 3 p.m. It may be well before the normal dinner bell, but many a bear will be there with bells and bibs on. An hour into the feeding frenzy, DJ Mike Babbitt, one of Uproar’s signature DJs, will crank up the heat and bring in the beats for a five-hour frisson of happy, poppy, housy music, fueled by the Beer Bust special of $17 Bottomless Bud Light on tap.
Those who aren’t yet busted or ready to bust after the clock strikes 9 p.m. are in luck, as Uproar will honor the special occasion of its anniversary with a nighttime party and closing set from DJ Bo Bear from Miami. Uproar is at 639 Florida Ave NW. Call 202-462-4464 or visit www.facebook.com/uproarloungedc.
Patagonia, the outdoor clothing and gear retailer, has sued drag performer Pattie Gonia for trademark infringement, claiming that similarities in their names and branding have caused “confusion and deception” among consumers.
In the lawsuit, filed January 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the company is seeking $1 in nominal damages and asking the court to block Pattie Gonia -- the drag persona of Wyn Wiley -- from registering her name as a trademark or selling merchandise bearing it, reports The Independent.
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.
The year's nearly out. Sometimes that calls for taking sweet stock of the past months' wonderful events. Coming to the end of 2025, on the other hand, is more like getting to that denouement in the action movie where the survivors take a breath and pat each other on the back for having made it out alive. At this stage, we are Newt getting tucked-in to her Sulaco hibernation tube.
With some effort and a pinch of luck, may we all fare better in 2026 than poor Newt's end at the start of Alien 3.
Why such a shitty year? So much of it, obviously, can be laid at the feet of Lame Duck Donald. Not that he hasn't had loads of assistance in his evil efforts to erase our transgender family and friends, colleagues, and leaders during 2025. The purge, as promised, began right out of the gate on Inauguration Day.
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