FRIDAY JUNE 11
THAT’S THE SPIRIT: Unwind this weekend by hitting up new Blagden Alley cocktail bar Never Looked Better on its one-week anniversary. The spot opened its doors last week to pay “nostalgic homage to the bars — and the dive-bar cocktails — of the 1990s and early 2000s.” Expect a Miami art-deco aesthetic with cocktails to match. (Never Looked Better, open 5 p.m.-2 a.m.)
AND THE AWARD GOES TO: The Capital Pride Alliance and Compass Coffee will honor local leaders who have furthered civil rights for LGBTQ+ people. The Capital Pride Honors will be held at Compass’ new event space at their factory in Ivy City. Attendees can also expect an honors reception (with drinks and dessert station) and a new music video from local pop group SHAED. (Compass Coffee Ivy City; 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20-$25)
COCKTAIL CLASS & SHABBAT: On Friday, Bet Mishpachah is presenting a two-part Pride event. First, tune in to a virtual pride Cocktail Making Class & Mixer, followed by a Pride Shabbat. Participants will learn how to make a pride-themed cocktail (and don’t worry: an ingredient list will be available ahead of time). (7:15 p.m. mixer, 8 p.m. Shabbat; FREE)
SIXTH & I PRIDE SHABBAT: On Friday, you can also join Sixth & I synagogue for a National Pride Shabbat to celebrate the diversity of the region’s Jewish community. The event will be available online with limited in-person seats available. Please note that advance registration is required and all in-person attendees will be required to wear a mask. (Sixth & I Historic Synagogue; 7:15 p.m.; FREE)
SATURDAY JUNE 12
MINI PRIDE: Last year, the Capitol Hill community rallied around a transgender boy after his school allegedly rejected his gender identity. This year, the rallying tradition continues with a “mini pride” parade to celebrate local LGBTQ+ community, play in a “name the Pride flag” competition, and decorate signs. The event is family friendly and pets are welcome to join. (NE Branch Library; 2 p.m.; FREE)
PRIDE POP-UP: Head to Dupont Circle on Saturday for a Pride-themed outdoor market featuring more than 50 vendors from across the region. Sellers will be set up on sidewalks from P Street to Connecticut Avenue — and will be featuring items from candles to pottery and everything in between. (Dupont Circle neighborhood, Washington, D.C.; free entry)
ART INSTALLATION: On Saturday evening, get some fresh air in Georgetown and meet one of the artists behind their Georgetown GLOW neighborhood series. Stephanie Mercedes will be on-site at her piece, “Weight of a Rainbow,” a suspended light installation with a recorded a cappella choir featuring eight LGBTQ+ voices sharing their stories. (3276 M St NW; 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY JUNE 13
BOURBON & BLUEGRASS: Raise a glass to bluegrass by attending President Lincoln’s Cottage Bourbon and Bluegrass 2021. The President Lincoln’s Cottage museum is streaming their annual fundraiser live from their 250 acre campus in Northwest D.C. A general admission ticket will get you full access to the live-streamed bands and cocktail classes — and a VIP ticket will also include a curated cocktail mixing kit from Beam Suntory. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $45 – $85)
MISS DC: We may not have voting representation in Congress, but we do have representation in the Miss America competition. This Sunday, tune into the Miss District of Columbia Competition, and witness as the District chooses our representative to compete for Miss America. The event prioritizes education, talent, and performing arts — and the finalists will receive awards from from the Miss DC Scholarship Organization. (4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $5-$20)
BREW & PRIDE: Close out your weekend at Wunder Garten as they host “Sunday Kiki: A Pride Celebration.” Immediately after the NoMa beer garden’s “Yappy Hour” event from noon to 3 p.m., Crystal Edge and Katrina Colby take the stage to host an evening-long celebration featuring complimentary Deep Eddy Vodka shots, food from La Buena Empanada and Swizzler, and giveaways. (Wunder Garten; 3 p.m.-8 p.m.)
