Metro Weekly

Black Pride Guide 2018: Every Party and Event

Your cheat sheet to all the major events taking place in Washington, DC -- May 24-28, 2018

DC Black Pride’s Manhunt Super Day Party (Fantasy) at UltraBar — Photo: Ward Morrison/File photo

Thousands of visitors will descend on D.C. this weekend for DC Black Pride, and with so much on offer we’ve compiled the main events to come, arranged by day.

Most educational and community events occur at the host hotel, the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St. NW., including the vendors at the Pride Exhibit Hall, which will be open Friday, May 25, from 12 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on the Independence Level.

While some dance parties and social events take place at the hotel, the majority are off-site, at clubs throughout the city.

For additional details and for events not listed here visit metroweekly.com or dcblackpride.org/schedule.htm.

Thursday, May 24

HAPPY HOUR PRIDE KICKOFF: WELCOME TO DC

DJs Jai Syncere and Kidd Fresh ease you into the weekend with a party presented by Unleashed DC. 5 to 10 p.m. MVP Lounge, 1015 7th St. NW. $5 before 7 p.m., $7 after. Visit unleasheddc.com.

PANEL: USING BLACK POLITICAL POWER TO END HIV

Broadcaster/author Keith Boykin, WPGC’s Poet Taylor, Rev. Keron Sadler of the NAACP, and hair stylist Miss Lawrence participate in a conversation presented with Impulse DC and the Human Rights Campaign. 6 p.m., preceded by a reception with complimentary bar and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Grand Hyatt Independence Ballroom.

WELCOME 2 DC MIX’HER WITH MINI COMEDY SHOWCASE

A Mix-N-Mingle Happy Hour also featuring some of the DMV’s funniest comedians, including Nik Snow, Rudy Wilson, Patrice DeVeaux, Anthony Oakes, D.Lo, Fernando Madrigal, Woo Woo, and Chelsea Shorte. DJ T-Juan will spin in between jokes, for a party with drink specials and hookah. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Pure Lounge, 1326 U St. NW. Free before 8 p.m., $8 after.

#SLAYTHEVOTE BALL 2018

Charles Khan, Duante Balenciaga, and Twiggy Pucci Garcon co-present a ball competition with prizes sponsored by Impulse Group DC and the Center for Black Equity, part of a national campaign to register voters and also inspire them to become more engaged in all levels of politics. Kirk Boom Balenciaga and Snookie 007 serve as commentators, with music by DJ Tony Play. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Grand Hyatt Independence Ballroom.

GENESIS CHAPTER X: PRIDE KICKOFF

The first of 10 Supreme Fantasy events presented by Omega Entertainment, K5, and Xavier Entertainment, featuring two DJs, 10 male dancers, and an estimated 500 men. 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Barcode, 1101 17th St. NW.  Included in Supreme Fantasy Party Pass ($150). Visit omegapartydc.com.

THE SET UP: WELCOME TO DC PARTY

Daryl Wilson Promotions (DWP) presents the first in the massive “Wet Dreamz The Luxury Edition” party series. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Club Elevate, 15 K St. NE. $10, or free with the purchase of a DWP Party Pass ($150). Visit darylwilsondc.com.

DC Black Pride — Photo: Ward Morrison/File photo

Friday, May 25

SEXUAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM: “SEX, LIES & VIDEO TAPES”

A free, frank conversation about sex today presented by the D.C. Department of Health. 4 to 6 p.m. Grand Hyatt Independence Ballroom E, D.

HIV/AIDS AND STI TESTING FOR BEYONCE AND JAY-Z TICKETS

Organized by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, everyone who takes a free one-minute HIV test or survey is entered to win two tickets to Bae and Jay’s July 27 concert at FedEx Field (a $470 value). 6 to 9 p.m. McPherson Square/Franklin Square. Free.

DC BLACK PRIDE OPENING RECEPTION: BLACK JOY EXPERIENCE

A free event co-presented by The Impulse Group DC and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Independence Ballroom.

THE IQ PROJECT WORKSHOP/PANEL DISCUSSION

Women in the Life Association, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and DC Black Pride present this Intergenerationally Queer Project event in which black lesbian and queer women advocates of all ages engage in a frank discussion. 9 to 11 p.m. Independence Ballroom E, D. Free, but registration required.

WET AND SEXY LADIES PARTY

The ladies of Capitol-Doll-House host this Uncnzrd event with emcee Dnyce and DJs L*Stackz and Kidd Fresh. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Abigail DC, 1730 M St. NW.

THE 3,000 MEN BIG BANG MEGA PARTY W/KEYSHIA COLE

The R&B songstress and BET star is the featured performer at this Supreme Fantasy event also featuring three DJs and 15 dancers. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Karma, 2221 Adams Pl. NE.

ROCK THE BLOCK ALL MALE SUPER PARTY W/SHANGELA, DREAMDOLL

Daryl Wilson Promotions presents RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars’ Shangela, as well as female rapper Dreamdoll as part of a Wet Dreamz The Luxury Edition party with all nude male dancers and music by DJs Sedrick and Maestro, and MC Brandon Anthony. 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Ziegfeld’s/Secrets, 1824 Half St. SW. $20 before midnight, or free with DWP Party Pass.

ALLURE ALL WHITE PARTY

Unleashed DC presents a party on two floors, with two bars, and DJs Jai Syncere and Deluxx. 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Bistro Bistro, 1727 Connecticut Ave. NW. $15 before midnight, or $20 after.

AFTERHOURS “WAREHOUSE EDITION”

Almost everything about this event is secret or TBA, from the two DJs to the venue with a “massive dance floor,” plus an estimate of 1,500 men, food, and a “dark lounge area.” One of the few things we do know is the names of the party’s professional eye candy: Leryia Lee and crazy4savi. Oh, and that this is the first of three all-night parties. 2 to 7 a.m. Secret Warehouse. $30, or $45 for all three. Visit IgniteDMV.com.

Manhunt Super Day Party at UltraBar — Photo: Ward Morrison/File photo

Saturday, May 26

GROWN FOLKS SPEAK OUT II: ELDERS WORLD CAFE

Mary’s House for Older Adults presents a discussion in which those in the older generation share their personal struggles identifying as LGBTQ in a far less understanding or welcoming era. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grand Hyatt Independence Ballroom B. Free, including light breakfast and lunch.

HIP HOP & HEELS EXERCISE SESSION WITH LAWRENCE GOODMAN JR.

Learn the art of balance and vogue in a 45-minute cardio, toning, and dance class all in one, led by a man known as the LJExperience. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lafayette Park/Farragut Square. Free.

RESUME WRITING & INTERVIEW PREP WORKSHOP

Booz Allen Hamilton consultants coach participants in how to present themselves, what to say and what not to say, and other helpful tips on getting a job. 12 to 2 p.m. Independence Ballroom G. Free.

LITERARY CAFE: REMEMBERING JAMES BALDWIN

Author Marcel Emerson hosts a discussion with fellow authors Jamar Dunnigan, Rashid Darden, Sophia Ellis, Jeanette Ferrell, Anthony Bernard Green, LaToya Hankins, Margaret Irvin-Ferrell, Donovan James, Ronald Martin, Kasaundra Owens, Monika Pickett, Michael Riggins, Warren Stewart, and Dwayne Vernon. 1 to 4 p.m. Lafayette Park. Free.

YOUTH SUMMIT

A panel of black LGBTQ youth will discuss issues affecting the community, followed by a Q&A with the audience. 2 to 4 p.m. Franklin Square. Free.

TRANSGENDER TOWN HALL: MAY IS “ALL ABOUT TRANS”

The resilience and progress of the black transgender community is remarkable considering the many obstacles its members have faced. This town hall allows trans people and their allies to sound off on the issues in a safe-space environment. 2 to 4 p.m. Independence Ballroom G. Free, registration required.

“ASK THE DOC”: WOMEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH WORKSHOP

Gynecologist Dr. R. Jones facilitates an informative and non-biased symposium of reproductive health care information, testing, and referrals for LBT women of color. 2 to 4 p.m. Independence Ballroom F. Free.

BAEWATCH: LEGENDARY CHILL OUT DAY PARTY

Jeffrey J and Milan Christopher of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood host this Daryl Wilson Promotions’ Wet Dreams The Luxury Edition event. 2 to 9 p.m. The Park at Fourteenth, 920 14th St. NW. $20 before 4 p.m., or free with DWP Party Pass.

CANDYLAND 6

MC Tuffy & B Monroe host “the hottest party in DC” with DJs Mim, Deluxx, Jai Syncere, L Stackz, and Sammi Blendz. 3 to 10 p.m. Stadium Club, 2127 Queens Chapel Rd. NE. $12 in advance, or $15 at the door.

6TH ANNUAL PARTY WITH A PURPOSE OLD SCHOOL DANCE PARTY

A benefit for the production of safe, affordable, and inclusive housing in D.C. and presented by Mary’s House for Older Adults, Inc. The event features West Coast swing dance, DJ Lady D, a silent auction and cash bar, plus a light buffet at 4 p.m. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Independence Ballroom C, D, E. $40 in advance, or $50 at the door.

ROYAL MEN IN WHITE SUPER PARTY W/KEKE WYATT

A “Kings & Rockstars Affair” featuring the R&B Divas: Atlanta alum performing live, plus two DJs and 10 dancers, presented by Omega Entertainment, K5, and Xavier Entertainment. 4 to 9:30 p.m. SAX Restaurant and Lounge, 734 11th St. NW.

POETRY SLAM

Mary Bowman hosts a first-come, first-serve program of poetry presented in collaboration with Honey-Coated Nightlife. 7 to 9 p.m. Independence Ballroom G,F. Free.

BLACK GIRL MAGIC: UNDERGROUND SOUL SATURDAY

Women in the Life Association returns for a party with soulful house DJ TMF “taking you back in the day and into tomorrow.” 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ballroom C, D, E. $20. Visit facebook.com/witla.

LESBIAN MEGA PARTY

Dnyce emcees an Uncnzrd party featuring the sounds of DJs Mz Deluxx and Jai Syncere. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Power (XS) Nightclub, 2335 Bladensburg Rd. NE.

THE CULTURE: MEN N WHITE W/MARIO, TYSON BECKFORD, DAVID MCINTOSH

Billed as “The World’s Largest Hip Hop Party,” this Daryl Wilson Promotions event is hosted by the dreamy international supermodels plus a performance by Baltimore’s smooth R&B crooner Mario. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE. $20 before midnight, or free with DWP Pass.

THE 5,000 MEN MEGA PARTY

Jussie Smollett, the gay star of Fox’s Empire, hosts a Supreme Fantasy party presented by Omega Entertainment featuring a performance by the R&B diva as well as the girl group June’s Diary. Six DJs and 20 dancers on four floors. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Bliss Super Club, 2221 24th Pl. NE.

CHOCOLATE CITY INVASION: THE MEGA WOMEN’S PARTY

DJs Mim and Sammii Blendz spin for an Unleashed DC party also promising “celebrity DJs and hosts TBA.” 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Howard Theater, 620 T St. NW. $20 in advance, $30 at the door, or $40 VIP.

AFTERHOURS “WAREHOUSE EDITION”

The second of three overnight parties promising a “massive dance floor,” 1500 men, food, and a “dark lounge area” in an undisclosed location — and dancers Leryia Lee and crazy4savi. 2 to 7 a.m. Secret Warehouse. Cover is $30, or $45 for all three. Visit IgniteDMV.com.

THE RED EYE AFTER HOURS

Omega Entertainment, K5, and Xavier Entertainment keep the Supreme Fantasy programming going until after sunrise. 3 to 10 a.m. The DC Eagle, 3701 Benning Rd. NE.

Daryl Wilson’s Epic Live Party — Photo: Ward Morrison/File photo

Sunday, May 27

PRIDE PRAISE

An authentic Pride Praise Fest with exhortations given by Bishop Allyson Abrams, Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks, Pastor Mark James, Elder-elect Abena McCray-Peters, Pastor Darren Phelps, and Rev. Dr. Aaron Wade. Featuring Diedre Gray & Love Gospel Choir. 9 to 11 a.m. Independence Ballroom C, B. Free.

THE FINALE: LESBIAN BRUNCH AND DAY PARTY

Chef Sherardb will be on brunch duty while DJs Jai Syncere and L Stackz are on beats for this two-in-one kind of party presented by Uncnzrd also including a full bar with mimosas and hookah available — although best if you purchase advance tickets to guarantee a spot at brunch. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for brunch, 4 to 10 p.m. for the day party. 12 Twelve, 1210 H St. NE. $35 for both, or $10 for day party only.

PREP MEETS U=U BRUNCH

Us Helping Us, the D.C. Department of Health, Gilead, and UChaps present a brunch with bottomless mimosas and a discussion about the real possibility of getting to zero new HIV infections through the use of PrEP and antiretroviral therapy. Special guests include trans model and RuPaul’s Drag Race Pit Crew member Laith Ashley, Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood actor/rapper Milan Christopher, and America’s Next Top Model contestant and trans model Isis King. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blind Whino, 700 Delaware Ave. SW. $40. Visit prepmeetsbrunch.eventbrite.com.

DC BLACK PRIDE BRUNCH

Honey Coated Nightlyfe presents this Communities Building Communities buffet-style brunch on the patio with mimosas and drink specials, and featuring community leader and Councilwoman-at-large candidate Dionne Reeder, who will get a portion of the brunch’s proceeds. Noon to 4 p.m. Cheers at the Big Chair, 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. $40 to $50. Visit communitypridebrunch.bpt.me.

EPIC LIVE DAY PARTY W/GINUWINE, BOBBY LYTES

R&B star Ginuwine performs with special guest Lytes as part of a star-studded stage show presented by Daryl Wilson Promotions and hosted by The Prince of Miami, with live DJ, food trucks, multiple bars, frozen drinks and more. 1 to 9 p.m. The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds, 1201 Half St. SE. $20 before 3 p.m., or free with DWP Party Pass.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN COLLECTIVE THEATER: MOUTH PIECE/S

ACT returns with the latest in its ongoing series of LGBTQ Theater Showcases presented to commemorate DC Black Pride, 26 years after launching during the weekend celebration. This year the company offers a pair of “Reader’s Theater”-style performances, with two different programs of short plays on Sunday, May 27, at 4 and 8 p.m. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G St. NW. $15 to $20.

THE ANNUAL MANHUNT MEGA DAY PARTY

Another Supreme Fantasy party presented by Omega Entertainment, K5, and Xavier Entertainment, this one featuring 10 dancers, four DJs on four floors in the heart of downtown. Ultrabar, 911 F St. NW. 4 to 9:30 p.m.

MEN N DEMAND SUPER PARTY

A Daryl Wilson Promotions’ Wet Dreamz The Luxury Edition event. 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. The Park at Fourteenth, 920 14th St. NW. $20 before 10 p.m., or free with DWP Party Pass.

PRIDE FAREWELL: MELANIN MAGIC

Onyx Entertainment and Ooh Entertainment present a party with DJ Mim. Aqua Nightclub & Lounge, 1818 New York Ave. NE. $10 before midnight, $15 after.

MATCH! THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC LIGHT HOOKUP PARTY

“Fellas grab your glow stick and assume your position” — with red indicating top, yellow versatile, and green bottom. This Daryl Wilson party also features four DJs, 15 dancers, on three floors with a rooftop, and promises a “national recording artist performance TBA.” 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Decades, 1219 Connecticut Ave. NW.

AFTERHOURS “WAREHOUSE EDITION”

If you opt to stay up and hit this for a third night in a row, at least you’ll know where the secret location is — but will there be any secrets left uncovered by dancers Leryia Lee and crazy4savi? 2 to 7 a.m. Secret Warehouse. $30, or $45 for all three. Visit IgniteDMV.com.

Fantasy Mega Pride Party — Photo: Ward Morrison/File photo

Monday, May 28

THE OUTDOOR FESTIVAL IN THE PARK

The signature DC Black Pride event, also known as the Cultural Arts & Wellness Festival, is presented by Daryl Wilson with a stage show produced by Theresa Beavers Jackson. This Day Party features food and vendors as well as performances. 12 to 7 p.m. Fort Dupont Park, 3600 Minnesota Ave. SE. Free and open to all.

THE ROOFTOP PARTY

The first of two Supreme Fantasy parties on Memorial Day alone from Omega Entertainment, K5, and Xavier Entertainment. 4 to 9 p.m. Eden Lounge DC, 1716 I St. NW.

TAKE IT OFF STRIP SHOW AND DANCE PARTY

Gio, Synst3r, Mustang, Negro Bello, Mega Body, Ra Ra, and Devo are the featured all nude dancers at Daryl Wilson’s closing Pride dance party. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Secrets, 1824 Half St. SW. $10, or free with DWP Party Pass.

THE LEGENDARY MEATLOAF APOCALYPSE CHAPTER X

The last Supreme Fantasy hurrah, a party with two DJs and 15 dancers, and the promise of “1,000+ Men.” 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Stadium Club, 2127 Queens Chapel Rd. NE.

For additional details and for events not listed here visit dcblackpride.org/schedule.htm.

Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism

These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!