Shoppers and brunch-goers are flocking to Dupont Circle this July for a theatrical, history-packed meal; Lyle’s Restaurant & Bar has teamed with the Dupont Social Club to stage “Drag Us Through Herstory,” a weekly drag brunch celebrating influential American women as the capital marks the country’s 250th year.

Essential Takeaways

  • What it is: A Sunday drag brunch series at Lyle’s in Dupont Circle that spotlights historic American women through theatrical drag performances.
  • When and where: Sundays in July, 11am to 3pm, on the 12th, 19th and 26th, hosted at Lyle DC’s ground-floor restaurant and bar.
  • Who’s involved: Performers from the Dupont Social Club, a well-known local LGBTQ+ organisation with deep neighbourhood roots.
  • What’s included: A multi-course meal with one entrée, one dessert and one alcoholic drink; gratuity not included.
  • Practical note: Seating is limited; book ahead via Lyle’s website to avoid disappointment.

What to expect: a loud, glittery history lesson with a plate

Think of it as edible theatre. The show mixes camp, costume and storytelling, and you’ll likely leave humming a tune while chewing on something buttery. Lyle’s serves a set brunch with an entrée, dessert and a cocktail, so the experience feels curated rather than chaotic. If you love community-driven performance and a slightly buzzy dining room, this is your kind of Sunday.

Why Dupont Circle and Lyle’s make perfect hosts

Lyle DC sits in the heart of a neighbourhood that’s long been a hub for LGBTQ+ life, so this partnership feels organic rather than staged. The Dupont Social Club has produced local pageants and events for years, and its performers know how to make history entertaining. The venue’s boutique-hotel vibe keeps things intimate, which makes the drag acts feel up-close and personal rather than stadium-sized.

The angle: celebrating women for the bicentennial moment

The brunch ties into the nation’s 250th birthday by putting women’s contributions centre stage , politics, culture, science and more get the camp treatment. It’s a simple but clever twist: theatre that educates without feeling like a lecture. Expect portrayals that are playful and pointed, mixing costume cues and quick-witted commentary about the past and present.

Tickets, logistics and making the most of the experience

Tickets cover food and a drink, but gratuity is extra, so factor that into your budget. Lyle’s is cosy, so snag a reservation online early; walk-ins could be out of luck. If you want the best view, arrive when doors open to grab a front-row seat and a refill. And if you’re coming with friends, book as a group so you’re seated together.

A small cultural moment with wider resonance

This brunch is part celebration and part community-building. Washington’s LGBTQ+ scene has been lively in recent years, and events like this keep the momentum going while offering something fresh for locals and visitors. It’s theatrical, it’s tasty and it’s unabashedly joyful , exactly the sort of outing that turns a Sunday into an occasion.

It’s a small change that can make every brunch feel like a story worth telling.

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