Planning a night out in Washington, D.C.? Metro Weekly’s LGBTQ nightlife guide rounds up events at nine participating venues from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 November 2026. There’s a busy mix of drag, DJs, karaoke, trivia and sports, plus selected happy-hour offers. Since schedules can change, check with venues before heading out.

Essential Takeaways

  • Ten days of options: The listings cover nine D.C. venues, with events ranging from karaoke and showtunes to drag, dancing and sports.
  • Big one-off nights: Highlights include Crush Dance Bar’s Cobalt reunion, BUNKER’s Shakira-themed party and a Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence anniversary celebration at Trade.
  • Deals vary by venue: Happy-hour times and offers differ, so check the day’s listing before you go.
  • Check before setting off: Metro Weekly says listings come from participating venues and may change.
  • Age restrictions apply: The guide lists events as 21+, so confirm the conditions for your chosen venue.

Ten days, nine venues, plenty to choose from

There’s no single template for a night out in this D.C. LGBTQ nightlife roundup. Across the ten-day calendar, Metro Weekly lists events at A League of Her Own, BUNKER, Crush Dance Bar, Green Lantern, JR.’s Bar, Number Nine, Pitchers, Trade and Violet.

The programme shifts from dancing and DJ sets to drag, karaoke, trivia, showtunes and sports. Some venues have recurring events, while others have one-off themed nights, making the date-specific guide useful for anyone weighing up a quieter singalong against a late dance-floor plan.

Three standout nights to put on your radar

Crush Dance Bar’s Cobalt reunion is listed for Saturday 14 November, while BUNKER has a Shakira-themed night on Sunday 15 November. Trade’s Sunday programme includes a Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence 10-year anniversary party on 15 November.

There are plenty of other hooks, too. Trade lists drag shows and viewing parties across the schedule, while JR.’s has showtunes, a Friday drag show and a Sunday event. It’s a calendar with enough variety to make choosing just one plan the tricky part.

Happy hour is useful, but check the small print

The guide includes selected drink offers and happy-hour windows, but they’re not the same everywhere. Trade advertises its XL happy hour from opening until 9pm, with drinks served in larger glasses for the regular price; its website also lists beer and wine at $5.50. Meanwhile, JR.’s official site describes weekday happy hour until 8pm.

For Pitchers, the official website lists happy hour Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm to 8pm. Those details are handy for planning, but they don’t confirm every date-specific special in Metro Weekly’s roundup. Check the venue’s current updates before you build your evening around a particular price or offer.

Pick the mood, then confirm the details

Want karaoke, drag, trivia, DJs or televised sport? The guide makes it easy to scan for the kind of night you’re after, with listings spread across weeknights and weekends. A League of Her Own describes itself as a queer women’s neighbourhood bar that welcomes everyone while centring the LGBTQIA+ community, and puts respect and consent at the heart of its approach.

That sense of choice is the real appeal of a multi-venue calendar: you can start with the event that catches your eye, then check the venue’s details before travelling. Metro Weekly warns that listings may change, so treat the roundup as a planning guide rather than a guarantee.

Make a plan, but leave room for updates

The listings include venue addresses and websites, giving readers a starting point for checking schedules and getting directions. Several venues also point visitors towards their own event pages or social media for current information.

Before heading out, confirm the event time, any cover charge and the age restriction. It’s a small check that can spare you an avoidable change of plan.

Choose the event that suits your mood, then check with the venue before you go.

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