This week we celebrate 40 years of Pride in Washington, DC. What started as a small protest in Dupont Circle has grown into a mega-event with parties and events across the District. To get you ready, we’ve prepared our BYT Guide for Capital Pride with a rundown of all the events you can expect.

We’re proud to once again partner with Capital Pride on the official opening party. Tickets are still available (for now) for the BYT/Capital Pride FLASHBACK Opening Party at Arena Stage. And, since our party is both retro-themed and exercised-themed we’ve decided to start Sweatin’ With the Oldies and let Richard Simmons shimmy and shake out all your Pride Week events.

The week kicks off with the 4th Annual Music in the Night at Town. See the best in local theatre at the spotlight cabaret.

at Town. See the best in local theatre at the spotlight cabaret. You can start out Pride week by lending a helping hand as GLOE gets ready for Pride at the DCJCC.

at the DCJCC. Dan Savage says you should be GGG (Good, Giving, and Game). Why not try something new with BDSM 101 with Leather Pride at Java House. It’s like 50 Shades of Grey but without middle aged moms.

at Java House. It’s like 50 Shades of Grey but without middle aged moms. Vendetta Bocce Bar and Tavern is holding an Queer ASL Trivia Night in honor of Capital Pride that is sponsored by Deaf-REACH.

in honor of Capital Pride that is sponsored by Deaf-REACH. Latrice Royale and Mimi Imfurst will both be appearing in the Night of 1000 Queens pride drag show at Cobalt.

THIS IS IT. Brightest Young Things & Capital Pride present the FLASHBACK Opening Party at Arena Stage. Featuring Adore Delano from RuPaul’s Drag Race heading up our performance theatre (with Frenchie Davis, Summer Camp, Team Peaches, Pussy Noir, Jezzibel Jaxknife, Birdie LaCage, Adam Kyle, and Mundy) and Pearl from RuPaul’s Drag Race DJing our main dance floor (with DJs Shea Van Horn, Lemz, Matt Bailer, and Cassidy). Grab your tickets because they go up in price towards the end of the week, and we always sell out ahead of time. The theme is both retro and fitness. No costumes required, but outlandish dress encouraged. — And just FYI, this event nearly kills our staff every year. And, you know what? It’s worth it. You make it all worth it.

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Get more DC queer nightlight info by connecting on Twitter with the @BYGays. And don’t forget to get your tickets to the BYT/Capital Pride FLASHBACK Opening Party at Arena Stage this Friday (while they still last).