Hey DC sapphics! Looking to connect with the community but not sure where to start? We've got you covered with our ultimate handbook to all things sapphic in DC. Parties, craft circles, bars, cafés, markets, festivals, burlesque, comedy--find it all right here in DC. Happy exploring!
The DC Sapphic/Lesbian Guide: Our Spaces
As You Are
As You Are is a safe and celebratory space for the DC sapphic community that operates as a café by day and a bar/dance lounge by night. As You Are is a space for queer joy, love, and inclusivity with a safety-first policy to ensure that everyone feels comfortable. Their sapphic events are unparalleled: Fishnets & Feelings, Midwestern Princex, and Night of 1000 Billies--just to name a few. There's something for everyone at As You Are and we highly recommend checking them out.
A League of Her Own
This cozy and welcoming sapphic neighborhood bar prides itself on offering a safe space for the queer community. AND they host a ton of sapphic events including Bi Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Tea Night Mixer, and the Queer Cowgirly Party. As a bonus for the Gaymers, they have an old-school Nintendo set-up with games like Mario Kart for customers to enjoy.
Her Diner
Her Diner is a sapphic-owned and operated diner/bar whose mission is to make everyone feel welcome, valued, and celebrated.You'll find elevated comfort food and delicious craft cocktails in this warm, welcoming spot. Her Diner is an absolute gem of vibrant, cozy, and very sapphic energy.
Republic Restoratives
Sapphic-owned distillery Republic Restoratives is the largest crowdfunded distillery in US history. Support these entrepreneurial sapphics by stopping by to have a cocktail in the Ivy Room. They also host pride events during the summer so be sure to keep an eye on their Instagram!
Nellie's Sports Bar
The home of all things sporty and sapphic, Nellie's is a historic LQBTQ+ staple of DC. As a disclaimer, Nellie' was involved in a massive scandal in 2021. Since then, they have taken measures to prevent future incidents, but I would still suggest doing your research to make an educated decision on whether or not you want to support them.
Sinners & Saints
Sinners and Saints is a queer neighborhood bar and nightclub for all underrepresented & marginalized Queer identities. Weekly events include drag shows, and live dj’s. Check their events calender for a TON of sapphic events to check out like Sapphic Sanctuary, Dyke Bliss, and Lilith's Lounge. Bonus: $5 shots every night!
The DC Sapphic/Lesbian Guide: Events and Organizations
Beyond physical spaces, here's Banana Split Shop's sapphic/lesbian guide to the organizations and event coordinators bringing our community together with parties, art, activism, and more.
Sapphic/lesbian guide to events and organizations:
Lavender Evolutions
A collective of queer, people of color cultivating spaces for community, healing and celebration with meet-ups for reading, soccer, dance, and more.
A 2 Zee
A 2 Zee Events was founded to develop upscale events for professional women of color that love women in the LGBTQ community.
Mim Entertainment
Event company curating experiences for sapphics. They've organized events such as Ladies Love R&B, Forbidden Fruit, and Midnight Noir.
Frequency Class
Black LGBTQ+ event curators dedicated to creating spaces where community, connection, and celebration. Every Night is Ladies' Night!
Over Easy
Cute dance party for queers and their friends. Celebrate summer with your favorite grrlz, boiz, friendz, and neighbz at these outdoor tea dances!
DC Dyke Nite
Dyke night every Wednesday at Showtime Bar and Vroom Vroom first Sunday Tea at DC9. They also host events like Cruise Control!
Femme Fatale
Queer dance party celebrating the lives of Black queer & trans people through music & movement. They alternate between events in DC and Atlanta.
DC Dyke Climb
Dyke rock climbing group every fourth Sunday of the month in DC with events inside and outdoors. All genders and experience levels welcome.
She Shed
A place where women can escape. Good vibes, beautiful women, NO DRAMA. They host parties like SheNik for the girls who like girls.
DC Black Queer Women
A monthly meetup for black sapphics and lesbians. They host brunches, happy hours, paint & sips, game nights, wine tastings, and more!
DMV Gay Dog Moms
Dog-friendly outings for gay dog moms in and around DC organizing events like Pride Pawt, Dog Daze Coworking and Yappy Hour.
DC Gay Girls Plus
The official community of DMV sapphics & WLW. Their goal is to innovate queer social networking in a way that hasn't been done before!
Alphabet Soup
Alphabet Soup organizes sapphic-centered queer events in DC and the DMV area. They host events like U-Hauler Room and The Scissor Inn.
FemFish
FemFish is DC’s newest queer femme dance party and drag. FemFish happens on the first Saturday of the month with a different theme every month.
Queer Talk DC
Community guide to all queer things to do in the DMV. They post roundups of sapphic events as well as lists of sapphic-owned businesses.
Pretty Boi Drag
An award-winning BIPOC-centered drag king production based in DC. Monthly shows every second Friday at A League of Her Own.
DC Roller Derby
Washington D.C.'s flat track roller derby league. They are super sapphic/lesbian friendly and even skated in the 2025 DC World Pride.
Disco Tits
Disco tits is a queer and sapphic disco dance collective. Their mission is to create a safe space for queer celebration and liberation.
Taste Takeover
Taste Takeover is the DMV’s number one Queer Womxn’s Latin events. They host dances, festivals, brunches, watch parties, and more.
Les Linq
Queer Women Society and Social Club for Fun & intimate social events in the DMV to promote community for queer black women.
