Event Dates
From: Thursday, January 9, 2025
To: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Kinetic The Official Parties for
MAL Washington DC 2025
Kinetic is the official partner of the Mid Atlanta Leather Weekend and brings 5 spectacular evening events to one of America’s top Leather events.
Kinetic – The Official Parties for MAL Washington DC 2025
MAL Weekend in Washington, D.C., attracts thousands of leather men, kinksters, fetish-lovers and curious spectators from all over the world.
- MAL is one of the biggest gay weekends of the year in DC, and the official host hotel, The Hilton, sells out fast.
Hotels Close to the Host Hotel
- Hotels close to the official hotel include:
- Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle (3 min taxi, 13 min walk),
- The Line, Washington DC (4 min taxi, 10 min walk)
The Parties
- Next Edition – Jan 9th to 12th 2025 – Due to the Presidential Inauguration, MAL weekend will not be held over the Martin Luther King weekend.
- MAL Weekend has partnered with KINETIC to bring you 5 official events, 11 international DJs, and massive venues where you and thousands of other men can dance, cruise, and slide into each other.
- Whether you’re a jock, bear, wolf, otter, or any other member of our community, all are welcome to unleash their urges on the largest dance floors MAL has ever seen.
- BOOK YOUR WEEKEND PASS NOW
The Party Schedule
- Two party giants unite! KINETIC Presents and Matinée Group join forces to bring PERVERT as the OFFICIAL Saturday MAL Main Event with international DJ’s, wild performances, live fetish acts, and a surprise appearance that will whip the audience into submission.
- Then prepare for the debut of LUST—an all-new Sunday closing dance party. Organisers are ditching the disco for dark and sexy beats, erotic porn star performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere of desire and hedonism.
- Join thousands of leather men, kinksters, and fetish enthusiasts to experience D.C. like you never have before with world-class DJs and talent.
- Venues and lineup to be confirmed.
- We recommend you stay in the centre of DC during the event and take a rideshare to the parties. Check out the top hotels in downtown Washington DC.
The Venues
- Echostage is a music venue located in Washington, D.C.. Opened in 2012, the hybrid nightclub and concert hall has over 30,000 square feet of space and is capable of hosting up to 3,000 guests. This Vast nightspot features bars, a dance floor and a smoking area.
- Republiq – Spacious, elegant, luxurious, cutting-edge, stylish and hip lounge dance club with multiple dance floors in Washington, D.C. Warehouse District. The club is a 20-minute drive from Dupont Circle.
- Zebbie’s Garden – Featuring a 4,000-square-foot rooftop garden with a retractable glass roof, glitzy disco balls, a faux grass floor, lush flower arrangements, a dazzling LED wall and a an epic sound system, Zebbie’s Garden is the go-to club for house and techno in the Dupont Circle.
- Bunker – Underground gay bar and club with nightly entertainment, live DJs, and transportive decor; a 60s Cold War shelter made fabulous. A custom stonework steel door weighing 600 pounds leads the way to Bunker. Located on the U Street corridor in the heart of DC. Located 6-minutes drive from Dupont Circle.
Gay Washington DC
- With rainbow-colored crosswalks, it’s obvious that this Dupont Circle neighborhood street is the place to be. A few blocks east of the neighborhood’s namesake circle, 17th Street NW is home to JR’s.
- If you’re looking for a speakeasy feel, try Dito’s, located in the basement of Italian restaurant Floriana. The Lilliputian lounge serves up cocktails and great conversation. Or pick a theme night at JR’s: the longtime gay bar does Retro Fridays, Sunday Fundays and even drag-themed trivia on Wednesday nights. In an unofficial nod to the nabe’s LGBTQ+ scene, look for the “Frank Kameny Way” street sign at 17th and R streets. Kameny, an astronomer by trade, became a gay rights activist when he was fired from the U.S. Army in 1957.
- The LGBTQ+-friendly The Ven Embassy Row Hotel is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association and it was named “one of the best rooftop pools in America” by USA Today. The bar stays open until 11 p.m. on summer Friday and Saturday nights, and delights with its cocktails and nibbles.
- Adams Morgan’s cozy restaurants and trendy shops also make it a must-see during the day. Explore the shops along 18th Street NW and then cap off a dinner at Duplex Diner with dancing and drink specials (all wines are half off for Wine-O Wednesday, plus there’s Rosé All Day on weekends).
Recommended Hotels in Washington DC
The following hotels are close to the city’s top attractions and a short walk to the gay bars and MAL events:
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For further information and advice on
Kinetic – The Official Parties Website
Gay Map of Washington DC
The gay bars in Washington are a little spread out most are within walking distance from Dupont Circle and U Street Metro stations, so we have chosen Hotels close Dupont Circle Metro gay bars as they have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Viceroy Washington DC offers pet-friendly accommodation in Washington, 4 minutes' walk from Logan Circle. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Private parking is available on site.
Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom where you will find bath robes, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Select rooms offer a seating area. In-room spa services and a yoga mat are also available for guests.
2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
This Washington, D.C. hotel is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from and boasts an on-site restaurant and bar. The White House is 1.6 km away.
Each modern room at the Royal Sonesta Washington DC features a flat-screen TV and plush bedding. Select rooms offer a deep soaking spa bath or a piece of fitness equipment. In-room massage and spa services are available.
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
This hotel is located at the top of just minutes from the historical landmarks of , D.C. The is 120 m away
The rooms at The Dupont Circle Hotel are furnished with large windows and marble bathrooms. Modern amenities include an iPod docking station, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Designer bathrobes are also offered.
1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Located 12 minutes’ walk from the , this Washington, D.C. hotel boasts in-room spa services and an on-site restaurant. Dupont Circle is 8 minutes’ walk away.
Decorated with bright red accents, the modern rooms at Kimpton Banneker Hotel feature a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, and a work desk. An en suite bathroom and a minibar are also included.
639 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Go-to gay bar for otter, bear, wolf etc.
● Insanely popular Beer Blast from 4-8pm on Sundays in spring and
summer.
● Friendly vibe with a diverse crowd.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
2014 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Friendly gay bar with regular drag shows
● Growing in popularity with high-energy weekend drag shows.
● Huge crowds for Sunday Funday
Fri-Sun 5pm-3am
1100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
● Upscale venue with excellent cocktails like espresso martinis and
Hendricks Negronis.
● Offers Jennifer Coolidge’s "holiday pour" as a wine upgrade.
● Famous for its selfie-worthy bathroom.
● Huge, pet-friendly outdoor patio.
Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am
1435 P Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005
● Great for day drinking on their outdoor patio or during happy hour.
● Upscale video bar with two levels of seating.
● Entertainment includes drag performances and RuPaul's Drag Race
watch parties.
Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am
1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
● Popular bar, dance club, and performance venue.
● Huge outdoor patio in the back for socializing, including a small
smoking area.
● Unpretentious vibe; great spot to meet people.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
915 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
● Features at least 4 bars spread across two levels with plenty of outdoor
space.
● Social and lively crowd ready to party.
● Upstairs dance floor with a cage that gets wild as the night progresses.
Mon-Sun 5pm-3am
913 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
● Rooftop is a great place to relax and socialize with friends.
● Homage to pop princess Britney Spears in the back staircase.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
● Known for excellent cocktails and gay-friendly atmosphere.
● Recently won No. 33 on the list of 50 best bars in North America.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
Washington, DC 200011940 9th Street Northwest
● Hosts gay events that draw hundreds of sexy, sweaty, shirtless men.
● Popular for its wild dance parties and underground vibe.
● Hosts the well-loved Peach Pit ‘90s dance party monthly.
● Mostly indie bands, healthy mix of LGBTQ+ patrons.
Mon-Sun 5pm-3am
2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
● Underground gay nightclub known for its wild parties.
● Famous for their underwear parties.
● Enter through a massive custom stonework steel door.
● Colorful murals, glittering chandeliers, and a kinky “fallout shelter”
pantry.
Fri-Sat 10pm-4am
2004 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
● Popular with locals and the drag community.
● Features a specialty cocktail named after the current winner of the Miss
Adam's Morgan Pageant.
Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun 10am-2am
2317 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
● Gay sports bar with a lively atmosphere.
● Beers, billiards, foosball.
Mon-Sun 12pm-3am / 4pm-2am
1520 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
● A queer café and cocktail bar, perfect for a chill evening or date night.
● Above Big Planet Comics, closes at 11 PM.
Mon-Sun 4pm-11pm
1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
● Premier spot for gay karaoke and bottomless mimosas.
● Drunken karaoke nights and Sunday brunch.
Mon-Sun 11am-2am
209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
● DC’s only fully LGBTQ+ owned brewery hosting drag bingo.
● Drag queen Desiree Dik hosts and performs twice per night.
209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
1836 18th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
● A cute neighborhood joint for lively conversation.
● Reliable cornerstone in DC’s gayborhood.
Mon-Sun 3pm-1am
1335 Green Court Northwest Washington, DC 20005
● A decades-old dive located in an alley off Thomas Circle.
● Fun happy hour specials and Thursday shirtless/underwear nights.
Mon-Sun 5pm-2am
2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
● This gay bar tends to attract regulars who gather around the cozy downstairs bar. ● Yes, there is a real fireplace. Perhaps the most unassuming bar in D.C., and certainly among the most consistently fun
Mon to thur 1pm till 2am, fri to sun 1pm till 3am
U St Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
● Games on TV, drag events (bingo & brunch), ● poker nights & karaoke draw patrons to this casual Gay Bar
Tue to Fri from 5pm, Sat & Sun from 12pm
2319 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Lively, easygoing lesbian sports bar with a dance floor & event nights.
Open Thursday to Sunday
1519 17th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20036
● Originally opened in 1986, JR’s Bar has served DC’s LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years right in the heart of Dupont.
Open seven days a week
Recommended Hotels in Washington DC
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Washington DC that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Viceroy Washington
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Luxury, In-room Spa Services
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, luxury amenities
- Boasts luxury rooms with spa services, yoga mats, a 24-hour front desk, and fitness center for a premium stay.
AKA White House
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Central Location
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Marble baths, luxury linens
- Centrally located with fully-equipped kitchens, marble baths, luxury linens, 24-hour front desk, and exceptional service.
The Dupont Circle Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Near Metro Station
- Close to the gay district
- Large windows, marble bathrooms
- Offers elegantly furnished rooms with large windows, marble bathrooms, modern amenities, and proximity to Dupont Circle Metro.
Kimpton Banneker
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Vibrant Atmosphere
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, modern decor
- Modern rooms with vibrant decor, a sleek bar, breakfast and dinner options, plus morning coffee and tea service.
Video Of Washington DC Guide
Discover the best of the city.
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Washington
Washington, D.C. has a thriving LGBTQ+ community that plays a significant role in the city’s cultural, social, and political life. D.C. hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Capital Pride Festival and Parade, typically held in June, is one of the city’s most significant gay celebrations, featuring a parade, concerts, and other festivities.
Dupont Circle | Close to the city centre
Photo: Dupont Circle is home to some of Washington’s most popular gay bars
- Dupont Circle has long been considered the heart of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community.
- It is home to numerous LGBTQ+-friendly bars, restaurants, and businesses.
- The Dupont Circle Fountain, located in the center of the neighborhood, is a popular gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Many of the bars and clubs host special events during the annual Capital Pride Festival in late May.
Logan Circle
Adjacent to Dupont Circle, Logan Circle has also become a popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood. It offers a mix of bars, restaurants, & cultural attractions.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is known for its diverse & inclusive atmosphere. It has a mix of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, restaurants, & shops. it hosts LGBTQ+ events throughout the year.
U Street Corridor
The U Street Corridor is known for its historic ties to the LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant nightlife scene. With several LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the most popular and well-known shopping districts in D.C. The main shopping streets, M Street & Wisconsin Avenue, are lined with shops & boutiques.
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