Weekend Roundup

What's gay-friendly and happening Friday, Saturday + Sunday

Friday, April 1

Topstich Boutique in Old City presents a new exhibition “From Another World: Venus Standing” with an opening reception (6-9 p.m.) featuring art by Kim Chin and filmmaker Calixte Davis through the month. “The exhibition celebrates aspects of women from desired fantasy, innate strength and being, to outward presentation and attitude,” explains Chin, who says the work is inspired, in part, by Pop and Op Art and the works of avant-garde graphic artists from the 1960s and ’70s.

It’s Black-Tie GayBINGO at the Crystal Tea Room (6:30-10 p.m.). Last we heard, a few tickets may still be available with proceeds benefiting the AIDS Fund.

Juju Salon + Organics is hosting a spring craft fair (7:30-10:30 p.m.) with hand-made jewelry, apparel, paintings and more up for grabs from local artists – not to mention a glass of wine or two – at this eco-friendly salon on Fabric Row.

Brat Productions shows off its best of the worst (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) during Bratwurst at the Underground Arts at the Wolf Building. The cabaret-style show is hosted by Jess Conda and Erik Ransom – and features performances by Madi Distefano, Lee Etzol, Lenny Hass, Mary McCool and the Brat Cheerleaders. Also on tap: burlesque, Quizzo, dancing and a naked photobooth with a few surprise guests.

DJ Nikos is back at Voyeur (9 p.m.-3 a.m.). Listen to him spin in the Ruby Lounge with $3 drink specials.

Sisters tries to decide who’s better: Boy Bands Vs. Girl Groups: The Faceoff (10 p.m.) when DJ Nasty Sinatra spins the hitmakers.

Join Sandy Beach for his April Fool’s Drag Show (11 p.m.) at the Venture Inn where Charlie, Chris and Ronnie strut their stuff. Also appearing: Vanessa Sterling and Dee Lamour. Mr. Gay Philadelphia is also hosting the Mr. Venture competition. So if you think you’ve got what it takes, guys, make sure to wear your finest undies.

Saturday, April 2

Help clean up Washington Square (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) during the Philly Spring Cleanup, an annual event that spruces up the city’s parks and streets. Please register in advance online and select “Washington Square West Clean Streets” before showing up at Juniper and Lombard – broom in hand.

If you missed the new Midwives Collective Gallery show, “Pendulum,” you can catch the closing reception (4-6 p.m.) to benefit the Philadelphia Ambassadors of the Trevor Project. All proceeds from the event benefit crisis and suicide prevention efforts for local LGBT youth.

Philly, you can Gay it Forward (9 p.m.-12 a.m.) at Smokin’ Betty’s when Nicholas “Rocco” Definis presents a bachelor and bachelorette auction to benefit the William Way. Hosted by Christine Meeham of Camp Tabu and the Notorious OMG, the event also features DJ Zathan Radix, Anthony Riley, Ryan Townsend and the queens from Tabu’s Sinful Sunday. You could win dinner for two with a sexy single – some of whom include the William Way’s own Christopher Bartlett and Austin Algeo, one of our favorite bartenders from Woody’s – with 10 percent of proceeds from the bar being donated to the nonprofit.

Get your freak on – literally – during Freak Boutique at Tabu (10 p.m.-2 a.m.), the first in a new series of Saturday night socials that celebrate the eccentric in all of us. You can catch DJs Evil V and Maggy Thump who will bring home the bass, as well as Spenser Michaels as bartender and unofficial ringleader, and performances by burlesque bombshell Miss Mary Wanna.

Sunday, April 3

If you’ve been in a dark place, the William Way is hosting an LGBTQ Grief Therapy Group (4-5:30 p.m.) sponsored by Gayborhood Relationship Coaching and Psychotherapy. Alan Robarge leads a discussion about coping with loss (please call in advance to reserve and pay for a space).

Woody’s hits rewind during a weekly dance party celebrating the music of the ’80s and ’90s (9 p.m.-2 a.m.) with – get this – 80-cent drink specials.

Channel your inner Ethel, Barbra or Liza during Tavern on Camac‘s weekly Showtunes Sunday (9 p.m.-1 a.m.) when VJ David Petrilla mixes video clips of our favorite Broadway and movie musicals. “Papa, Can You Hear Me?…”

It’s Latin Night at the Westside Bar + Lounge in Atlantic City (11 p.m.-5 a.m.) with DJ Beavis and all the strippers you can shake a, well – you know – at.

Have an LGBT-friendly event coming up? Let us know all about it: nmcdonald@phillymag.com.