Pride Month is officially underway, meaning it’s time to make summer memories at one of Northern Virginia and DC’s pop-up and speakeasy bars. Renowned for its thriving LGBTQ+ culture, NoVA has rapidly become a hub for bespoke libation experiences in trendsetting venues across the region. Here are some of this season’s highlights.
PridePOP Bar
Pop surrealism meets neon-washed dreamscapes at this Pride-inspired pop-up bar blocks from the White House. Created within the micro-bar Society at the Hamilton Hotel, PridePOP features curated cocktails, small plates, and a redesigned interior that celebrates the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. This immersive experience will only be open until June 29, making it a must-visit pop-up destination this month. 1001 14th St. NW, Washington, DC
Pride on the Avenue
The Del Ray pop-up Bar, known for its previous eclectic iterations like the ski chalet–themed Aspen on the Avenue, has now transformed for Pride month. This vibrant space features summer-themed cocktails and shareable plates. To create this inclusive environment, co-owner Bill Blackburn partnered with Freddie’s Beach Bar, a legendary tiki bar and drag space in Crystal City, and Equality Virginia, an LGBTQ rights advocacy group. 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Magic Hour at Punch Bowl Social
Save the date for this Aperol takeover at Punch Bowl Social on June 27. That’s when this pop-up opens. There’s something magical about the Aperol Spritz, a cocktail of prosecco, Aperol, and sparking water that has gained increasing popularity since the debut of HBO’s hit satirical drama The White Lotus. The event will feature a new drink menu with three distinct takes on this classic cocktail. All spritzes will be available for $8. Look for this pop-up to be around through the end of September. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 1180, Arlington
Dreampt, el Otro Lado
Peer through to the other side and step into Dreampt, a psychedelic, otherworldly pop-up space that materializes only on Friday and Saturday within the Del Ray Pizzeria and Draft House. The venue offers a top-tier cocktail menu featuring a Rolodex of intriguing recipes like The Unknown, which blends Bulleit rye, St. Germain, Luxardo Liqueur, and Aztec chocolate bitters. To turn it up a notch, try the San Pedro, an artful margarita remix of habanero-infused Espolon Blanco, lemon, lime, simple syrup, and salt. 2216 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Captain Gregory’s
Tucked away within Railbird Kitchen lies a hidden gem that requires no map or X to mark its spot: Captain Gregory’s. This upscale tiki bar offers bold and compelling cocktails alongside a tempting short menu of reimagined classics such as carbonara deviled eggs. There’s even room for designated drivers on the Captain’s ship, with a duo of non-alcoholic cocktails that are just as imaginative as their infused counterparts. One standout is the American Werewolf in London, a new take on the negroni featuring rose hip gin, cocoa nib–infused Campari, and sweet vermouth. 804 N. Henry St., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy PridePOP
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