Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club at GALA Hispanic Theatre
One of the more bizarre birthday tributes anywhere, the 13-year-old Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club mixes pop culture, black comedy, burlesque, toilet humor and WWE-level staged fights into a glorious maelstrom of entertainment. Each “round” features a battle between two “celebrities” — think a team of Supreme Court justices fighting Diana Ross and the Supremes, or Daniel Snyder facing off against a Native American warrior — while “Elvis” and host Kittie Glitter provide running commentary from the sidelines. Toss in interactive games and quizzes, dancers between rounds, and surprise guests, and you’ve got a surreal, incredibly enjoyable evening. Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Saturday at 9:30 p.m. $33-$45.
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16 viewing parties
RuPaul’s search for “America’s next drag superstar” is back for another season, and Episode 1 finds the 16 contestants performing on MTV’s “Spring Break” talent show, with guest judge Charlize Theron. Meanwhile, viewing parties at D.C. bars are competing just as hard as the queens, offering specials and extracurricular entertainment. Red Bear Brewing’s regular host Desiree Dik leads games with audience members during commercial breaks, and after the show, it’s the January edition of Slay Them, the NoMa brewery’s monthly drag contest, featuring 2022 winner Evry Pleasure and reining champion Thea Trickality, beginning at 9 p.m. Over at JR’s, there are drink specials, drag performances and games, beginning at 8, with Citrine serving as the host. Trade’s viewing party hands hosting and performance duties to JaxKnife Complex and Evry Pleasure, starting at 8 p.m.
‘Mean Girls’ release party at Number Nine
The Logan Circle LGBTQ+ bar is ringing in the release of “Mean Girls,” the movie based on a musical based on a movie. DJ Sean McClafferty performs (expect songs from the musical, which ran on Broadway through 2020), and drinks are buy one, get one free between 11 p.m. and midnight. 11 p.m. Free.
David Bowie Birthday Celebration at Pearl Street Warehouse
Pearl Street’s dance party in honor of what would have been Bowie’s 77th birthday is a bit of a deviation from its usual focus on country, bluegrass and Americana. Now in its second year, and again hosted by DJs Mellie Mel and Skruggz, this event doesn’t quite require your best Bowie attire, but it is strongly encouraged. Don those red shoes and face paint to dance through Bowie’s repertoire. 8 p.m. $10.
King Cake Happy Hour at Dauphine’s
We’re just getting over New Year’s Eve, but Mardi Gras is only five weeks away. Dauphine’s, the New Orleans-flavored restaurant and bar on the site of the old Washington Post building, celebrates the holiday with five flavors of king cake, including chocolate-chicory and pecan-praline. Try a complimentary slice of each alongside happy hour cocktails at the bar, and if you fall in love with one, they can be ordered to enjoy during Mardi Gras. (Five guests at happy hour will also win a cake of their own.) 4 to 7 p.m. Free.
Pup Nights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Winter Walk of Lights
This weekend is the last hurrah for outdoor light displays, from Georgetown Glow to the Bull Run Festival of Lights. If you’d like to take your favorite four-legged friend along for one last night of colorful entertainment, head for Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, where Friday and Sunday are “Pup Nights.” Humans and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome to explore the 0.6-mile trail, which passes 12-foot-tall flowers, 15-foot koi fish, animals and lights synchronized to holiday tunes. All dogs except service dogs must have a ticket. Food and drinks, including s’mores, are available along and after the trail. 5 to 10 p.m. $18 for humans age 2 and older; $6 for dogs.
‘Prison Reimagined: Presidential Portrait Project’ at President Lincoln’s Cottage
The walls of President Lincoln’s Cottage will be lined with presidential portraits by incarcerated artists as part of “Prison Reimagined: Presidential Portrait Project.” This exhibit is in partnership with Justice Arts Coalition, and each portrait will be paired with narratives of that president’s record on incarceration. It is created by Caddell Kivett, an incarcerated journalist who helps run the prison newspaper Nash News within North Carolina’s Nash Correctional Institution. You’ll also read personal essays reflecting on life behind bars and ideas about reformation of the justice system. Through Feb. 19. President Lincoln’s Cottage, 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW. lincolncottage.org. Tour tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 6. $8 with military ID or for cottage and National Trust for Historic Preservation members.