Scene Guide:
A Regional Listing of Area Clubs

For Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Richmond, & the Mid-Atlantic Region


The Regional Club Guide is focused more toward those opportunities that are generally open to the public or commercial in nature. More private venues of a closed forum have been placed to GroupsMainstream opportunities are listed specifically in Mainstream.

Please note that the list is constantly evolving & subject to change. Interested parties are encouraged to submit listings & are asked to report dead links or changes in the information provided.

Listings are first segmented by region, then coded & categorized by the nature of their interest:
  
- Alternative Music & Culture in Rust.           - Lifestyle & Swinger in Green.
   - BDSM & Fetish in Red.                                 - Gay, Bi, & Transgender in Purple.

Some crossover will often exist, so the club in question will be listed by the nature that most predominantly reflects the general practice of its events. Any listings in 'Italics' carry a status that may be in question & needs to be confirmed.

[Status for all listings have been confirmed as of Winter 2012 - exceptions are noted]

Club Listings for DC & the Metro Area (Baltimore, Philly, & Richmond Follow Below):

TRONIK (Facebook.com/TronikDC): From the ashes of Alchemy comes Tronik. Formally held on Thursday's of each month, they've now moved to a special event format so as to focus more completely on their main events for the year. This includes Goth Prom, Spooky, & Project Tronik. Overall they carry innovative themes, great music, an incredible venue, & a high energy crowd. See: TronikDC.com 

Deja Vu (Facebook.com/dejavu): 80's dance night hosted by 'The Angel' at Chief Ike's in Adams Morgan. On occasion they promote live acts from the area, but the weekly standard is focused on a dance night with resident DJ's Angel & London Shadows.

Bound  (www.Bound.org):  DC Gothic/BDSM club offering great atmosphere with an intimate vibe. Hosted by Todd & Jen (also of Entre Nous) & DJ Johnny Panic. Currently they've settled in at The Loft Warehouse (411 New York Avenue).  Indeed, Bound has seen a return to form in their new home & now boast an excellent night w/ a great turnout. Also see Facebook.com/DC.Bound.

Midnight (www.DCMidnight.com):  Saturday night's longest running Goth & Alternative dance night hosted at The Meeting Place on L St. This event is 18 & over. $5 cover.  Also see: Facebook.com/Midnight.

S.A.S.I. / Society for the Advancement of Steamtopian Ideals (SteampunkEmpire.com):  Social Society developed for those holding interest in Steampunk, Neo-Victorianism, Retro-Futurism, & associated subjects. In addition to their online presence, they have also begun to organize events, outings, & meet-ups. See Facebook for more up to date postings.

Open Hearth Foundation (OpenHearth.org):  An open & active organization focused toward the pagan community.
N.Va. Gamers (www.NoVaG.org): One of DC's oldest & most respected hobby gaming organizations.
Darkon (www.darkon.org): Live action medieval war gaming club for DC & Baltimore. See website for details.

Wasteland (MedusaPromotions.com): Formally held the last Friday of each month, Wasteland said good night on it's 4th anniversary.
MouseTrap (BlackCatDC.com): Formally hosted by The Black Cat, DC's Biggest Brit Pop Dance Night lives no more...

Dunkelheit (DunkelheitDC.com): Dark Euro in the heart of DC. Featuring DJ's Johnny Panic & Mark Hardware. See website for details.
  - Phoebe (its core promoter) has since taken the reigns of Bound & shelved efforts for Dunkelheit indefinitely. 

 
 
DC Dungeon (DCDungeon.com):  Providing an elegant venue for educational & social activity, DCD hosts monthly parties for its own members as well as to offer a viable space for other groups & organizations. Located just inside Rockville, it is easily accessible from the Beltway & is just blocks from the Red Line Metro. Also see: fetlife.com/groups/41245

The Black Rose  (BR.org):  Self-described as a support, education, & social group for those who share interests in Dominance & submission, Bondage & Discipline, Fetishism, & Cross-dressing (to name but a few). They are not a swingers group. They do, however, sponsor various workshops, discussion groups, & socials gatherings on a very regular basis. Also see: Fetlife.com/groups/1593

The Crucible  (www.The-Crucible.com):  Located at 16 M St. NE DC, The Crucible offers on-premise events for various cultures of the alternative community. The quantity of equipment is extensive & all play is monitored by on-site staff. Their new occupancy agreement requires membership previous to attending any events (readily available through their website). Also see:  Fetlife.com/groups/5600

Crucible Lifestyle: (CrucibleLifestyle.com): Please note that both Starz & Rites of Bacchus have been merged into one unified group called "Crucible Lifestyle." All events have thus been folded into a monthly night which is subsequently hosted by The Crucible.

Starz:  Formally Capital Couples - DC's longest running organization for the swinger community has finally come to an end. The Crucible has merged it with Rites of Bacchus & folded both into the new Crucible Lifestyle.  Please see listing above...

Rites of Bacchus / R.O.B.E. - see "Crucible Lifestyle" for full details.

Entre Nous  (www.EntreNousDC.com):  Held each Saturday, flexible rules are offered for couples & women to meet & greet. Their location often moves around so check for updates. You must be a member to attend. No single males. Also see: Facebook.com/EntreNousEvents

DC Polyamory TNG (DCPolyTNG.org): A membership network dedicated to providing a forum for "polyamorous, curious, & friendly people 35 & younger of age and under to meet, socialize, & talk about matters of common concern."  Formerly known as CPN TNG, (affiliated with the Chesapeake Polyamory Network), CPN stopped sponsoring groups in late 2010 so they went out on their own.

Chesapeake Polyamory Network - CPN ceased formal activities in late 2010. They do maintain a yahoo group for informal discussion.


      

Code DC (www.CodeDC.com): Held the first Saturday of each month. Its focused toward those into Latex, Leather, Uniform, Gear, & Kink/Fetish with an orientation to the city's younger TNG Crowd. With a strict dress code & a live erotic showcase, it's made a major impression in a scene that's already seeing a strong resurgence.

Spank DC (www.SpankDC.com):  Self-described as "DC's hottest male/male spanking party!" Bring your paddles, straps, belts, & canes for an afternoon of spanking fun. Held the 3rd Saturday of each month (4pm-8pm) upstairs at The Green Lantern (NW DC). Also on Facebook.

Ziegfelds & Secrets (www.Ziegfelds.com): DC's biggest & best emporium for drag shows & male dancers has returned to the scene. True to its roots, it now resides at half Street in the NE corridor of DC (same space as was formally club Lime). 

The Academy of Washington (TheWashingtonAcademy.com): Longtime organizers of drag events for the region, often held at Ziegfeld’s. Established in 1961, The Academy is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country.

Omega (www.OmegaDC.com): Located alley-side behind Soho Coffee (a former carriage house). Omega offers a variety of entertainment & theme nights all week long. Thursday hosts Kristina Kelly & the girlz for weekly drag shows. Performances start at 10pm.

TOWN (www.TownDC.com): Brought to you by the former owners of Nation, TOWN Danceboutique offers one of DC's better venues for the all male club crowd (2009 8th St. NW DC). Nightly drag shows start at 10pm. And be sure to tell Anne the bartender Rick says hi!  ;-)

Phase I (Phase1DC.com): Self-described as the "longest running lesbian bar in the United States" Open Thursday-Sunday on the revitalized 8th Street of Capitol Hill (525 8th. St. SE DC).  Drag King Show is held the 2nd Sunday of each month.

Crew Club (www.CrewClub.net): Gay male bath house on 14th Street (1321 14th St. NW DC).


Club Listings for Baltimore, MD. & its Surrounding Area (Philly & Richmond Follow Below): 

Electroschok (www.Elektroschock.net):  Formally on alternating Saturdays, they've now held on the First Saturday of each month at Grand Central (1001 North Charles Street). By far one of Baltimore's best Gothic-Industrial dance nights. Also see Facebook/Elektroschock.

Club Orpheus (Facebook.com/ClubOrpheus): With an eclectic blend of Alternative, Goth, Industrial, Darkwave, Progressive, Synth, Electro, Trance,  Punk, and 80's Retro, Club Orpheus hosts many of Baltimore's underground & alternative club nights. They maintain a monthly schedule of theme events for a variety of tastes. Including: Fetish First Friday, Pawz, Obscura, N-Code, Nu Fusion, Toxic, & more.

B.E.S.S. / Baltimore Education & Social Society  (www.BESS-MD.org):  An educational social society for the Baltimore BDSM & Fetish Community. BESS is a Pansexual organization (all genders /orientations welcome). Its goal is to provide a safe, friendly, & discreet environment for the education & encouragement of adults interested in safe, sane & consensual BDSM. Attendance is limited to contributors & members of reciprocal groups (WHIP & Black Rose) & guests. Also see: Fetlife.com/groups/280

Tabu Social Club (www.TabuLife.com):  An On-Premise club & lifestyle organization for the Baltimore region (1115 N. Rolling Rd. Catonsville, Md. 21228). Brought to you by Rick & Vicki (no affiliation to Richard A.D.), Tabu features weekly parties for the Lifestyles Community & is widely regarded as one of the fastest growing lifestyle organizations in Mid-Atlantic. Email: tabulife@tabulife.com

The Private Affair  (www.ThePrivateAffair.com):  An on premise club for couples, single women, & select males (depending on the event).
TPA is located about 40 min. north of Baltimore in Port Deposit, MD (50 min. south of Philly). Tom & Donna have put together a fantastic venue offering an upscale nightclub-style atmosphere, BYOB service bar with various mixers, lighted dance floor w/ top notch DJs, 2 pool tables, a TV room, plenty of play space, & 20 person hot tub (towels are provided)! What's not to like? Membership is required. All members are 21 or older. Events & theme-based parties are held every Friday & Saturday.  Email: theprivateaffair@aol.com Phone: (410) 378-8948.

The Hippo (ClubHippo.com): Baltimore's premier club for drag shows & dancing boys. Conveniently located on Charles Street.


Club Listings for Philadelphia & Southeast Pennsylvania (Richmond & the Mid-Atlantic Follow Below):

Nocturne & Drac's Ball  (www.DancingFerret.com):  Nocturne is hosted every Wednesday at Shampoo Nightclub (Willow between 7th & 8th). Venue is fantastic with 2 full levels, several bars, multiple DJ's, & often live entertainment. Presented by the promoters of Drac's Ball (semi-annual grand event for the Philly Underground). For Drac's Ball: www.draculasball.com

Black Saturdays (Facebook): Goth-Industrial, EBM, Electro, & 80's Pop at Philly's Ulana's Nightclub (2nd & Bainbridge).
$5 Cover. Must be 21+

Sex Dwarf (DJRobertDrake.com/Sexdwarf): Described as "Philly’s Premiere New Wave Dance Party." In operation for over 8 years, they feature 80's nostalgia, goth, & non-stop new-wave dance tracks. Hosted at Fluid Nightclub by DJ's Robert Drake & Marilyn Thomas. $5 Cover.

John's Dark Corner - Due to the sudden & unexpected passing of its founder & core promoter (lost in an auto accident), Philadelphia's longest running Gothic & Alternative Dance Party has past into the night. Thank you for so many good years.

Ian Black's SPANKtuary - Held the First Friday of each month downstairs at Club Risque (5921 Tacony Ave. Philadelphia, Pa). Doors at 9pm - runs 'til 3am. $10 Cover. Coatroom available year 'round.

Philadelphia Area TNG  (Groups.Yahoo.com/Group/Philly_TNG): An off-premise pansexual, support, education, discussion, & social group for those who are interested in becoming or are already active in the BDSM / Fetish lifestyle (including gothic, leather, boots, food, latex, rubber, body modification, tattoos, piercings, etc). Open generally to those from 18-35 & their main focus is a forum for youth in BDSM Community.

The Pleasure Garden Club  (www.ThePleasureGardenClub.com/home):  Hosted by Lady Chandra, the PGC is located in a 5,500 sq. ft. complex with multiple venues of exotic intrigue to explore (this includes 4 separate areas of various themes: the cat house lounge, mystical water garden, the tribal main room, & club-style dance club with state of the art sound & lighting). Venue is for members only & BYOB. Amenities include a full kitchen manned by a 4-star chef, full service mixer bar, arcade, pool tables, & big-screen TV. Membership is required & is open to all 21 & over. Club is open from 10pm - 4am, door charge is $25 & membership can be paid at the door. Prior RSVP is required. Available 6pm-10pm for private functions. Address: 6039 Passyunk Ave. Philadelphia, Pa (Eastwick/Southwest Philly).


Philadelphia Polyamorists (www.MeetUp.com/PhillyPoly): A membership network offering discussions of various topics relating to polyamory as well as 2 social events in/around Philly each month. The socials are on the 2nd Sunday and 4th Wednesday. The discussion meeting dates will vary depending on the host's schedule.

The Cottage  (www.TheCottageinPa.com):  An on premise getaway for couples & select singles. Open for play every weekend, parties offer various themed events & contests. Fridays are open to couples & singles while Saturdays are to couples only. The venue offers live DJs' & dancing. A full service bar with mixers is provided but all alcohol is BYOB. Amenities include a huge lounge area, open areas for active play, private rooms for individual play, home theater, game room, hug Jacuzzi, toy room, & available locker facilities. Dinner is served nightly. Suites are available for weekend stay (reservations required). Atmosphere is casual. Contact John or Dottie.  Email: cottage@thecottageinpa.com


The Farm  (www.TheFarmTravelClub.com):  Upscale on-premise club for couples, women, & select males. Located 1 hour north of Baltimore, The Farm is situated on 200 acres of private land & holds events every Friday & Saturday. Arrangements are available for weekend stay-over. Dinner is served nightly & a full bar with professional service is offered in the club area. DJs with a state of the art sound & lighting provide a high energy atmosphere throughout the evening. Amenities include: game area with 2 pool tables, large screen TV, several themed party/play rooms, & 2 separate Jacuzzis with fiber-optic lighting. The summer season allows for large outdoor heated pool, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, & 3 separate decks for relaxation & tanning. RV hookup is available. Membership is required. Email: farm4fun@hotmail.com

TJ's Lasting Impressions  (www.TJsLastingImpressions.com):  An on premise upscale club available to both couples & select singles. Events are held Friday & Saturday evenings from 8pm-3am. Special monthly parties are also held on Sunday from 12pm-7pm. TJ's offers the perfect weekend getaway blending full service fine dinning followed by an evening of dancing. DJs are top notch & the club offers state of the art sound & lighting. Full service bar offers mixers & professional service but is BYOB. Amenities include a HUGE hot tub with seating for 80, large open play area, plus 12 private rooms for individual play, & 9 VIP rooms. A lingerie boutique has just been recently added. Reservations are required.


Club Kama Sutra - But alas, one of Philly's most well known & exclusively on premise clubs lives no more... :-( "After five great years of parties with everyone’s knowledge and approval we were suddenly ordered to close."

Liberty Bears  (www.TheBikeStop.com):  An S&M social / fraternal organization holding monthly socials, & carrying a very active & direct influence in the community.
 

Club Listings for Richmond, VA. & its Surrounding Area...

Fallout (www.SubCultServer.com/Fallout): Richmond's premier underground club featuring Goth/Industrial & a continuous parade of alternative & fetish-based theme nights. Open throughout the week. Membership is required but can be attained at the door.

R.O.D.S. / Roanoke Order of Dominants & Submissives (www.RODS-Va.org): A pansexual BDSM group for Southwest Virginia & the surrounding area. They are "dedicated to providing education, support, & a social network in a safe, responsible & discreet environment."

Phyxios Mystique (www.PhyxiosMystique.com): A Richmond based pansexual organization for people interested in the Alternative, Fetish, & BDSM Lifestyle. See website for details.

Mid-Atlantic Couples  (www.MidAtlanticCouples.com):  An on-premise club holding monthly events in various Richmond hotels. Main activities take place in a public forum but open play takes place in select suites within the venue. Gatherings offer an opportunity to have fun while meeting like minded couples & single women in a safe atmosphere with absolutely no pressure. Monthly seminars are also held for those new to the culture. Single males, drugs, & those cheating on spouses are not welcome.

  

Additional Club Listings for the General Mid-Atlantic Region...

T.I.E.D. / Tidewater Individuals Exploring Domination  (www.TiedinVa.com):  A non-profit pansexual organization for those interested in BDSM, D&S, & the Fetish Culture. They offer a supportive group that provides educational & social opportunities for those in the BDSM & Fetish Communities. Seminars & open forum chat groups are featured every Thursday in coordination with the Anchor Munch Club. Mail: T.I.E.D, P.O. Box 9811, Chesapeake, VA. 23321

W.H.I.P / West Virginia Humans Into Perversion  (www.W-H-I-P.us/index.php):  “WHIP” is a pansexual education & social group serving the BDSM Culture throughout WV, MD, VA, & S. PA. WHIP offers Member’s Socials, Munches, Educational discussions & demo’s.

C.U.F.F / Charlottesville Underground Fetish Fellowship  (www.Cuff.Va.com):  Hmm... Virginia seems to like its acronyms! :-) CUFF like its fellow brethren is a pansexual education & social organization for the BDSM & Fetish Community. Based in Charlottesville, VA, CUFF offers member’s socials, munches, educational seminars, open forum discussions, & Scene-play Demo’s.

Southwest VA Socials (Southwest-Va-Socials.com):  Monthly socials held in a relaxed, intimate setting. DJs are professional; all alcohol is BYOB w/ mixers provided & full service bartenders readily available. The main venue is meet & greet, but on premise play is held after the party in the group's hospitality suite.


Club Listings for Delaware & Ocean City...

Seaside Encounters - Yet another great venue has closed its doors for good. The Lifestyle's favored weekend getaway to Bethany Beach has sold its house & left the area so it is no more. Quite sad... :-(

Back to Top


All Content Copyright 'The Metro Underground.' All Rights Reserved.
No portion of this text may be copied or reproduced in any manner
without the express written conent of the author.