We've always had a bottle of the stuff on our Thankgiving table, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone drink it.

Happy Thursday, DC-based TNG readers! Well, that time of the year is almost upon us. Next Thursday is Thanksgiving (Seriously? What? How?) and thus officially begins the Holiday Season (despite retailers claiming it began, oh, mid-August). My office is basically going to be abandoned except for me next week and I’ve got my train ticket for Wednesday evening (I’m sure that won’t be a crowded train at all), but before we all flee the District, let’s engage in some good ol’ fashioned non-holiday events while we still can! A handy list of some options is below.

As always, if you know of an event coming up that you think your fellow TNG readers might enjoy, send the details to events@thenewgay.net and/or leave them in the comments below and we’ll throw them up on the calendar ASAP. And don’t forget, you can always find out about all kinds of DC-related events and stories by following the TNGDC Twitter feed.

Tonight

• Pick up the phone and start your weekend with some activism in favor of workplace equality by attending an ENDA phonebank at the HRC. Details: HRC Headquarters, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W., 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Contact Monica (monica.keyes@hrc.org/202.216.1573) for more details.
• Head out to Virginia to catch Amanda Palmer at the State Theatre, complete with her full band and the Nervous Cabaret. Details: The State Theatre, 220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA, Doors: 7:00 p.m.; Show: 8:30 p.m., Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
• Get ready for the most quintessential American feasting day with a French dance party, MAISON, which just happens to fall on the same day as the release of the 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau. Details: Napoleon Bistro Lounge, 1847 Columbia Road, NW, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m., 21+, No Cover.

Friday

• Prepare to listen and laugh as comedian Kate Clinton, the author of I Told You So, drops by Lambda Rising before her show at The Birchmere for a meet and greet. Details: Lambda Rising Bookstore, 1625 Connecticut Ave NW, 1:00 p.m., Free and open to the public.
• Pause to remember transgendered persons who have been victims of violence at the Day of Remembrance hosted by Transgender Health Empowerment, Inc. Details: Metropolitan Community Church, 474 Ridge Street NW, 6:30 p.m., Refreshments will be served., For further information please call (202) 636-1646.

Saturday

• Join DJs Matt & Shea for this month’s installment of MIXTAPE dance party at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Details: The Rock & Roll Hotel, 1353 H Street NE, 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m., 21+, $5.