Event Dates
From: Friday, January 15, 2027
To: Monday, January 18, 2027
Mid Atlantic Leather (MAL) Weekend 2027
The Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, attracts thousands of guys for a weekend of leather parties, fetish events and the Mr MAL contenst.
Historic Leather Event with Cocktail Receptions and Sleazy Afterparties!
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend returns to Washington DC for another powerful January gathering. MAL mixes classic leather tradition with modern circuit energy, filling the US capital with visitors from around the world. From the busy corridors of the Hyatt Regency to the packed dance floors of Dupont Circle, the weekend delivers four days of connection, gear and unforgettable nightlife.
MAL Weekend Washington
- Next Edition: Friday 15th January 2026 – Monday 18th January, 2026.
- The Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL) is a three-day long party and event with participants that now number in the thousands.
- Many of the daily events take place at the host hotel, which books up months in Advance.
- From early afternoon to late night, the hotel’s lobby feels like a leather village where locals mix with visitors from Europe, Canada and across the US.
- Outside the hotel, DC’s gay bars host official takeovers and after-hours parties. The weekend balances tradition with a modern attitude, welcoming long-time leather veterans alongside curious first-time guests.
- Check out the latest hotels with availability close to the host hotel now!
The Host hotel
- The host hotel for the event is the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill and works as ground zero for MAL.
- The vendor hall, contest stage and many social events take place here.
- Expect busy elevators, leather in every corner and a nonstop atmosphere from Thursday to Sunday.
Beyond the hotel – Dupont Circle – Logan Circle
- DC’s main gay neighborhoods sit a short ride from the hotel.
- Most club nights and bar events happen here, with easy taxi and rideshare connections throughout the weekend.
Where to Stay
- If you can’t get a room at the host hotel, the following hotels are just a short walk from the host hotel:
- Yotel Washington – 1 Minute Walk – High tech hotel with very comfortable rooms just steps from the event.
- Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill – 5 Minute Walk – Rated fabulous, and often preferred by those looking for a relaxed stay.
- Kimpton George Hotel – 3 Minute Walk – Steps from union station, spacious rooms and warm gay friendly Kimpton welcome.
- The Phoenix Park Hotel – 3 Minute Walk – Charming hotel with stylish rooms and great rates.
The Event Schedule
- Awaiting full schedule for MAL 2027.
- The heart of the weekend is the historic leather formal Saturday evening cocktail social, Leather Cocktails.
- Leather Cocktails is the weekend lynchpin gathering from which all other weekend events evolved.
- Other popular events include the Mr International Rubber Cocktail Party, The Onyx Show, The Parade of Colours and Parade of Titleholders from around the world.
- The Weekend also includes official events organised by weekend hosts, Centaur MC, that include a bustling Leather Exhibit Hall each day featuring more than 23 vendor selling customised leather goods and kinky sexy toys; Sunday brunch; Mr. MAL Contest (1pm to 4pm on the Sunday afternoon) and the official Sunday night closing party.
The Official Circuit Parties
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates and full schedule of events.
- The energy of MAL’s nightlife is driven by KINETIC Presents, the team responsible for the official main dance parties of the weekend.
- Kinetic has built a strong reputation at MAL for bold production, big-room sound and events designed for leather crowds who want to dance hard until morning.
- Parties feature leading international DJs playing circuit house, techno and darker underground sets.
- With large-scale lighting, lasers and visual production across multiple spaces.
- Different rooms play varied music styles, plus play zones for those who want extra edge.
- Enjoy a global mix of leather men, kink fans and visitors meeting on one packed floor.
The Afterparties
- Afterparties take place at Bunker and District Eagle and run from 3.30 am to 8 am on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Other Popular Circuit Nights
- Thursday – Glitterati presents Malfunction at FLASH. Dark, sexy and flirty, this is where the weekend boots up for real.
- Friday – BRUT, the popular gear and fetish circuit party with music by Reveladium, Dan Darlington and guests.
- Saturday – Furball, Joe Fiore’s long-running furry-friendly underwear night with guest DJs and a fun fetish vibe.
- Sunday – Flashy Sundays – Flashy Sunday closes the weekend with one last sweat-drenched dance at Flash Nightclub, a DC staple known for exceptional sound and lighting, drawing a packed crowd whenever a federal holiday rolls around.
Popular Cruising Venues in Washington DC
- Crew Club – Gay sauna and social spa for meeting men on the prowl – Logan Circle/14th St area – ~1 mile from Dupont.
- District Eagle – Leather-friendly bar and party space with cruising-friendly vibe – U Street Corridor – ~1.3 miles from Dupont.
- BUNKER – Underground nightclub hosting fetish and themed nights that attract leather and cruising crowd – U Street Corridor – ~1.3 miles from Dupont.
History of the Leather Weekend
- Started in 1976 as an impromptu cocktail party by a group of Leathermen staying at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, the Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL for short) grew rapidly and moved to a series of bars in various east coast cities.
- By the mid-eighties, the contest was introduced and the event became a weekend destination party thrown by the DC based group, the Centaurs. Since then, it has not only grown in reputation but also in size.
First Time at MAL – Quick Tips
- Buy event passes early, hotel rooms at the Hyatt sell out fast.
- Dress code is relaxed, black or simple gear works anywhere.
- The vendor market is cash and card friendly, bring space in your suitcase.
- Arrive early for the contest finals, lines can be long.
- Book restaurants ahead, DC fills up during the weekend.
- The party often extends to the rooms upstairs!
Where to stay in Gay Washington
With rainbow-colored crosswalks, it’s obvious that this Dupont Circle neighborhood street is the place to be. Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action:
Save on Hotels
Washington has some amazing hotels.
Book now and Pay on arrival.
Where we stay!
Hotel Washington is our choice offering
stunning views of the white house
Official Website
For further information and advice on
MAL, check out The Website
Gay Map of Washington DC
The gay bars in Washington are a little spread out most are within walking distance from Dupont Circle and U Street Metro stations, so we have chosen Hotels close Dupont Circle Metro gay bars as they have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
Address: 1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
- Design-forward boutique near Logan Circle.
- Spacious rooms, strong showers, comfy beds.
- Radiator bar for cocktails and patio chats.
- Rooftop pool for lazy afternoons and sunsets.
- Steps to 14th Street eateries and nightlife.
- Website
Address: 2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Boutique stay near Dupont Circle.
- Spacious rooms; strong showers; some deep tubs.
- Hosted wine hour; pet-friendly perks.
- Urbana dining and handy neighborhood spots.
- Seasonal pool and easy Metro access.
- Website
Address: 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Modern flagship right on Dupont Circle.
- Quiet rooms; some with balconies and views.
- Doyle bar for classic cocktails.
- The Pembroke for upscale brasserie fare.
- Steps to Metro, dining, and nightlife.
- Website
Address: 1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
- Bold, design-driven stay near Scott Circle.
- Spacious rooms with comfy beds and big showers.
- Casual lobby bar; coffee a.m., wine p.m.
- Pet-friendly perks and helpful staff.
- Walkable to Dupont and 14th Street.
- Website
Address: 639 Florida Ave NW, Washington D.C.
- Rooftop bear bar in Shaw with late energy.
- Pop/house, drag spots, busy weekends.
- Fair prices; fast bar; friendly team.
- Great base for a Florida Ave hop.
- Open: Thursday 8pm–1am, Friday 5pm–3am, Saturday 3pm–3am
- Sunday 3pm–12am (Monday–Wednesday Closed)
- Website
Address: 1519 17th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20036
- Dupont’s classic video-bar since the ‘80s.
- Happy hour, showtunes, trivia nights.
- Fast pours; friendly team; fair prices.
- Great start for a 17th Street bar hop.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 3pm–2am, Friday 3pm–3am
- Saturday 12pm–3am, Sunday 12pm–2am
Address: 1435 P Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005
- Two-level martini/video bar in Logan Circle.
- Big happy hour, quick pours, pop visuals.
- Comfy booths; lively but welcoming vibe.
- Great base for a 17th & P bar hop.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–1:45am, Friday 4pm–2:45am
- Saturday 2pm–2:45am, Sunday 2pm–1:45am
- Website
Address: 1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
- XL-happy-hour gay bar on 14th.
- New dance room, patio, late buzz.
- Strong pours, friendly team, fair tabs.
- Great Logan/Dupont base for a hop.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–1:45am, Friday 5pm–2:45am
- Saturday 2pm–2:45am, Sunday 2pm–1:45am
Address: 1100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005
- Small by design, big on charm.
- Long happy hour; fast, friendly pours.
- Pop visuals, comfy booths, martinis.
- Great Logan Circle base for a hop.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 4pm–3am
- Saturday 1pm–3am, Sunday 1pm–2am
Address: 2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- DC’s underground LGBTQ nightclub.
- Big floor, LEDs, late weekend energy.
- Strong pours; quick bars; fair tabs.
- Themes range electro-pop to disco.
- Open: Thursday 10pm–2.30am, Friday 10pm–3.30am,
- Saturday 10pm–3.30am, Sunday 9pm–1am
- (Monday–Wednesday Closed)
- Website
Address: 2317 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Multi-level LGBTQ sports bar in Adams Morgan.
- Rooftop, patios, and ALOH next door.
- Lively happy hours, strong pours.
- Easy base for a night out nearby.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 5pm–3am
- Saturday 1pm–3am, Sunday 1pm–2am
- Website
Address: 2319 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Women-centered LGBTQ bar in Adams Morgan.
- Queer pop, throwbacks, dance-floor nights.
- Strong pours, fair tabs, kind door crew.
- Great meet-up next to Pitchers DC.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 5pm–3am
- Saturday 1pm–3am, Sunday 1pm–2am
- Website
Address: 2014 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Gay bar near U Street NW.
Drag, karaoke, DJs, happy hour.
Strong pours; friendly mixed crowd.
Patio/atrium; easy late-night vibe. - Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–11pm, Friday 5pm–2am
- Saturday 2pm–2am, Sunday 2pm–12am
- Website
Address: 915 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Gay cocktail bar on U Street.
- Pop, house, throwbacks; DJs late.
- Strong pours; upbeat, mixed crowd.
- Patio hangout; easy pre/post-club stop.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 5pm–3am
- Saturday 3pm–3am, Sunday 3pm–2am
- Website
Address: 2004 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Lively diner-bar in Adams Morgan.
- Comfort plates, fun cocktails, fast pours.
- Drag nights, watch parties, weekend brunch.
- Warm staff; great pre-game spot.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–11pm, Friday 5pm–2am,
- Saturday 11am–2am, Sunday 11am–10pm
- Website
Address: 1520 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Intimate LGBTQ bar above U Street.
- Classic cocktails, comfy couches.
- Chill early, lively late, kind staff.
- Great pre-game near the U Street strip.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 4pm–11pm, Friday 4pm–1am
- Saturday 11am–1am, Sunday 11am–11pm
- Website
Address: 1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Upstairs video-bar with karaoke nights.
- Long happy hour; fast pours; friendly team.
- Small floor, private karaoke rooms.
- Classic Dupont meet-up on 17th Street.
- Open: Sunday–Thursday 4pm–2am, Friday–Saturday 4pm–3am
- Website
Address: 209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002
- LGBTQ-owned brewery taproom in NoMa.
- Wide beer list, cocktails, NA options.
- Trivia, drag nights, big sunny patio.
- Fast service; close to Union Market.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 3pm–10pm, Friday 3pm–12am
- Saturday 12pm–12am, Sunday 12pm–10pm
- Website
Address: 1836 18th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
Address: 1335 Green Court Northwest Washington, DC 20005
- Alley gay bar with late-night buzz.
- Video wall, theme nights, strong pours.
- Friendly team; fair tabs; mixed crowd.
- Great start for a 14th St bar hop.
- Open: Sunday–Thursday 4pm–2am, Friday–Saturday 4pm–3am
Address: 2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Dupont classic with a real fireplace.
- Two floors, pop videos, late buzz.
- Strong pours; friendly, fast team.
- Great base for a 17th St bar hop.
- Open: Sunday–Thursday 1pm–1:30am, Friday–Saturday 1pm–3am
- Website
Address: U St Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
- U Street favorite with drag brunch.
- Fast pours, big screens, late buzz.
- Karaoke, bingo, DJs through the week.
- Friendly team; solid happy hour.
- Open: Tuesday 5pm–1am, Wednesday 5pm–12am,
- Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 5pm–3am, Saturday 11am–3am
- Sunday 11am–2am, (Monday Closed)
- Website
Address: 913 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- U Street favorite with a rooftop.
- Strong martinis and long happy hour.
- Pop videos, DJs, late weekend energy.
- Fast bar, friendly team, fair tabs.
- Open: Monday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 5pm–3am
- Saturday 2pm–3am, Sunday 2pm–2am
- Website
Address: 1357B U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- New U Street leather/kink cruising bar.
- Neon glow, gear nights, late energy.
- Strong pours; clear, friendly door.
- Easy base for a 14th & U hop.
- Open: Wednesday–Thursday 6pm–2am, Friday 6pm–3am
- Saturday 2pm–3am, Sunday 2pm–12am
- (Monday–Tuesday Closed)
- Website
Address: 500 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
- LGBTQ+ café-bar and dance spot on Barracks Row.
- Coffee by day, DJs and shows at night.
- Strong drinks, fair tabs, friendly staff.
- Consent-first, welcoming community vibe.
- Open: Tuesday–Thursday 12pm–12am, Friday–Saturday 12pm–3am
- Sunday 12pm–12am (Monday Closed)
- Website
Address: 2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Alcohol-free LGBTQ+ bar-café at 14th & U.
- Coffee by day; shows and DJs at night.
- Inventive mocktails; kind, efficient team.
- Patio and rooms for meet-ups or events.
- Open: Monday-Wednesday 8am–10pm, Thursday 8am–11pm
- Friday 8am–1am, Saturday 9am–1am, Sunday 9am–10pm
- Website
Address: 2204 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Two-level lounge with a rooftop vibe.
- Happy hour early; DJs and shows late.
- Strong pours; friendly team; fair tabs.
- Prime 14th & U location, lively nights.
- Open: Tuesday–Wednesday 5pm–12am, Thursday 5pm–1am
- Friday 5pm–2am, Saturday 2pm–2am, Sunday 2pm–1am
- (Monday Closed)
- Website
Address: 926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Creative cocktails, famous fried chicken.
- Snug hideaway plus a heated patio.
- Quick pours, sharp happy hour.
- U Street staple with staying power
- Open: Tuesday–Thursday 5pm–2am, Friday 5pm–3am
- Saturday 2pm–3am, Sunday 4pm–2am (Monday Closed)
- Website
Recommended Hotels in Washington DC
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Washington DC that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Viceroy Washington
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star, Luxury, In-room Spa Services
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, luxury amenities
- Boasts luxury rooms with spa services, yoga mats, a 24-hour front desk, and fitness center for a premium stay.
AKA White House
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4 Star, Central Location
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Marble baths, luxury linens
- Centrally located with fully-equipped kitchens, marble baths, luxury linens, 24-hour front desk, and exceptional service.
The Dupont Circle Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4 Star, Near Metro Station
- Close to the gay district
- Large windows, marble bathrooms
- Offers elegantly furnished rooms with large windows, marble bathrooms, modern amenities, and proximity to Dupont Circle Metro.
Kimpton Banneker
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star, Vibrant Atmosphere
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, modern decor
- Modern rooms with vibrant decor, a sleek bar, breakfast and dinner options, plus morning coffee and tea service.
Video Of Washington’s MAL
Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2020 – David Spivey
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Washington
Washington, D.C. has a thriving LGBTQ+ community that plays a significant role in the city’s cultural, social, and political life. D.C. hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Capital Pride Festival and Parade, typically held in June, is one of the city’s most significant gay celebrations, featuring a parade, concerts, and other festivities.
Dupont Circle | Close to the city centre
Photo: Dupont Circle is home to some of Washington’s most popular gay bars
- Dupont Circle has long been considered the heart of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community.
- It is home to numerous LGBTQ+-friendly bars, restaurants, and businesses.
- The Dupont Circle Fountain, located in the center of the neighborhood, is a popular gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Many of the bars and clubs host special events during the annual Capital Pride Festival in late May.
Logan Circle
Adjacent to Dupont Circle, Logan Circle has also become a popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood. It offers a mix of bars, restaurants, & cultural attractions.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is known for its diverse & inclusive atmosphere. It has a mix of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, restaurants, & shops. it hosts LGBTQ+ events throughout the year.
U Street Corridor
The U Street Corridor is known for its historic ties to the LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant nightlife scene. With several LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the most popular and well-known shopping districts in D.C. The main shopping streets, M Street & Wisconsin Avenue, are lined with shops & boutiques.
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