Event Dates
From: Friday, January 10, 2025
To: Monday, January 13, 2025
The Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, attracts thousands of guys for a weekend of leather parties, fetish events and the Mr MAL contenst.
Note: Due to the Presidential Inauguration next year, MAL weekend will not be held over the Martin Luther King weekend.
Thousands of men descend on DC for a weekend of leather themed debauchery. Enjoy a unique mix of social events, circuit parties, leather meet-ups and the Mr. MAL Contest.
MAL Weekend Washington
- Next Edition: Friday January 10th – Monday January 13th, 2024.
- 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. The host hotel for the event is the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.
- 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
- 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 Pradeof 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 Circuit Parties
- Enjoy a full weekend of nightly parties. KINETIC will feature world class DJs, tea dances and after parties at some of the city’s top events.
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.
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:
Washington has some amazing hotels.
Book now and Pay on arrival.
Hotel Washington is our choice offering
stunning views of the white house
For further information and advice on
MAL, check out The Website
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 .
1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Viceroy Washington DC offers pet-friendly accommodation in Washington, 4 minutes' walk from Logan Circle. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Private parking is available on site.
Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom where you will find bath robes, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Select rooms offer a seating area. In-room spa services and a yoga mat are also available for guests.
2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
This Washington, D.C. hotel is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from
and boasts an on-site restaurant and bar. The White House is 1.6 km away.Each modern room at the Royal Sonesta Washington DC features a flat-screen TV and plush bedding. Select rooms offer a deep soaking spa bath or a piece of fitness equipment. In-room massage and spa services are available.
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
This hotel is located at the top of
just minutes from the historical landmarks of , D.C. The is 120 m awayThe rooms at The Dupont Circle Hotel are furnished with large windows and marble bathrooms. Modern amenities include an iPod docking station, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Designer bathrobes are also offered.
1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Located 12 minutes’ walk from the
, this Washington, D.C. hotel boasts in-room spa services and an on-site restaurant. Dupont Circle is 8 minutes’ walk away.Decorated with bright red accents, the modern rooms at Kimpton Banneker Hotel feature a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, and a work desk. An en suite bathroom and a minibar are also included.
1227 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a living room with a flat screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
1400 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
The air conditioned apartments offer a bedroom, 1 bathroom bath or shower, a living room with flat screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven and microwave and a washer and dryer, Apartments offer WiFi available in all areas and is free of charge.
Washington, DC 20009
Executive apartments features accommodation with free WiFi and a terrace. The units are fitted with air-conditioned bedrooms and a kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave and fridge. An oven and coffee machine are also offered.
2015 O St NW, Washington, DC 20036
The holiday home has 7 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 5 bathrooms with a bidet. features accommodation with a private pool, free WiFi
1847 14th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
Open since 2003, Café Saint-Ex remains a staple neighborhood restaurant and gay bar located in the heart of the bustling 14th Street scene
639 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Go-to gay bar for otter, bear, wolf etc.
Lively tri-level gay bar offering small plates & sushi in a relaxed atmosphere with a rooftop deck.
2014 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Friendly gay bar with rgular drag shows
1100 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
Great little gay bar serves great cocktails and has outdoor seating
2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Bunker is dc's underground gay bar and club with nightly entertainment, live djs, and transportive decor.
1520 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Really cute and comfortable gay cocktail bar. Simple, classic menu. Small space that invites you to relax and chat with others
2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037
This gay bar tends to attract regulars who gather around cozy downstairs bar. Yes, there is a real fireplace. Perhaps the most unassuming bar in D.C., and certainly among the most consistently fun
1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Narrow, no-nonsense gay bar offering typical drinks, including huge cocktails during happy hour.
Washington, DC 200011940 9th Street Northwest
Great music venue! Very intimate space with a nice rooftop with delicious food and large selection of drinks.
U St Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
Games on TV, drag events (bingo & brunch), poker nights & karaoke draw patrons to this casual Gay Bar
915 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Kiki gay bar offering weekly drag shows four different bar areas, including a beer garden, a sports themed bar, lounge areas and a dance floor.
2319 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Lively, easygoing lesbian sports bar with a dance floor & event nights.
913 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Chic gay hangout with a rooftop bar for craft cocktails, signature martinis & a concise American menu.
2317 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Dave Perruzza has opened up a gay sports bar in the heart of Adams Morgan. The 10,000+ square foot building features plenty of flat screens for sports fans, darts, video games, a lesbian bar, and two spacious patios.
2009 8th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001
Best way to spend a Friday night! Cheaply priced drinks in a large venue that, for this night, is catering to a large variety of the gay scene (yes, including bears!).
1104 H Street Northeast Washington, DC 20002
Gay bar with a Beautiful Patio, DJ/Dancing Fri/Sat, No Cover, 100+ craft beers, 50+ whiskeys, Saints Games, much more!
1435 P Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005
Popular gay bar can get very busy at weekends
1836 18th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009
Known for its generous pours, dog-friendly patio, and welcoming environment, Larry’s Lounge is Dupont Circle’s best neighborhood Gay bar.
1335 Green Court Northwest Washington, DC 20005
Green Lantern, everyone's favorite neighborhood bar, is proudly serving all gay DC!
1519 17th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20036
Originally opened in 1986, JR’s Bar has served DC’s LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years right in the heart of Dupont.
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
Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2020 – David Spivey
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.
Adjacent to Dupont Circle, Logan Circle has also become a popular LGBTQ+ neighborhood. It offers a mix of bars, restaurants, & cultural attractions.
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.