Below are some questions frequently asked questions about MAL weekend. If you’re question isn’t answered here, you can contact us and ask. We will be updating the FAQ section as more questions come in.
Q: What is the clothing/nudity policy for MAL Weekend?
A: Nudity is not allowed in the public areas of the hotel. You are able to walk around the hotel shirtless, in a jock or in chaps with a jock. When dining, your butt must be covered and at least have a vest on. When leaving the hotel, you must have at least a 1 inch strap covering your ass-crack.
Q: Is there a dress code for Leather Cocktails?
A: Yes. Leather Cocktails is a formal event. We request that you dress in your best formal leather, boots, jeans, etc.
Q: What are the benefits of a full run package?
A: A Full Run Package includes access to all official MAL Weekend events, including:
- Access to exhibit hall all weekend
- Leather Cocktails w/open bar and hors d’oeuvres
- Sunday morning brunch
- Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest
- Sunday Closing Dance party (includes shuttle service from hotel to dance hall)
- Shuttle Bus
Q: Can I purchase tickets to the contest?
A: Yes. Tickets will be available at the Centaur Store throughout the weekend at $25.00 each.
Q: Can I purchase tickets to Leather Cocktails?
A: No. Admission to Leather Cocktails is only available if you purchase the full run package.
Q: Can I purchase tickets to Sunday brunch?
A: No. Admission to Sunday brunch is only available if you purchase the full run package.
Q: Can I purchase tickets to the Sunday closing dance party?
A: Yes. Tickets are available for the closing dance party. Please visit the Dance party page for information on purchasing tickets.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities for MAL Weekend?
A: We appreciate volunteer requests. We continuously tweak the work grid as MAL Weekend approaches and will contact those individuals who have expressed an interest should we need assistance for the weekend.
Q: Will I need my picture ID during the weekend?
A: Yes. You may be asked to present your picture ID to purchase alcohol. The bars in DC are also required to check ID of all persons entering their establishment to ensure they are 21 years of age or older.
Q: Is there a smoking area at the host hotel?
A: Yes. A smoking is provided outside of the hotel entrance.
Q: What is the closest Airport?
A: Regan National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport. You can take the Yellow line Metro Rail downtown to Gallery Place and transfer to the Red line to the Union Station stop.
You can also fly in to BWI Airport. You have two choices – you can either take the MARC Train to Union Station; or take the B30 Metro Bus to the Greenbelt Metro Rail Station (Green Line). Take the Green Line to the Fort Totten stop and transfer to the Red Line. Take the Red line train to Union Station.
If you fly into Dulles Airport, there is a Metro Bus (5A) that will take you to the Rosslyn Metro Rail Station (Blue/Orange Line). Transfer at Metro Center to the Red Line. From there, you can take the Red Line Metro Rail Train into Union Station.
*** Please be sure to check WMATA’s website trip-planner to ensure that the trains/buses will be running when you need them.
Q: What is the nearest Metro Rail stop?
A: Union Station on the Metro Rail Red Line. Exit Union Station at the First St, NE & Massachusetts Ave, NE exit and walk south to E St, NE. Follow E St, NE to New Jersey Ave, NW and turn left on New Jersey Ave, NW. (Approximately 4 blocks). You can use the WMATA Trip Planner to help you get around and be sure that services will be running when you need them!
Q: Are there restaurants around the host hotel?
A: There is a restaurant in the Host Hotel. If you choose to eat at the hotel restaurant, your buttocks must be covered and wear at least a vest.
Other nearby restaurants include:
- Billy Goat Tavern, 500 New Jersey Ave NW #1, Washington, DC (202) 783-2123 (Burgers, sandwiches, breakfast items)
- Kogod Liquors, Inc. 441 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC (202) 737-1600 (Subs, Liquor Store)
- Union Station Shoppes, 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE, Washington, DC – Variety of Restaurants. Click here for Dining Directory. There is a variety of nice and quick serve places to eat.
Q: What other stuff is going on during the weekend?
A: We are only listing official MAL weekend events on our schedule page. You can always check www.dcpride.org. This is an independently managed website that lists a lot of local events.
Q: Will there be a shuttle bus this year -2013?
A: Yes. There will be a shuttle bus that will run from 10:30pm to 2:30am on Friday and Saturday nights to two local bars. The bus will leave the front of the Host Hotel and drop off in front of the D.C. Eagle and Green Lantern bars before returning to the host hotel. Riders must have a full weekend run pass to ride the shuttle.
On Sunday, the shuttle bus will run from approximately 5:000 pm to 12:00 am for Tea Dance 3.0. Riders must have a full weekend run pass or dance ticket/stub to get on the bus.
