Being 21 has its obvious perks, like being able to purchase alcohol and get into any bar or club without so much as a hassle. However, for the majority of my college career, I was under 21, and thus, had to find ways to make nights, weekends, and most importantly birthdays special, given the underwhelming under-21-challenge.
I decided to incorporate much of what I learned, with a little nightclub research, to help 18+ readers still have an amazing time in D.C. regardless of age. For all of the venues on my list, whether they are clubs, concert halls, or gay bars, ALL of them require that every person who enters provide a valid form of I.D. So, although technically everyone can get in, making the trip to D.C. worthwhile for all, forgetting to bring your I.D. will leave you in even more of an under-21-and-18-with-no-lisence predicament.
For those of you who are looking to dance the night away, the following clubs will provide you with just that. Top 40 hits, hip-hop, and electronic house beats will be what you can expect on this D.C club list. The first club, UltraBar (http://www.ultrabardc.com) boasts 5 different levels, all offering patrons a different genre of music, 4 different DJ booths, and 12 high-def televisions that make the music come alive. However, ladies beware: if you are planning to bring guys out with you, College Thursdays is your best bet; doors open at 10pm, and the entire evening is 18 to enter. However, if you want a “Girls Night Out” theme, Friday and Saturdays at UltraBar are 18+ for ladies, and 21+ for guys.
The next D.C club that would be a perfect venue for an under-21 Birthday bash, or fabulous night out is Ibiza Night Club (http://ibizadc.com/). However, like UltraBar, please note that Friday night’s at Ibiza are 21+ so plan to party there on a Saturday night instead. Also, Ibiza’s website is one of the best for promoting events while being clear about age requirements, so make sure to take a look at it before heading out.
Finally, for a club scene that is always 18 to party, and has housed some of the best DJ’s in the world, like Tiesto and Armin VanBuren, Fur Nightclub (www.furnightclub.com) is a D.C. hot-spot that consistently offers a good time. (Photo credited to furnightclub.com)
If dancing the night away to loud music isn’t quite your thing, catching a show of your choice at the 9:30 Club (www.930.com) is always a great option. Although they do have a full-service bar for the 21+ crowds, they open their doors to music lovers of all ages. If you are going for an out-of-the-box birthday bash or night on the town, the new gay club Town Danceboutique (www.towndc.com) is 18+ on Friday nights and has weekly drag shows that start at 10 p.m.!
College is a time in life when having fun and experiencing new things is vital! This shouldn’t have to be compromised because of age. Although it might take a second look, there are opportunities to have those experiences right in D.C. It might take a bit more planning, but these 18+ spots offer a wide variety of special events and parties that make for a great night out regardless of age.
For more information, below are the phone numbers and addresses of all the venues:
UltraBar
911 F St NW
(between N 9th St & N 10th St)
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 638-4663
www.ultrabardc.com
Ibiza Night Club
1222 1st St NE
(between N M St & N Patterson St)
Washington, DC 20002
http://ibizadc.com/
9:30 Club
815 V St NW
(between N 8th St & N 9th St)
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 265-0930
www.930.com
Fur Nightclub
33 Patterson St NE
(at N 1st St)
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 842-3401
www.furnightclub.com
Town Danceboutique
2009 8th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-8696
www.towndc.com