When Disco Came to DC | Washington in the '80s

Discover the vibrant bar and club scene in Washington, DC during the mid-1980s. The Fox Trap club was particularly popular among affluent African Americans, including members of the Black congressional caucus, business leaders, and celebrities. It served as an important gathering place for networking, fundraising events, and sharing experiences among young Black professionals. Additionally, DC's super discos like The Pier, the Lost and Found, and the Other Side were renowned for their lively atmosphere and the chance to encounter famous individuals, attracting a diverse mix of people, including Redskins players.
This video is part of WETA's WASHINGTON IN THE 80s documentary, which captures the history of Washington, DC during the 1980s. Featuring interviews with notable Washingtonians including Marion Barry, Carol Schwartz, Maureen Bunyan, Kojo Nnamdi, and others, this historical documentary highlights important political and cultural moments from DC history.
Stream more clips and watch the full documentary: weta.org/decades
Explore more DC history with more clips from WASHINGTON IN THE DECADES: • Washington in the Decades
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest releases and recommendations!
weta.org/about...
Follow WETA on social:
Twitter: / wetatvfm
Facebook: / wetatvfm
Instagram: / wetatvfm

[@whereisthedollar]

Appletree Club, The Buck Stops Here,The Plum, Mark IV, Elan and later then in Camp Springs MD. The Classics disco. Those were the days(nights) LOL.

[@WETAPBS]

Which was your favorite?

[@aprodutube]

No wonder my dad used to travel from Richmond, VA to D.C. a lot during those times for “business”.

[@burnesray777]

I'm a '70s infant so I grew up and ADORE the '80s! I think I see my mom at one of those parties in the video.....lol. She used to travel to DC a lot for business (and a little bit of fun); (I would stay with my dad back in the South). I remember as a child thinking DC is the chocolate city known for BET (shout out to Donnie Simpson Video Soul) and Marion Barry (and of course, Ronald Reagan). Decades later I obtained a second Masters degree at Howard University and had a wonderful time and a great education!

[@WETAPBS]

That's so cool! Where did you spot your mom?

[@paulbrooks2087]

I lived in DC during the beginings of rhe disco bomb from 1975 Crystal City and all the clubs. What a time free love ,and disco whoo hoo!

[@whereisthedollar]

Crystal City Underground shops slated for closure after nearly five decades. The Crystal Underground disco was a big place for some fun, even before the subway opened.

[@yansonfilpo1818]

There was also alot people doing drugs in there

[@cil20002000]

Especially if Marion was there