Birchmere
John Waters 80th Birthday at Birchmere
Overview
Going to Extremes: A John Waters 80th Birthday Celebration brings the Pope of Trash to Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, for an unmissable evening of transgressive storytelling and cult film anecdotes. Known for shocking masterpieces like Pink Flamingos (1972) and mainstream hits like Hairspray (1988), Waters delivers his signature blend of bad taste, surreal humor, and sharp wit in this personal milestone event.
John Waters, born in Baltimore in 1946, rose from underground 8mm films to cult icon status with his Trash Trilogy, evolving into visual art, books, and Grammy-nominated spoken word. Birchmere, a legendary intimate music hall near Washington, DC, offers unparalleled close-up views of this boundary-pushing performer. 
Highlights
Pope of Trash: John Waters, dubbed the Pope of Trash by William Burroughs, celebrates his 80th with extreme stories from his notorious career.
Cult Classics: Relive icons like Pink Flamingos and Hairspray, from shock cinema to Broadway musicals.
Baltimore Roots: Waters draws from his Baltimore upbringing, blending gore obsession with surreal comedy.
Intimate Venue: Birchmere's close-quarters setup puts you front-row to Waters' pencil-thin mustache mischief.
Multi-Medium Star: Filmmaker, author, artist—Waters shares Grammy-nominated insights across mediums.
Birthday Bash: Exclusive 80th birthday event packed with outrageous anecdotes and bad taste revelry.
Sentiment Analysis
Electrifying tales from cult film legend
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Witty, irreverent humor captivates fans
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Intimate venue enhances personal connection
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Unforgettable celebration of trash cinema
High ticket demand sells out quickly
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Limited seating in intimate space
Know Before You Go
Held at Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, the venue enforces a clear bag policy allowing small clutches (under 12x12 inches) and medically necessary items; large bags are prohibited. Age restrictions are all ages welcome unless specified otherwise for this event. Doors typically open 90 minutes prior; arrive early for seating in the cabaret-style room. No outside food or drinks; parking available onsite with validation options.
Hot Tip
Arrive 90 minutes early for Birchmere's cabaret seating to snag tables closest to the stage and avoid lines at the busy entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Meeting Point
Birchmere Alexandria VA US
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