In keeping with the tradition of having fun and bringing the black gay community together, The Best of Washington began having picnics in the late 90's. Willette Griffin, an active member of BW until her passing in 2007, spearheaded the event and was instrumental in establishing the picnic as an annual affair. Since then, the picnic has become one of the major events of the year for the black gay community, and has proven to be a perfect setting for friends and families to reconnect and celebrate. Rain or shine, the BW picnic takes place each year at Fort Washington Park in Maryland, generally on the first Sunday of August.