The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation – the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization – and prominent food writer David Hagedorn announce the return of Chefs for Equality on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the National Building Museum. Now in its 10th year, the evening of extraordinary food, drink, and entertainment, in addition to live and silent auctions, supports the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide educational work and its fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.
“At Chefs for Equality, over 150 of Washington D.C.’s greatest chefs, bakers and mixologists create spectacular food and drinks in the name of full LGBTQ+ equality. This year’s theme, Plate of Emergency, calls attention to the state of emergency that the Human Rights Campaign has officially declared because of intensified attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender and non-binary people. The chef community stands at the ready to turn up the heat and fight even harder to protect and promote equality,” said David Hagedorn.
“It is so exciting to have DC’s top culinary and mixology talents come together in support of HRC Foundation’s work,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “LGBTQ+ Americans are navigating a national state of emergency, facing an all out assault on our basic rights. From access to necessary health care to feeling safe and supported at work and in our communities, anti-LGBTQ+ extremists are working to limit our freedoms and push us back into the closet. We need to fight back with full force against these injustices and continue to support impactful initiatives that expand equity and equality for all.”
As they have since the event’s inception in 2012, Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis of Amaryllis Floral + Event Design will transform the Chefs for Equality venue into a wonderland that will feature 40 savory tasting stations and 20 crafted cocktail bars headed by renowned chefs and mixologists from the Greater D.C. area. The jewels of the Chefs for Equality crown are the 13 personal chef tables — each decorated to the hilt with a unique theme and providing an opportunity to dine with celebrity chefs for a lavish five-course meal in the middle of the action. The DMV area’s top pastry chefs prepare stunning show-piece cakes that will adorn the museum, and guests can sample these delectable pastries towards the end of the evening before heading out with a curated limited-edition goody bag chock-full of culinary goodies. In addition to impressive fare, live and silent auctions are also held.
New additions this year:
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Speed Diner meets Drag Brunch – An interactive entertainment experience where guests can purchase a time slot for a seat at the diner where they’ll enjoy brunch-inspired bites, a specialty cocktail, and an exclusive drag performance curated by Crazy Aunt Helen’s.
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Queerlada Shop – A cafe in the middle of the action featuring Latin-inspired savory dishes, pastries and libations curated by the popular D.C.-based Colada Shop Cuban Cafe & Bar.
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Private Upper Tier Champagne & Caviar Lounge – This exclusive Chefs for Equality activation, on the second floor of the Building Museum, features select restaurant partners, Champagne, caviar, lounge seating and more.
All proceeds will benefit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide educational work for LGBTQ+ equality. The HRC Foundation works to educate the public and provides training and model policies that alter the fundamental nature of the institutions governing the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people everywhere.
Tickets for Chefs for Equality can be purchased at hrc.im/ChefsTickets. The full list of participating chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and mixologists can be found at ChefsForEquality.org.
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
On November 1, 2, and 3, join us as Picnic Theatre Company returns to Dupont Underground with an original parody of the Day The Earth Stood Still! In this celebrated 1950s classic, a UFO lands in Washington DC on the National Mall, with a message and an ultimatum for the White House and for the people of Earth that forces the world to wrestle with the most profound existential choice possible. Picnic Theatre Company imagines what happens the day after, as superpowers and developing nations, corporations, activists, and religious movements fight to determine the Earth’s response. How will they react? Vote for the ending of the play – the audience chooses the fate of humanity!
Enjoy this historic urban landmark and cultural space at 19 Dupont Circle NW. 6pm cocktails, 7pm performance (90 minutes)
TICKETS ($20):
Wed, Nov. 1: https://dupontunderground.org/
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/
[Proceeds benefit the preservation of Dupont Underground]
A Picnic Theatre Company Parody
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC
Wednesday November 1
Thursday November 2
Friday November 3
6pm Cocktails
7pm Performance
Written and Directed by Steve Rochlin
Cast:
Sara Cook * Nova Daly * Ali Dukakis * Chris Fowler * Robert Gerber * Chaitan Jain * Emily Lenzner * Alexa Newlin * Daniela McInerney * Antonio Olivo * Kevin Rooney * Edward Roman * Adam Ruben * Christina Sevilla * Hugo Verges * David White
Capital Food Fight returns to The Anthem on Thursday, November 9th for the 19th installment of DC Central Kitchen’s raucous night of fighting hunger. Tickets to this year’s event, presented by Instacart, at capitalfoodfight.org.
First hosted in 2004 by DC Central Kitchen’s long-time volunteer and Board Chair Emeritus José Andrés, Capital Food Fight has long been the must-attend event of food lovers, TV stars, and philanthropists alike. Executive Chef & Co-Owner of Money Muscle BBQ/All Set/Fryer’s Roadside Ed Reavis, Chef Rachel Bindel of 101 Hospitality Group (Michele’s, Gravitas, Bakers Daughter), Executive Chef of dLeña Carlos Camacho, and Estuary’s Chef de Cuisine Ria Montes join a storied list of notable chefs who have faced off in head-to-head culinary challenge on the main stage featuring a spotlighted ingredient. Each dish will be judged by a panel of culinary icons, including Top Chef’s lead judge, restaurateur, and James Beard award-winning chef Tom Colicchio; restaurateur, Iron Chef America champion, and star of truTV’s Fast Foodies Justin Sutherland, retired Washington Nationals All-Star Ryan Zimmerman, and more!
Celebrity chef and DC-based restaurateur, Spike Mendelsohn, Chef Andrés, and local media personality Tommy McFly return as the evening’s hosts and emcee, respectively, to keep things rocking from the main stage with one of DC’s most in-demand performers, DJ Neekola, on the decks all night long as attendees feast on delicious bites from more than 80 of the DMV’s best restaurants.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.capitalfoodfight.org General admission tickets are $325, with VIP access going for $550. VIP ticket holders will have exclusive access to the second floor with balcony seating and full open bar. All proceeds from the event, including donations and silent auction, go to support DC Central Kitchen’s award-winning solutions to hunger and poverty in Washington, DC, from providing culinary job training to serving scratch-cooked school meals to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables at deep discounts to small corner stores across city.
Special thanks to the 2023 Capital Food Fight Presenting Sponsor, Instacart, along with Showcase Sponsors CoBank, Lineage Logistics, and Wegmans, which will also be stocking this year’s on-stage pantry. The battling chefs will be highlighting special ingredients provided by Wegmans, Keany Produce, and AUI Fine Foods. Further appreciation goes to our Executive Chef Sponsors Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clark Construction, RTX, Wells Fargo, Vox Media, and Appliances A Better Way (ABW), and Sous Chef Sponsors Bank of America, DoorDash and Geico. For a full list of 2023 sponsors and information on remaining availability, please visit capitalfoodfight.org/sponsors.
Capital Food Fight is a 21 and older event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.capitalfoodfight.org
CityCenterDC is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration, which coincides with the landmark project’s 10th anniversary, on Saturday, November 25th.
CityCenterDC is offering elevated moments and activities in honor of its 10th anniversary. In addition to its traditional tree-lighting festivities, CityCenterDC will expand the live performance by The Revels and offer an evening full of fun surprises for the whole family. The holiday and 10th-anniversary festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and the Tree Lighting celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. in The Park at CityCenter, on the corner of New York Avenue NW and 11th Street NW.
In honor of its 10th anniversary, CityCenterDC has created a commemorative handmade, limited-edition ornament available for purchase throughout the holiday season. The brass beaded ornament features a festive version of the CityCenterDC logo on the center’s signature orange, and two prancing reindeer, which is a nod to the two 20-foot reindeer that grace the property each holiday season. All proceeds from the sale of the ornament, which retails for $50, will go to the Children’s National Hospital. Each purchase of an ornament will help ensure that every child receives the exceptional, compassionate care they deserve when it is needed the most.
“We are thrilled to kick off CityCenterDC’s year-long, 10th-anniversary celebration with our dazzling Holiday Tree Lighting. When CityCenterDC opened a decade ago, it transformed the face of downtown DC, creating not only an epicenter for luxury in the heart of the District but a community gathering spot where we’ve created beloved traditions and seasonal excitement throughout the years,” said Timothy Lowery, Vice President – Mixed-Use at Hines and General Manager of CityCenterDC. “It is our honor to spread joy to those in need by partnering once again with Children’s National Hospital. Your ornament purchase will not only add a little extra beauty to your own tree but provide critical funds for young patients at Children’s National.”
Emceed by NBC4 Anchor Eun Yang, this year’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting will feature an expanded and exciting program. In addition to the lighting of the 75-foot tree, The Revels will be back accompanied by a ten-piece band performing contemporary and classic renditions of holiday favorites, and the evening will wrap up with a sweet tooth lover’s surprise. Visitors can still enjoy crowd favorites such as a selfie station on CityCenter’s orange carpet, face painting and balloon animals, gourmet popcorn, cotton candy, and mini donuts.
To continue the holiday cheer throughout the season, CityCenterDC will debut Haute for The Holidays, a stunning tree installation in collaboration with Washington DC’s beloved artists Maggie O’Neill, Annie Broderick, and No Kings Collective. Each artist will create an interpretation of a festive holiday tree. Visitors can expect a mesmerizing display of 12-foot trees in various materials, textures, colors, and artistic styles. Each step will reveal a fresh artistic surprise and perspective, inviting visitors to go on a holiday journey. Visitors are welcome to explore enchanting displays starting the first week of December until January 7th.
HOLIDAY DISPLAY UNVEILING & LIGHTING EVENT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 FROM 6-7:30PM
Plaza in front of Truist Bank located at the corner of Columbia and Adams Mill Roads NW
Celebrate the holiday season in Adams Morgan! On Tuesday, December 5 from 6-7:30pm, the community is invited to join in on the festivities as AdMo unveils the neighborhood’s newest interactive holiday display underneath a snow-filled sky. It’s the perfect place to take selfies or pose for a holiday card! Attendees can also listen to live music by local cover band, Gotcha Covered. Complimentary hot chocolate and cider will also be available on a first come, first serve basis. Family Friendly. Free. Open to the public.
This holiday season, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Reston is throwing a house party: a gingerbread house party, that is! On Sunday, December 17th 2023, from 11:30am to 1:30pm, children of all ages are invited to participate in a one-of-a-kind workshop with Davio’s own pastry chef Emma Thomas!
Chef Thomas will lead the demonstration and workshop, teaching children how to decorate personalized gingerbread houses fit for the North Pole! The event is $55 per child (excluding tax and gratuity) and adult admission is free. Each participating child will receive one gingerbread house to decorate (with delectable decorations included), hot chocolate and lunch!
What to Expect:
Gingerbread houses ready for decorating
An array of candies, icing and edible decorations
A sprinkle of holiday spirit and lots of laughter
Highlights:
Personalized gingerbread houses to take home
Guided by our gingerbread expert Pastry Chef
Holiday music and festive atmosphere
Hot cocoa station for a sweet sip while you decorate
Kid’s Lunch Station Includes
Cheese & Tomato Pizza
Cheese, Tomato & Pepperoni Pizza
Crispy Chicken Sliders
Kobe Beef Sliders
Chicken Fingers
French Fries
WHERE: Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse | 1902 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
WHEN: The workshop will be held on Sunday, December 17th from 11:30am 1:30pm
COST: $55 per child includes gingerbread house and lunch. Secure your spot early and join us for a day of delicious creativity and holiday magic!
Ring in 2024 at the seventh annual Noon Yards Eve! The Yards is bringing back a family-friendly bash to finish out the year.
Celebrate with complimentary activities for kids of all ages including trackless train rides through The Yards, an inflatable slide and bounce house, glitter tattoo artists, carnival games, music by DJ Alex Love, crafts, The Uncle Devin Show, a magician, and more! Families can also take pictures in the photo booth and participate in the 2024-themed giveaways.
The event will culminate with the highly-anticipated countdown and balloon drop celebration at noon, allowing kids of all ages to ring in the New Year! Noon Yards is free to attend, but registration in advance is required on Eventbrite.
WHEN/WHERE:
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Sunday, December 31 | 10am – 1pm
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The Yards Sundeck | 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has announced its 2024 family festival commemorating Lunar New Year, a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. The event takes place Feb. 3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
This year’s Lunar New Year festival will celebrate the year of the dragon. It will consist of performances, talks, tours, hands-on activities and more. The full schedule is available online. The museum also offers many resources to learn about Lunar New Year on its website such as virtual tours of related collections, lesson plans and webinars.
About Lunar New Year
Commonly known as the Spring Festival in China, Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions. The Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is the highlight that kicks off the holiday, a feast with a spread of symbolic dishes, such as a whole fish representing abundance, that bring good luck and fortune. The 15th and final day of the holiday is the Lantern Festival, during which people have tangyuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, and children carry lanterns around the neighborhood at night to mark the end of the celebration.
In the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the year of the dragon. Different regions across Asia celebrate Lunar New Year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac. Many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders do not observe the Chinese/lunar zodiac.
