Oct
6
Fri
Battle of the Banned Books @ MLK Library
Oct 6 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please join the DC Public Library Foundation in the MLK Jr. Lirary Great Hall as DC’s Neighborhood Librarians battle it out for the title of best Banned Book Art Installation!

We will also honor inspiring community advocates with our second Power the Dream DCPLF awards:

-TRANSFORMER AWARD

-SPOTLIGHT AWARD

-IGNITING THE COMMUNITY AWARD

 

October 6, 2023 | 6:00 PM VIP

7:00 PM General Admission

MLK JR. Memorial Library

Oct
7
Sat
Cushman & Wakefield’s Annual Chili Cook-Off @ The Sandlot at the Boro
Oct 7 @ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

The Boro in Tyson’s is excited to host Cushman & Wakefield’s annual chili cook-off! This year’s competition benefits the Boulder Crest Foundation and will feature 15 to 20 teams vying for the grand prize. Cushman & Wakefield employees will judge the competition. 

All are welcome to stop by and enjoy 

  • chili tastings

  • lawn games

  • a bar

  • live music from acclaimed singer-songwriter Brian Dunne and his band

 

WHEN: Saturday, October 7th from 12:00–4:00 p.m.

 

WHERE: The Sandlot at The Boro (1640 Boro Place, Tysons, VA 22102)

 

HOW: The event is free and open to the public.

Oct
27
Fri
War of the Worlds 85th Anniversary Listening Party @ WAMU Black Box Theater and Community Room
Oct 27 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The Big Broadcast Presents: War of the Worlds 85th Anniversary Listening Party 

  

What: WAMU and The Big Broadcast are hosting an in-person listening party of Orson Welles’s acclaimed “War of the Worlds” production with The Mercury Theater of the Air, to mark the 85th anniversary of the original 1938 broadcast. We are inviting fans and their families to cozy up by Ed Walker’s restored 1932 RCA radio to hear Welles’s thrilling masterpiece, the way it was meant to be heard. This exclusive event promises to be a wonderful evening for the entire family – and kicks off an upcoming series of fun family events at the WAMU studios.

Who: Tony Award winner Murray Horwitz, host of The Big Broadcast, will be emceeing this event. Prior to the listening party, Murray will be holding a meet and greet for a small group of WAMU listeners.

Why: With the Halloween season approaching, what more perfect time to host a listening party of “War of the Worlds”? If you’re looking for something to do to kick off the Halloween weekend for you and your kids, look no further!


Who should attend: 
This event is designed specifically for the whole family. The event will also feature Halloween themes activities for all ages.

When: Listen to this terrifying classic – no screens, just screams on Friday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: WAMU Black Box Theater and Community Room; 4401 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. Street parking is available. Metro accessible via the Red Line (Van Ness).

Oct
30
Mon
Chefs for Equality @ National Building Museum
Oct 30 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Nov
1
Wed
Picnic Theatre: The Day the Earth Stood Still @ Dupont Underground
Nov 1 @ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58-barn4
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58-barn4-ffyem
[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

Nov
2
Thu
Picnic Theatre: The Day the Earth Stood Still @ Dupont Underground
Nov 2 @ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58-barn4
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58-barn4-ffyem
[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

Nov
3
Fri
Picnic Theatre: The Day the Earth Stood Still @ Dupont Underground
Nov 3 @ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58
Thurs, Nov 2: https://dupontunderground.org/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58-barn4
Fri, Nov 3: https://dupontunderground.org/events/hjjwjjfbd7jeacz-yph58-barn4-ffyem
[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

Nov
9
Thu
Capital Food Fight @ The Anthem
Nov 9 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

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

Feb
3
Sat
Lunar New Year at National Museum of Asian Art @ National Museum of Asian Art
Feb 3 @ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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.

May
10
Fri
Salamander Middleburg Author Series – David Baldacci @ Salamander Middleburg
May 10 @ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

 

You are invited for a special evening with David Baldacci, New York Times Best-Selling Author for a literary conversation on his new book, A Calamity of Souls, followed by a reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, wine, champagne, and book signing.

David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. 

His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television.

Along with his wife, David is also the cofounder of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy programs in the United States.

David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law. David and his family live in Virginia.

(Books will be available for purchase and are not included in ticket price.)