Oct
1
Sun
World Culture Festival
Oct 1 all-day

Taking over the National Mall Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, the 2023 World Culture Festival is expected to be the largest gathering in the nation’s capital this year, featuring the largest stage area ever built on the historic National Park property.

Over 250,000 visitors from every corner of the globe are expected to travel to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the World Culture Festival. Today, organizers already report 184,513 registered attendees who will join in-person along with an estimated broadcast audience of over one billion worldwide. Registrants to date represent:

  • 60% from the capital region
  • 91% from the United States representing all 50 states
  • 4% from India
  • 5% from 121 other countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Thailand and South Africa.

Free registration and full Festival information can be found at https://wcf.artofliving.org.

Program Schedule

*All schedules are subject to change

Friday, September 29

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Festival Village

  • A one-mile stretch between 7th St and 14th St NW, featuring over 75 cultural pavilions, activities including fashion showcases, and 80+ food trucks serving international cuisines.

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase

Saturday, September 30

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Festival Village

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase

Sunday, October 1

8:00 am – 9:00 am: Yoga Festival

10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Festival Village

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase

 

Performances

An initial lineup was announced today including over 8,000 individual stage performers representing an array of human cultural art forms from around the globe. The program features all U.S.-based artists presenting music, dance, and performance art from diverse Native American and American immigrant cultures. Among them:

 

LOCAL

  • The acclaimed Showtime Band from Howard University
  • A melody performance from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC
  • Pulsating beats and infectious energy of Washington’s iconic go-go bands including Junkyard BandDJ Cool and Bela Dona Band.
  • Traditional Gospel Choir with 1,000 singers – a performance by musicians from church and university choirs of 1KVoiceChoir
  • Native American dance by 100 artists representing various tribes from the region perform to the powerful beats of live drums and other traditional instruments
  • Traditional Mongolian Dance & Music with 100 Dancers – A vibrant and energetic dance highlighting the heritage and nomadic traditions of Mongolia
  • Indonesian Dance by 100 Artists – A “wonderland dance of Indonesia” representing the country’s five main islands
  • Irish Step Dance with 100 Dancers – Lively Irish dancers in traditional dress showcasing the rich traditions of the Emerald Isle
  • Bolivian Folk Dance with 200 Dancers – Vibrant folk dancers of Bolivia present 4 kinds of traditional dances
  • Nepalese dance with 150 artists in vibrant costumes, representing the spiritual traditions of Nepal

NATIONAL

  • Global Guitar Ensemble with 1,000 guitarists playing popular sing-along classics with renowned lead guitarists, including Grammy-award winner Micki Free.
  • Rhythms of reggae with Skip Marley, grandson of the legendary Bob Marley, and dancers representing the cultures of the Caribbean islands.
  • One World Family Invocation – A 200-artists choir with Grammy nominated artist Chandrika Tandon
  • Pop influencer Jini June performing alongside 200 children, spreading a message of harmony in song
  • Amadou Kouyate and his djembe and kora orchestra, accompanied by 200 African dancers
  • Kurtis Blow and other hip hop legends accompanied by 200 breakdancers, MCs, DJs and graffiti artists
  • 10,000 Garba Dancers – representing a traditional folk dance of western India circle the National Mall in a spirit of celebration.
  • Traditional Afghan Music & Sufi Whirling with 150 Artists – 130 musicians playing traditional instruments and singing captivating melodies along with 20 whirling dervishes
  • Indian Classical Dance & Classical Symphony with 1000 Artists – Symphony of 300 instrumentalists including sitar, veena, tabla, mridangam, flute, ghatam and violin, plus 700 dancers performing a variety of classical Indian dance styles
  • Latin American Dance Fusion with 200 Artists – Vibrant folk dancers representing the unique traditions of Colombia, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela
  • Chinese Cultural Choir & Dance with 1,000 Artists – Chinese classical choir, classical dancers, dragons, & kung-fu in a fusion of music & movement
  • Bulgarian Folk Dance by 300 Artists – 300 artists dance to the soul-stirring melodies of Bulgarian singers
  • Ukrainian Dance by 200 Dancers and Choir – Exhilarating acrobatics and vibrant footwork of the hopak, a traditional Ukrainian dance

 

Activations

  • The largest ever yoga event to take place on the National Mall, with over 2,000 instructors from various schools of yoga demonstrating a flow to more than 25,000 yoga enthusiasts. The event will be followed by a meditation led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
  • Over 80 food trucks will serve culturally expressive food and beverages from around the world. Some of the cuisines include Middle Eastern (Koshary Corner), French (Taste of Montreal), Latin-American (Arepa Zone), South Asian (Rangoli), Vegan/Plant Based (Soultarian), Indonesian (Sambal), Caribbean (Patty Party), West African (Kuks Tribute), Italian (Ciao Roma), Mexican (Mexicocina), Thai (Thai Pinto), British (Salt Pot Kitchen).
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
15
Sun
Calico’s 3rd Annual Late Harvest Festival @ Calico
Oct 15 @ 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Calico is celebrating the changing of the seasons with its 3rd Annual Late Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 15 from 1pm to 9 p.m. The urban backyard in Blagden Alley once again hosts its welcome party for cooler weather, with a free-to-attend Sunday afternoon fall fest complete with pumpkin painting, caramel apples, hot cocktails, autumnal fare and more festive seasonal fun.

There’s no need to head to the pumpkin patch this year. Guests can pick their very own pumpkins from Calico’s pop-up patch and decorate them with complimentary painting supplies.

The fall fest will serve as the preview of Calico’s new seasonal menu, featuring autumnal cookout fare from Chef Nathan Beauchamp, such as such as mugs of soup and chili. There will also be fresh local apples with sweet, buttery caramel for dipping.

Seasonal libations will range from hot drinks from bar director Ian Fletcher such as spiked cider, Oktoberfest and fall beers, plus non-alcoholic hot cider.

Rounding out the lively festivities will be a festive photo area complete with leaves, pumpkins and corn stalks for the perfect photo-op.

Local DC Brau will pour complimentary seasonal beer tastings for adults (21+) from 4-7pm, who can also purchase cans to take home.

Calico’s Late Harvest Festival is free to attend and open to the public, with all pumpkins, food and beverage sold a la carte. Guests can place a free RSVP on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-late-harvest-festival-at-calico-tickets-724116109777.

 

WHO:         Calico

WHEN:      Sunday, October 15, 2023

1 pm – 9 pm

4pm-7pm – DC Brau beer tastings (21+)

 

WHERE:     Calico

50 Blagden Alley NW

Washington, DC 20001

Oct
21
Sat
Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration at Hillwood @ Hillwood Museum and Gardens
Oct 21 @ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration

Saturday, October 21, 2023, 4-6 p.m.

Hightail it to Hillwood with your four-legged friend for some Halloween fun! Explore the gardens and participate in the annual costume competition.

www.HillwoodMuseum.org 

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

Oct
25
Wed
Fall Festival on Woodrow Wilson Plaza @ Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Oct 25 @ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join in at Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for a spooktacular Halloween celebration! Gather your loved ones, friends, and colleagues to revel in the autumn spirit. Our exciting lineup of family-friendly and engaging activities promises fun, including a hay bale maze, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, strolling characters, DJ and dancing, plus so much more.

Enjoy complimentary hot cider and check out local eats from Capital Harvest on the Plaza vendors.

The event is weather permitting and activities are while supplies last.

Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-festival-on-woodrow-wilson-plaza-tickets-726304555477?aff=oddtdtcreator

Oct
28
Sat
Adams Morgan Apple Festival @ Unity Park at Euclid and Champlain Streets NW
Oct 28 @ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The 10th Annual Adams Morgan Apple Pie Baking Contest and the 15th Annual Licking Creek Bend Farm Heirloom Apple Tasting returns to Adams Morgan on Saturday, October 28! The highly-anticipated community event will take place in front of The Line Hotel and directly across the street from the farmer’s market in Unity Park at Euclid and Champlain Streets NW.

Event highlights include an heirloom apple tasting and a homemade apple pie baking contest from residents in the neighborhood. Area bakers compete for the title of ‘Best Apple Pie’, and attendees can purchase pie slices for $6 each to support Jubilee Jumpstart, a neighborhood nonprofit that provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on children and families with the least access.

The apple pie contest is judged by the following local pie lovers:

Event Schedule:

8am: Adams Morgan Farmers Market opens in Unity Park

10am: Heirloom apple tasting, presented by Michael Tabor of the Licking Creek Bend Farm

11am: Pie slices go on sale (available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They typically sell out quickly.)

11:30am-12:30pm: Apple pie contest judging begins

12:30pm: Apple pie contest winners announced

1pm: Market & festival ends

 

Additional Event Details: 

The event is free and open to the public. Each pie-baking contestant will make three homemade 9” pies from scratch (one for the judges, two for sale) and provide a list of their ingredients. Bakers compete for the top slot in five categories: appearance, filling, crust, overall, and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice category is voted on and scored by the public. A QR code is placed on each individual pie slice that is sold at the festival and the purchaser can score the pie slice they eat. Votes are tallied and the People’s Choice winner is announced later in the day. Winners in each category will receive a certificate, a mention on social media, and a 2 week CSA membership from Licking Creek Bend Farm. 100% of the proceeds from pie sales are donated to the local charity, Jubilee Jumpstart. Lots of Adams Morgan businesses will be offering apple-themed specials throughout the weekend for all to enjoy. Apple specials will be listed on the event website. The festival is hosted by the Adams Morgan Partnership BID and Licking Creek Bend Farm, in partnership with The Line Hotel. To learn more, visit AdMoAppleFestival.com.

Nov
25
Sat
City Center Tree Lighting @ City Center
Nov 25 @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

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.

Dec
5
Tue
AdMo Holiday Display Unveiling @ Truist Bank Plaza
Dec 5 @ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

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.

Dec
17
Sun
Gingerbread House Workshop @ Davio's
Dec 17 @ 11:30 PM – Dec 18 @ 1:30 PM

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!

Dec
31
Sun
Noon Yards Eve! @ The Yards Sundeck
Dec 31 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

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:

  • Sunday, December 31 | 10am – 1pm

  • The Yards Sundeck | 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003