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/
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
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.
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
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
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:
- Alaina James, Store Owner, Mixxed (opening soon in Adams Morgan)
- Phil Mendelson, Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia
- Brianne Nadeau, Councilmember, Ward 1
- Tom Sherwood, Analyst, WAMU-FM 88.5 Kojo Nnamdi Politics Hour; Contributing Writer, Washington City Paper
- Margaret Stevens, Commissioner, ANC 1C
- Eun Yang, NBC News4 Anchor
- Representative from Jubilee Jumpstart, early childhood education center
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.
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.
Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Universal Longings | Anhelos Universales
Eugene Rogers, conductor
In partnership with The Washington Chorus
Scott Piper, tenor
Juantomás Martínez Yépez, baritone
National Philharmonic and The Washington Chorus join forces for a concert of universal proportions conducted by TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, including the Washington-area premiere of composer James Lee III’s Breaths of Universal Longings. “He’s a composer who has what it takes,” says the Baltimore Sun, and his works have been commissioned, premiered, and performed by prominent symphonies throughout the country.
Venezuelan composer Antonio Estévez’s Cantata Criolla retells the legend of Faust’s deal with the Devil, set to text from the mythic poem Florentino y El Diablo by Alberto Avelo Torrealbas. As Florentino battles for his soul in a singing contest against El Diablo, his story evolves through the rich textures of Estévez’s music. Spoiler alert: our hero prevails.
Program:
James Lee III, Breaths of Universal Longings
Antonio Estévez, Cantata Criolla
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.
National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents its annual Messiah performances, conducted by Music Director Piotr Gajewski for the first time at Strathmore and Capital One Hall. The holiday program features four outstanding singers—soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams—and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, all of whom are returning to share the stage with the NatPhil Orchestra. Continuing a tradition established last year, a portion of the proceeds from the performances at Strathmore will be donated to the 2nd Century Project to aid in the restoration of the neighboring Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church.
NatPhil’s Messiah takes place on Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore and on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia. Tickets are currently on sale at nationalphilharmonic.org.
While Messiah has been a holiday tradition at NatPhil for many seasons, this year’s performances are being reimagined by Maestro Gajewski. The novel rendering envisioned by him will include simple staging in which the soloists move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell stories contained within the oratorio.
NatPhil’s Messiah performances will again feature educational and community engagement activities. The Scotland A.M.E. Zion Mass Choir and its director Michael Terry return to perform pre-concert sets on December 16 and 17. These sets are free to enjoy and will begin one hour prior to the Messiah performances in Strathmore’s lobby area. Also in the lobby, patrons will find a learning table with resources from the Library of Congress to continue discussions and reflection around Handel’s link to the slave economy.
In the spirit of the season, NatPhil is committed to using the success of this program to give back. As such, the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland will receive a portion of the proceeds from the two performances at Strathmore. The historic church, which has been a center of community for Black congregants since 1924, was nearly destroyed by a flood in 2019 and victim of a burglary in 2022. Several partners in Montgomery County, including NatPhil, are supporting ongoing efforts to repair and safeguard the building.
Full Concert Details:
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Hall
Handel’s Messiah
Piotr Gajewski, conductor
with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society
Aundi Marie Moore, soprano
Lucia Bradford, mezzo soprano
Norman Shankle, tenor
Jorell Williams, baritone
National Philharmonic presents a new and novel semi-staged dramatic rendering of Handel’s Messiah, reimagined by Maestro Piotr Gajewski to usher in the start of your holiday season. From the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the hauntingly beautiful “He Shall Feed His Flock,” this timeless oratorio has captivated audiences for over 250 years.
This season, NatPhil reenvisions Handel’s masterpiece, drawing on the storytelling of all-star soloists soprano Aundi Marie Moore, mezzo soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle, and baritone Jorell Williams, under the direction of Maestro Piotr Gajewski, who takes over conducting duties for this annual NatPhil presentation. The four outstanding soloists will move about freely in front of the orchestra and interact with the audience as they tell the story of the Messiah.
NatPhil acknowledges the recent discovery of Handel’s involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and is dedicated to continuing the conversation around the performance of his works. A portion of ticket sales revenue will be dedicated to benefiting African American charities in our community.
Program:
George Frideric Handel, Messiah, HWV 56 (with intermission)
Ticket Information
Tickets ($19–$109) are available online at nationalphilharmonic.org. Kids 17 and under can attend National Philharmonic performances for free through the All Kids. All Free. All the Time. initiative.
