Events/Things To Do

On May 1, Mike Isabella will host a Greek Easter celebration at Kapnos Taverna in Arlington.
The festival will be held on the Ballston restaurant’s large patio, and feature spit-roasted meats, homemade spreads and flatbread, live Greek music, Greek wines and more. Tickets are $69.57, all inclusive, rain or shine.

• Sunday, May 1, 12–3pm
• $69.57 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity
• Tickets available through Eventbrite
• Kapnos Taverna Patio: 4000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22203

BlackRock Center for the Arts will hold its annual gala on Friday, May 6 from 6:00pm–10:00pm. The gala theme is “An Evening of Wonder: Celebrating the Magic of the Arts at BlackRock.” In recent years, BlackRock has emerged as a noteworthy community asset, establishing Upper Montgomery County as a sought-after destination to live, work, and play, with its stellar performances, professional quality, and diverse offerings. Though it may seem the Center’s success happened overnight—like magic—it is instead a result of years of hard work and civic leadership in a forward-thinking community, one whose residents value the arts, their impact on the human spirit and their role in creating vibrant communities. Members of the public are invited to attend the event and celebrate the arts in Upper Montgomery County. Individual tickets to “An Evening of Wonder” cost $195 and can be purchased online at

The evening’s schedule for “An Evening of Wonder: Celebrating the Magic of the Arts at BlackRock” includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, a three-course dinner, live entertainment, fund-a-need, dessert, and an after-party with dancing. In addition, there will be an awards celebration honoring Therrien Waddell and Jean Casey for their outstanding dedication to the arts in our community. The gala is co-chaired by Jennifer Russel and Chester Anderson and this year’s Honorary Co-Chairs are the Honorable Isiah Leggett and Mrs. Catherine Leggett.

Gala sponsors as of February 9, 2016 include: Lauren Kay Pollin; Dataprise; Adventist Health Care; Hughes, an Echostar Company; John and Sheila Compton; Montgomery College; Shops at Town Center; Sugarloaf Trails; Clarksburg Premium Outlets; Bethesda Magazine; Black Hill, a project of Lerner; Minkoff Development; Matan; Sugarplum Tent Company; Wegmans; &pizza; Elm Street Developments; Jade Solutions, LLC; M&T Bank; Melane and Tom Hoffmann; Margie and Tom Quelet; Zoes Kitchen; and wine sponsorship by Randy and Kathy Scritchfield. Jean Casey, Beth Daly, and Hammet Hough are Individual Sponsors of the event.

British Embassy Open House Day

WHEN:                        10am to 4pm, Saturday 14 May 2016

WHERE:                     3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

MEDIA ACCESS:       Open to the media and Residence Social Secretary Amanda Downes is available for interviews

On May 14^th the British Embassy will open its doors to the public as part of the annual European Union Embassies’ Open House.

The Residence has been at the very heart of the Anglo-American relationship since 1930, playing host to a never-ending stream of visitors, including most presidents since Hoover. Many members of the royal family have visited since King George VI made his famous visit in 1939, in the months leading up to the Second World War, becoming the first British head of state ever to come to the United States.

The free Open House Day offers visitors a rare look inside the Ambassador’s Residence and Gardens as we are celebrating the 90^th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 70^th anniversary of the UK-US special relationship and the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The Embassy grounds will host an interactive and family-friendly bazaar celebrating UK culture, creativity, business and innovation. You can take a selfie with Shakespeare, sample some British food, check out the latest luxury British cars and find out about the NFL games in London later this year.

The day will also include

• Access to the Ambassador’s Residence and symmetrical Gardens, including the rose garden and lawns, home to several trees planted by members of the Royal Family
• Demonstrations from the UK’s defence industry showcasing the latest equipment and technology
• Performances from Shakespearian players
• A chance to win a James Bond gift-basket and tickets to the Spy Museum.

This is our ninth year of joining other EU embassies and a chance for each country to celebrate what makes it unique, but also our common bonds, and the bonds we share with the United States.

SPANISH EMBASSY OPEN HOUSE

​May 14, 2016    10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

2801 16th Street NW Washington, D.C.​​ 20009​

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/WASHINGTON/en/getinvolved/Paginas/Embassy-Open-House.aspx

Our cultural center, the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain, will open its doors on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a taste of the best Spain has to offer. With this event the Embassy is participating in the initiative “Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House”, organized by the Delegation of the EU to the US.

The open house will coincide with a special exhibition called “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism,” featuring the works of the most relevant contemporary illustrators in our country. Curated by journalist and cultural manager Mario Suarez, the exhibition aims to discover and recognize a generation of young artists who frequently contribute to national and international publications, galleries, museums and commercial firms.

Highlights

–          Live paella cooking class & free tasting

–          Spanish bagpipe performances

–          Children’s science workshop

–          Virtual reality headset demonstration with 360º views of Spain

–          “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism” exhibit featuring custom mural by Ricardo Cavolo

–          Spanish ham carving workshop

–          Olive oil and olive tasting

–          D.C. United​ soccer activities

–          Children’s arts and crafts & Cervantes cartoons

–          Face painting

Food & Drink

Wet your whistle with a sip of sangria, some Spanish wine, or a cold glass of Spanish beer. You can also indulge in a plate of succulent paella, croquetas, or Spanish omelette. Thanks to our participating restaurants and food providers, you won’t go hungry!

–          ​Barcelona Wine Bar​, La Taberna del Alabardero, Estadio​, La Tasca, Mahou Cerveza, Chef Feliciano, Ines Rosales, Ethnica Foods, Fermin Ibérico, Indi & Co and Acorsa​​.

Embassy Offices Represented

Political Section

​Meet Embassy diplomats and staff and learn about Spain’s strong bilateral relations with the United States.

Culture Office

Visit the stunning exhibition on Spanish Illustrators and find out about cultural events throughout the year.

Economic & Commercial Office

Discover how to do business in Spain, how to work with Spanish companies in the U.S. and the important trade relationship between our two countries.

Education Office

Learn about educational opporunities in Spain, including opporunities to teach English, professional development for Spanish teachers in the U.S. and much more.

Defense Attaché Office

Learn about the strong bilateral defense relationship between the Spain and the U.S.

Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation

​Meet Spanish scientists and members of ECUSA and learn about the exciting research they are doing both in Spain and the United States.

Calvary Women’s Services 15^th Annual Hope Awards Dinner

When: May 18, 2016 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Where: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20004

Cost: $250.00

Calvary Women’s Services will host the 15^th Annual Hope Awards Dinner on May 18 in celebration of women who are overcoming homelessness and changing their lives. Join Calvary for an uplifting event that includes a cocktail reception, silent and live auction, dinner and inspirational stories shared by women who are impacted by Calvary’s programs. 

This year we are delighted to present the Hope Award to Erica May-Scherzer for her active engagement in nonprofit issues and causes including women’s empowerment, education and at-risk youth.

Proceeds from the Hope Awards Dinner will support Calvary’s housing, health, education and employment programs for women who are homeless.  

Tickets at gourmetsymphony.org/events

Jefferson Awards Foundation’s 44th Annual National Ceremony
Thursday, June 16th, 2016

WHO: Arne Duncan (former United States Secretary of Education), Sean Parker (founder, Napster), Sophia Sanchez-Maes, Kyle Zimmer (President and CEO, First Book) and many more to come…

WHAT:
The Jefferson Awards Foundation,the country’s longest standing and most prestigious organization dedicated to activating and celebrating public service, will host its annual National Ceremony at Mandarin Oriental’s Grand Ballroom to honor the most outstanding achievements in public service. The Jefferson Awards programs train and empower individuals and youth to serve and lead in their communities, amplifying their impact through our vast network of media partners, mentors and volunteers.

This year’s national honorees are: Arne Duncan, Sean Parker, Kyle Zimmer and Sophia Sanchez-Maes

WHEN: Thursday, June 16, 2016
Time: 6-9pm

WHERE: Mandarin Oriental
Grand Ballroom
1330 Maryland Ave, SW

Ticket Pricing: Starts at $500

Website: http://www.jeffersonawards.org/
Link to Buy Ticket: https://app.mobilecause.com/f/rzz/n

The National Museum of American History & BrightestYoungThings.com
Present
WE THE PARTY PEOPLE
A Smithsonian After Hours!

Tonight we’re going to party like it’s 1899.
Back then, affiliation with a political party included actual parties. The National Museum of American History & BYT are joining forces to try to bring back these vibes with an exclusive tourist-free all-access party-time takeover of the greatest museum in the world.

~~FEATURING~~

DJ Biz Markie!

& more TBA!

~~~

Cash bars everywhere serving

Heineken – the fist import beer in America since prohibition!
+ cocktails

~~~

Tons of special objects out of storage
like real US currency with a (GASP) actual woman on it! #MarthaWashington
+ Smithsonian history nerds around every corner to get yer infotainment on!

+PLUS+

TED-Style lightning talks from:
Jon Grinspan, curator and author of The Virgin Vote (check it out here)
Steven Olikara, president of Millennial Action Project
Jessica Dahl, director of Impact Partnerships @ Brigade
+ Ailsa von Dobeneck cooking demo:
The Plate of the Union: Curious Favorites of Presidents Past
& more TBA!

Food Vendors TBA Soon!

++BONUS++

The epic outdoor #UnitedOutside terrace brought to you by REI
OM Digital photobooth and Instagram printer!
Face painter / Caricature artist / Roaming performers
Scavenger Hunt with prizes!
Gift shops open!
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER Y’ALL!
+ endless Instagram opportunities with Prince’s guitar!

~~~

Croosh Deets
June 18th, 7:00pm-11:00pm
The National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave NW
Federal Triangle / Smithsonian / Archives

#WeThePartyPeople

Limited qty early bird $20 tickets on sale now!
Price goes up to $25 soon!
Price goes up to $30 day of – but we’ll probably sell out before then!
This is a 21+ event

As always, there is no dress code, but we recommend:
red / white / blue
elephants / donkeys / hillary / bernie / trump / etc
yankee / doodle / dandee
Prince and the American Revolution / The Brian Jamestown Massacre
Chris Columbus (the director) / Lois & Clark / Kristen Whig Party
War On Christmas / War On Drugs / War On 1812
TEAM CAP

Atout France and its partner La Nuit du Champagne are pleased to invite you to the official launch of La Nuit du Champagne

Please join us for an exclusive VIP evening on:

Tuesday June 28^th, 2016

6 PM – 10 PM

SOFITEL WASHINGTON, DC

LAFAYETTE SQUARE

http://www.nuitduchampagne.com/

(Valet Parking available)