Events/Things To Do

 Compassion Over Killing (COK) is proud to present the DC VegFest on Sunday, August 11 in a brand new location: Nationals Park! The DC VegFest is a free fun-filled festival of food, music, education, and inspiration with more than 20,000 attendees who join the celebration each year.   

Featuring over 120 vendors and exhibitors, thousands of festival-goers – vegans and pre-vegans alike – will experience plant-based eating’s many flavors, and learn how each of us can protect the planet, our health, and animals simply by enjoying vegan meals. 

On the main stage, emceed by DC comedian Sean Savoy, celebrity speakers will share inspiring talks and expert chefs will dazzle the crowd with their culinary creations. 

This year’s DC VegFest keynote speakers include:

• Tracye McQuirter, author of By Any Greens Necessary
• Neil Barnard, author and founding president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
• Brenda Sanders, food activist and Executive Director of Afro-Vegan Society
• Plus, cooking demos from Joe Yonan of the Washington Post, and plant-based chef Bev Kumari

A new TryVeg Tasting Booth will be hosted by Jessica Carter, COK’s talented Vegan Food & Lifestyle Coach, seen often on DC morning shows. The Kid’s Zone includes a built in playground plus we’ll be featuring activities like face painting, and an interactive cartooning demonstration with Eric Lindstrom, COK’s Director of Marketing. 

The festival will also feature an exciting new VIP Lounge where wristband holders will receive a loaded commemorative tote bag, mingle with VegFest speakers and chefs, and enjoy exclusive food and product samples, including a selection from Vegan Treats.

Since 2009, DC VegFest has been bringing the community together for a day of compassionate celebration that everyone can enjoy. This year’s exciting new location at Nats Park means even more fun: built-in shade, indoor restrooms, an awesome kids playground, and misting fans to beat the summer heat. More information on this year’s new venue can be found at DCVegFest.com.

“As we embark on another year hosting the DC VegFest, expecting 25,000 to join us, Compassion Over Killing is thrilled that Washington, DC is home to an abundance of delicious and nutritious plant-based food and is setting a positive tone for a much-needed national dialogue about the far-reaching impact of our food choices on the planet, our health, and animals,” says Erica Meier, Executive Director of Compassion Over Killing. 

Vegan food will be served by dozens of vendors including Vegan Treats, Amsterdam Falafelshop, Brewing Good Coffee, Bakeshop DC, Ben & Jerry’s, and YogiDog.

Over 100 nonprofit and commercial exhibitors will set up shop for the day: Dr. Bronner’s, A Well-Fed World, Roots Market, Barnard Medical Center, TryVeg.com, and many more.

Drawing a line of 2,000 people before the start of the festival, free commemorative tote bags, stocked with gifts and samples from our sponsors, will be given out to the first 1,000 attendees. VegFest-goers will also be able to donate to receive exciting bonuses like a reserved tote bag or a chance to skip the line at the popular Vegan Treats booth. 

For more information, visit DCVegFest.com

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater kicks off the 2019/20 Season with a free Community Day and Props Sale on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mead Center (1101 Sixth Street, SW). The day will feature an Arena Stage Prop Sale with beautiful pieces from Arena Stage productions up for sale; performances from award nominated tap dancer Leo Manzari (Arena Stage’s Sophisticated Ladies, Tappin Thru Life and Hoizer’s music video for “Almost (Sweet Music)”); and a behind-the-scenes Q&A with our Arena Stage Production Team to discuss some of Arena’s most exciting productions!

Filled with activities for all ages, this full day of programming celebrates Arena Stage’s 2019/20 Season. Feel the rhythm of Southwest D.C. through dynamic, live music, face painting, storytelling, great food, pony rides and dance performances that reflect the sounds and themes of the upcoming Arena Stage season. Traditional and contemporary Cuban rhythms will be brought to life by the DC Cuban All-Stars; the jazz, blues and soul vocalist Akua Allrich will give audiences a feel for the music in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars; and the DC Casineros Dance Company will offer classes and performances that can make anyone a dancer. Community Day is FREE and open to the public. No reservations are required.

Other scheduled activities include live music from Americana band Justin Trawick and the Common Good; fantastic aerial performances from Wings Aerial Entertainment; music by trumpeter, singer and lyricist Jared “MK Zulu” Bailey; face painting; and great food from restaurants in Southwest D.C. including Masala Art and Station 4.

Arena Stage’s Props Sale beginning at 1 p.m., features select prop items from historic productions including Carousel, Anything Goes, South Pacific, Kleptocracy, Disgraced, Smart People, Mother Courage and Junk. Items range from $1-$900 and include full dining room table sets, lounge chairs, and specially-priced handmade prop and set pieces that will be perfect in any living or office space. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.

Beginning at 2 p.m. Arena’s Grape Stand will open. This wine and beer garden will offer guests 21 and over the opportunity to relax on Arena’s terrace with a glass of wine or a cold beer while playing a variety of lawn games.

For additional details about Community Day on August 24, visit arenastage.org/communityday.

Tickets are on sale now for the Friends of the National Zoo’s annual wine fest, and this year, the event boasts an impressive selection of bottles, all rated 90 points or above. Zoo Uncorked returns to the heart of Washington, D.C. and the beautiful setting of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Thursday, Sept. 12 from 6-9 p.m.

Professionals will pour wine ranging from a berry-rich Bordeaux, to an Italian chardonnay with notes of pineapple, to a honey-tinged pinot gris from a sustainable vineyard in Oregon.

“We’re so excited about Zoo Uncorked this year—the wine will be truly exceptional, so the tastings will be fun and delicious.  And it’s so great to be at the Zoo under the stars for this event, enjoying wine and supporting conservation work, here and around the globe,” said Lynn Mento, Executive Director at Friends of the National Zoo.

As attendees explore the Zoo grounds after hours, they’ll have the opportunity to see all sorts of incredible animals—and even meet an African penguin. Big Cats Circle will be open for the duration of the event, and from 6-8:30 p.m., attendees are welcome to explore the Think Tank, where they might catch a glimpse of young orangutan Redd.

Food trucks will sell award-winning crepes, gourmet popcorn and authentic handmade dumplings, while keyboardist and pianist Marcus Johnson will perform his contemporary jazz hits for crowds. The D.C. staple and NAACP-Image award winner will bring wines from his own collection, FLO Wine, for guests to sample.

VIP guests can look forward to delicious cuisine from local restaurants, a dessert bar and exclusive animal encounters at Conservation Pavilion. They also will receive a surprise complimentary animal-themed gift courtesy of TrueZoo.

Go to www.fonz.org/uncorked for more information or to buy tickets.

Ticket prices: 

GA: $55 | Non-member: $70

VIP: $99 | Non-member:  $115

Sober: $30 GA | $95 VIP

Bring the whole family—including pets!—to support Smithsonian conservation efforts all over the world at The Fast & the Fierce 5K, sponsored by Aegis Project Controls. Friends of the National Zoo will host its second annual race for wildlife at Freedom Plaza in downtown Washington, D.C., Saturday, Sept. 14.

Like the inaugural run, the event focuses on a Conservation Nation rhino project. This year, the race will raise funds for black rhinos in South Africa, where researchers hope to learn critical information about how the species’ diet impacts its immune system and ability to reproduce as its numbers dwindle in the wild.

Costumes are encouraged, but not required, and the 5K will be followed by a short afterparty featuring an award ceremony honoring winners in all categories, including top runners by age group, stand-out pups and stellar outfits.

“Run or walk, fundraise, wear a fun costume or just cheer on fellow conservationists from the sidelines—support wildlife conservation however you can. Your pet can even register for their own fundraising page,” said Lynn Mento, Executive Director of Friends of the National Zoo.

Though race day might be months away, conservationists don’t have to wait to make a difference for animals. Participants can create their own page now atwww.fonz.org/5k to fundraise for Conservation Nation, a Friends of the National Zoo initiative that supports global wildlife projects to save endangered animals.

In addition to creating their own pages, supporters can set goals and win prizes for reaching milestones. Those who can’t attend can still sign up for free as a virtual runner, fundraising and helping to save rhinos from the comfort of their own couch.

Registration closes at noon on Friday, Sept. 13. Fundraising proceeds will directly benefit rhinos and Conservation Nation projects across the globe, including those that focus on marine mammals in Peru, tapirs in Paraguay, Meadowlarks in North America and elephants in Myanmar.

Go to www.fonz.org/5k for more information or to register.

Safe Space NOVA to Host Inaugural Fundraiser Brunch Event

Who:               Safe Space NOVA

                        WUSA9’s Lorenzo Hall to serve as MC

What:              Inaugural Fundraiser Brunch Event

When:             Saturday, September 14, 2019

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where:           The Garden

5380 Eisenhower Avenue (Suite C)

Alexandria, VA 22304

Tickets:          $50 includes admission into the event and one drink ticket

                        Additional drinks can be purchased at the event

                        https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-space-nova-2019-brunch-fundraiser-tickets-67073006167

Safe Space NOVA, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization serving LGBT+ youth in the Northern Virginia area, will host its first ever Brunch Fundraiser on Saturday, September 14, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Garden, located at 5380 Eisenhower Avenue (Suite C) in Alexandria. WUSA9 reporter/anchor Lorenzo Hall will serve as MC for the event. The purpose for the brunch fundraiser is multifaceted. Safe Space NOVA wants to educate the community on the issues LGBT+ youth face, tell the story of why and how the organization exists, and ask for support to continue programming.

First, one of the most important goals of this event is to bring awareness to the intolerance the LGBT+ youth experience in this troubling socioeconomic and political climate. Did you know that 10% of students who identify as LGBT+ were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property? Or that 34% were bullied on school property? If you didn’t know that, you are not alone. Those stats come from the Center for Disease control in 2015 which surveys the state of physical and mental health of LGBT+ youth.

One approach to combat bullying and ridicule is to foster safe, accepting and supportive environment with other youth that are experiencing the same challenges along with adults who identify as LGBT. It is for that reason Safe Space NOVA was created. Founding Executive Director, Jordan L. Costen, realized that there was no place for LGBT+ youth who were feeling unloved and possibly rejected by society simply because of their gender identity or sexual orientation to feel safe. To that point he made a space for that to occur.

Safe Space NOVA was founded in 2016 with the goal of inviting LGBT+ youth across Northern Virginia to include the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County and Loudoun County, to participate in social activities that are inviting, fun and most of all safe. To date the organization has hosted numerous activities to include movie socials, laser tag, miniature golf and dances to name a few.

Fairmont Washington, D.C. Georgetown is adding a Paella Fest to its renowned Paella Night Wednesdays with some of DC’s most renowned and talented chefs to benefit Horton’s Kids.

On Wednesday, September 18^th from 5 pm to 7 pm, Fairmont’s Executive Chef Jordi Gallardo welcomes Chefs Cinthia Bonilla from Mola Restaurant and Carlos Gomez Segovia from Taberna del Alabardero to join him in preparing and serving their own version of Spanish Paella.

            Guests will love tasting delicioso varieties of Paella in the hotel’s courtyard:

Chef Cinthia Bonilla – Paella de Mariscos

Chef Jordi Gallardo – Mediterranean Paella, O Paella Mixta

Chef Carlos Gomez Segovia – Black Paella

While sipping sangria guests will be entertained in Spanish style with a live Flamenco guitarist.

Lush landscaping, cozy fire pits and ample seating creates the perfect venue for Chefs Gallardo, Bonilla and Segovia’s live paella stations.  Using their own recipes they will prepare and serve their own authentic Paella made authentic ingredients including shrimp, chicken, mussels and secret ingredients in their giant pans.

 An array of gazpacho, pan con tomate, anchego cheese, serrano ham, tortilla de patatas, olives, anchovies and flan de caramel will accompany the chefs Paella.

Specially priced glasses of red and white sangria will be available along with the regular happy hour cocktail menu.  Flamenco music will entertain guests in Spanish style. A percentage of the proceeds will go directly to Horton’s Kids   Horton’s Kids empowers children growing up in one of Washington, DC’s most under-resourced communities so that they graduate from high school ready for success in college, career, and life.  https://www.hortonskids.org/

Fairmont’s Paella Fest is $15 per person, reservations are available on Eventbrite at: https://fairmontwashingtonpaellafest.eventbrite.com

On September 23, 2019, Tzedek DC, a DC legal services organization will hold Eat Well, Do Justice: Celebrity Chef Knish Knockout!.  The event raises funds for Tzedek DC (“Sedek DC”), a non-profit organization headquartered at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law with the mission of safeguarding the rights of low-income DC residents facing often unjust debt collection lawsuits and other predatory consumer crises. www.tzedekdc.org

The event will be held at the University of the District of Columbia Student Center. Five acclaimed DC area chefs will create their own take on the knish, the traditional Jewish staple. Attendees will sample each creation and, along with a panel of judges, vote to determine the winner.

The five local Chefs who will be featured at the event are:

·      Cathy Barrow, Cookbook author and Washington Post Food columnist

·      Ian Boden, Chef, The Shack

·      Todd Gray, Chef-owner Equinox

·      Johanna Hellrigl, Partner, Fat Baby Restaurant Group, Executive Chef of Doi Moi

·      Keshaun Winston, Instructor at Cookology and former personal chef for President Obama

Guest Judges who will determine the celebrity chef winner (along with event attendees) are:

·      Renée McDonald Hutchins, Dean, UDC David A. Clarke School of Law

·      Dahlia Lithwick, Legal writer, Slate

·     The Hon. Jamie Raskin, U.S. House of Representatives

·      Ed Scarpone, 2018 Eat Well Do Justice! winner and Schlow Restaurant Executive

Bonnie Benwick, Former Deputy Food Editor for The Washington Post, will serve as the Honorary Chair of the event.  Co-chairs for the event are Courtney Weiner, June Kress, Laura Kumin, and Nina Simon.

“Tzedek DC’s focus is fundamentally on a civil rights issue, serving the communities where predatory abuses in lending and lawsuits have been most prevalent,” says Ariel Levinson-Waldman, Founding President and Director-Counsel for Tzedek DC. “This event is an entertaining way to raise funds for this important work, in which we are inspired by the ancient command from the Book of Deuteronomy: “Tzedek, Tzedek tirdof,” or “justice, justice you shall pursue.”

Pints with a Purpose benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association – Tuesday, September 24 @ 5pm to 8pm

Guests are invited to The Rooftop at The Graham Georgetown on Tuesday, September 24, for Pints with a Purpose. This month’s charity partner is theAlzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. 10% of all Rooftop sales throughout the evening will benefit the organization’s mission of eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, providing and enhancing care and support for all affected, and reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.