Dc Public Library Foundation Fall Into Books
2025-09-26 18:30 - 21:30 UTC | MLK Auditorium, 901 G St NW, Washington, DC, 20001
September 26, 2025 6:30pm to 9:30pm (awards from 7:45pm to 8:15pm)
On this special evening, honor the legacy and future of the DC Public Library Renaissance — and raise critical support to power the next chapter of community impact.
Honoring Mayor Anthony A. Williams
DCPL will present the Power the Dream: Transformer Award to the Honorable Anthony A. Williams, the visionary leader and architect of DC’s civic renaissance — and a champion of public libraries as hubs for opportunity and equity.
Honoring Mr. Kojo Nnamdi
DCPL will present the Power the Dream: Igniting the Community Award to Mr. Kojo Nnamdi, award winning radio and television personality, who has been an advocate of DC Public Libraries and free and accurate access to information for all.
Honoring Mr. Clint Smith
DCPL will present the Power the Dream: Spotlight Award to Mr. Clint Smith, award winning Author and Poet.
Launching Our First Children’s Book
Be part of a heartwarming moment as DCPL debut its first-ever children’s book, Adventures with Bon, inspired by former DCPLF Chair Bonnie Cohen. Enjoy a special live read-aloud that celebrates imagination, service, and library love.
Celebrating the Freedom to Read
DC’s freedom to read is not guaranteed. In tribute to our annual Battle of the Banned series, DCPL will unveil four new Banned Book Art Displays created by our All-Star DC Librarians — a powerful reminder of the stories worth protecting.

Newsbash for Breast Cancer
2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20001
NewsBash, the annual event founded by Washington’s top female news anchors across every network, announces their 2025 event will take place on Tuesday, October 21, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Washington, DC.
This year’s event will benefit Breast Care for Washington (BCW). Based in Ward 8, BCW is committed to reducing breast cancer mortality by providing access to high-quality screening, diagnostic services, and care to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. The organization plays a critical role in serving communities with healthcare service gaps, and is the only independent, non-profit breast imaging center facility east of the Anacostia River offering 3D mammography. This will be the third time NewsBash has partnered with BCW.
“We are honored that this incredible anchor group has chosen to turn their collective spotlight back to Breast Care for Washington,” said BCW CEO Mary Wetherall, RN. “This donation specifically funds their Patient Navigation and Access to Care programs, which help remove financial and logistical barriers that can delay or prevent diagnosis and treatment, which is a crucial link for this city, especially now.”
BCW’s Patient Navigation and Access to Care programs provide transportation assistance, appointment coordination, translation support and access to financial resources. The goal is to ensure that no patient has to choose between receiving medical care and meeting basic needs, and that every woman receives timely, uninterrupted access to lifesaving breast health services.
As part of their ongoing innovation, BCW also recently introduced iSonoHealth ATUSA whole breast ultrasound as a new, radiation free, painless and cost-effective screening option for women outside traditional screening guidelines. Black women and women under 40 have the highest rates of new breast cancers, and early detection through tools like ATUSA can drastically improve survival rates.
Founded in 2009, NewsBash has built a community of dozens of news anchors across competing stations, along with survivors, supporters, politicos, and friends. Each year, hundreds join together for an unforgettable evening dedicated to raising funds and awareness for local breast cancer charities. To date, over $480,000 has been donated to eight charities through NewsBash events. The event is chaired by Laura Evans Manatos (CEO, Laura Evans Media and former Fox 5), Lesli Foster (WUSA9), Angie Goff (Fox5DC) Alison Starling (fmr WJLA), Andrea Roane (fmr WUSA9), Shawn Yancy (NBC Washington) and Eun Yang (NBC Washington).
This is the first year the event will stage on the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill rooftop. Opened in late 2023, Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill is a 274-room luxury hotel that boasts some of the largest rooms and best views in the city.
“Getting Washington women access to preventative care and treatment is why we do this. Breast Care for Washington is an outstanding partner for our local community, which makes them a perfect partner for us,” said Anchor Chair Committee member Laura Evans Manatos.
Event tickets and sponsorships are available now at dcnewsbash.org. Tickets begin at $150, with special rates for breast cancer survivors. A limited number of $300 Mammogram Maven tickets, which include a goodie bag worth over $600, are also available.

Chefs For Equality 2025
2025-10-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Various
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announces the return of Chefs for Equality (CFE), a culinary event supporting LGBTQ+ rights and equality. This year’s edition—Everything Everywhere All at Once—takes place Monday, October 27, 2025.
Chefs for Equality 2025 is reimagining its signature experience with a fresh, elevated format: five exclusive collaborative dinners hosted by some of the DMV’s most celebrated chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs. Each intimate event (welcoming 60–80 guests) will deliver bold flavors, powerful storytelling, and shared commitment to LGBTQ+ equality — all in unforgettable settings designed to spark conversation and connection. Each experience will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an extravagant cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course paired dinner and guest appearances.
“Chefs for Equality shines a spotlight on the strength and solidarity of the DMV’s vibrant restaurant scene,” says writer David Hagedorn, the gala’s creator and chair. “This new format is a powerful expression of the resilience and inventive spirit that celebrates culinary excellence while championing equality.”
Tickets are now available at chefsforequality.org for five exclusive, immersive dinner experiences:
CUT by Wolfgang Puck – Host Chef Wolfgang Puck in collaboration with Chefs Andrew Ho and Ligia Barros (CUT), Amy Brandwein (Centrolina), Harley Peet (Bas Rouge), and Bryan Voltaggio (Wye Oak Tavern)
Moon Rabbit – Host Chefs Kevin Tien and Susan Bae, in collaboration with Chefs Rob Rubba (Oyster Oyster), Ryan Ratino (Bresca, Jont) and Eli Collins (a.kitchen+bar), Satang Ruangsangwatana and Prapavadee Limvatana (Six Ways to Sunday), Seng Luangrath (Baan Mae), and Paolo Dungca (Kaya)
The Duck and the Peach – Host Chefs Katarina Petonito and Rochelle Cooper in collaboration with Chefs Johanna Hellrigl (Ama), Matt Adler (Caruso’s Grocery), Carlos Delgado (Causa), Jova Urriolla (Colada Shop), Mike Friedman and Robert Cain (Red Hen), Simon Lam (Tiger Fork), Ria Montes (Fish Shop Bar & Restaurant), and Kareem Queeman (Mr. Bake)
Acqua Bistecca – Host Chef Colin Clark in collaboration with Chefs Tatiana Mora and Miguel Guerra (MITA), Ruben Garcia (Casa Teresa), Tony Chittum (Iron Gate, Vermillion), Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss (Pascual) and Scott Drewno (Fried Rice Collective)
Perry’s – Host Chef Masako Morishita in collaboration with Audrey Angeles (Forst & Flourish) and David Guas (Neutral Ground)
For those unable to attend one of the five immersive dinner experiences, Chefs for Equality invites supporters to join the celebration through its extraordinary online auction from Monday, October 20th through 27th. From October 27th through November 2nd, participating restaurants and bars around the DMV will be participating in “Chefs for Equality Promotional Week,” offering exciting specials and donating a portion of those sales to the HRCF. For a full list of auction items and restaurants participating in “Chefs for Equality Promotional Week,” please visit chefsforequality.org.

DC Central Kitchen Capital Food Fight
2025-11-06 18:00 - 22:00 | The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024
DC Central Kitchen, with support from Presenting Sponsor Tyson Foods, is hosting its annual Capital Food Fight Thursday, November 6 at The Anthem. The event benefits DC Central Kitchen’s ongoing work to fight hunger and poverty through job training and job creation in our nation’s capital. Guests will enjoy a thrilling stage show featuring four rising stars of DC’s culinary scene, tastes from more than 70 restaurants and bars from across the region, and appearances from some of the biggest names in food.

What: Capital Food Fight 2025

When: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Doors open at 6pm; Battles begin at 6:30pm

Where: The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Tickets: Available online at capitalfoodfight.org
This is a 21+ event

Chef Spike Mendelsohn and Tommy McFly head a notable lineup of celebrity judges, including Chopped judge and Iron Chef competitor Amanda Freitag, Hawaiian cuisine innovator and James Beard Award winning chef & restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi, Top Chef All-Star Eric Adjepong, Mr. National Ryan Zimmerman, and television personality and New York Times cookbook bestseller Rocco DiSpirito. They will be judging offerings featuring secret ingredients created during thrilling head-to-head culinary battles on stage between 2025 RAMMY Rising Chef of the Year Surseh Sundas of Daru and Tapori, Chef Julie Cortes of Kayu (formerly at Michelin Bibb Gourmand recognized Kaliwa), Chef Matt Price, aka “Mr. Make It Happen” of Fraiche, and Fava Pot’s Owner and Chef Dina Daniel.

Main Event tickets, which include unlimited bites from more than 70 restaurants, open bar, and entertainment activations throughout the venue, are $350. A limited number of exclusive Front Row Experience tickets are available for $725, which include access to a stage-front lounge area featuring small bites and drinks from The Bazaar by José Andrés + Jaleo, Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants, Fish Shop helmed by 2023 CFF Champion Ria Montes, and more. Tickets are available online at capitalfoodfight.org.

Some of this year’s silent auction highlights include a jazz & dining trip for two to New Orleans, a golf trip to Monterey, California for two, a suite for 18 at Capital One Arena, Owners Tickets for a Washington Capitals game, courtside seats for a Washington Wizards game, dinner for six at home catered by Chef Fabio Trabocchi, dinner for two at The Inn at Little Washington, and a handful of amazing staycations. The silent auction will be open to the public starting on Thursday, October 23 for everyone who wants to support DC Central Kitchen, even those who can’t attend the event on November 6.

Special thanks to this year’s Presenting Sponsor Tyson Foods, as well as our Pantry Sponsor Wegmans, and Showcase Sponsors CoBank, Instacart, and Lineage Foundation for Good; Executive Chef sponsors ADM, Bloomberg Philanthropies, DoorDash, and Elevance Health; and Sous Chef sponsors AGNC, AARP Foundation, CareFirst, Clark Construction, Cuisine Solutions, Guest Services, Hilton, Nestle, PNC Bank and Singer. With additional thanks to Keany Produce & Gourmet, B&W, and Meat & Livestock Australia who are providing this year’s secret ingredients for the culinary battles. For a full list of this year’s sponsors, please visit capitalfoodfight.org/sponsors.

All proceeds from Capital Food Fight, including tickets, silent auction, and additional donations, support DC Central Kitchen’s essential programs, from providing culinary job training to previously unemployed adults to serving scratch-cooked school meals to delivering fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables to corner stores. For more information about DC Central Kitchen, visit dccentralkitchen.org.

Slices & Softserve to Benefit Capital Area Food bank
2025-11-09 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-10 05:00 - 21:00 | Dolcezza, 600 H Street NE, Washington, DC
On November 9–10 (5–9 PM) Dolcezza and The Little Grand will host a Slices & Soft Serve Party to raise funds for the Capital Area Food Bank.
Guests can grab a $16 ticket for a night of good food and good will — featuring:
A slice of The Little Grand’s signature sourdough pizza (Italian sausage & peppers or cheese)
A DOLCEZZA dulce de leche soft serve dipped in chocolate
All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank, with a fundraising goal of $2,000.

Where: Start at The Little Grand (807 7th St. NE) for your slice, then stroll to DOLCEZZA’s newest shop (600 H St. NE) for dessert — or reverse it, we won’t judge.
When: November 9 & 10 (5–9 PM),
Tickets: https://www.exploretock.com/thelittlegrand/event/576445

Four Seasons Wine & Dine
2025-11-13 18:00 - 22:00 | Four Seasons, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20007
It’s the return of Four Seasons DC Wine & Dine—back this fall for its fourth annual edition, November 13–14, 2025.
This two-night culinary celebration brings together celebrity chefs, acclaimed local talent, and world-class wines and spirits, all in support of cancer research at MedStar Health.
Event highlights include:
Thursday, November 13 – Culinary Showcase at Bourbon Steak DC (6–10 PM)
An immersive evening featuring chef action stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, and curated wine and spirit tastings. Guests will mingle with an all-star lineup of culinary icons, including:

David Burke – James Beard Award-nominated chef known for inventive American cuisine

Antonia Lofaso – Acclaimed restaurateur and Top Chef alum

Michael Mina – Award-winning celebrity chef and event host

Quentin Welch – Executive Chef of Bourbon Steak DC

Plus, some of DC’s most celebrated local chefs cooking alongside the headliners! More details to come.

Friday, November 14 – Fine Wine & Celebrity Chef Dinner
The celebration continues with a four-course seated dinner from celebrity chefs with wine pairings curated by Company Fine Wine, featuring Bella Oaks, Laurent-Perrier, Lost Mountain Vineyards, Rudd Estate, and more, followed by a dessert and spirits lounge with Rare Character Whiskey, The Macallan, and IWA Sake of Japan.
Proceeds from Wine & Dine benefit MedStar Health’s cancer research initiatives, supporting clinical trials, innovative therapies, and essential survivorship services for patients and families across the region.
Tickets are now available online.

Four Seasons Wine & Dine
2025-11-14 18:00 - 22:00 | Four Seasons, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20007
It’s the return of Four Seasons DC Wine & Dine—back this fall for its fourth annual edition, November 13–14, 2025.
This two-night culinary celebration brings together celebrity chefs, acclaimed local talent, and world-class wines and spirits, all in support of cancer research at MedStar Health.
Event highlights include:
Friday, November 14 – Fine Wine & Celebrity Chef Dinner
The celebration continues with a four-course seated dinner from celebrity chefs with wine pairings curated by Company Fine Wine, featuring Bella Oaks, Laurent-Perrier, Lost Mountain Vineyards, Rudd Estate, and more, followed by a dessert and spirits lounge with Rare Character Whiskey, The Macallan, and IWA Sake of Japan.
Proceeds from Wine & Dine benefit MedStar Health’s cancer research initiatives, supporting clinical trials, innovative therapies, and essential survivorship services for patients and families across the region.
Tickets are now available online.
