IN THIS ISSUE:

🐦 Peak bird migration: lights out to help birds
👑 Miss Adams Morgan Pageant interview & events
🍲 Taste of Bethesda, Oysterfest, wine tastings, cooking classes
🎈 Night markets, music festivals, block parties, and more festivals
🐾 Wiener 500, DogFest DC, Dachtoberfest pup fun

Things I'm Talking About

🚫 The federal government is shut down until further notice. Feds and contractors are furloughed. If you're affected, I'm sorry. What a mess.

🐦 It's peak bird migration over DC. Shut off your lights at night to help the birds migrate safely, and take steps to prevent bird window collisions.

👑 Metro Weekly has an interview with the founders of Miss Adams Morgan Pageant, DC's largest drag pageant, in its latest issue. On the website, go to the magazine issue, it's on page 26. Worth a read.

💃 Related, this is the first year that MAMP is doing publicity, and I believe the first time they are making tickets available through direct purchase instead of a DCSC member. The pageant is this Saturday.

🚌 If you were jealous of me going to the WMATA bus roadeo, I have good news: Alexandria's bus roadeo is October 19th and open to the public. You can even volunteer as a judge.

💸 I'm getting more and more heated about my electricity bills going up because of data centers getting sweetheart power deals. If anyone knows of orgs working to protect household consumers, I would love to know.

🪧 I am not the best source for news about the DC occupation. If you're looking for up to date ways to get involved, Organize DC is probably the best source of events.

Valerie

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Give your opinion, and check back next week for the results.

Last week, I asked: What's your favorite thing about fall? You responded:

• Being on my phone too much (40.7%)
• Being too sedentary (24.1%)
• Not maintaining or building relationships as much as I should (18.5%)
• Spending too frivolously(16.7%)

Get your fall wardrobe glow-up this weekend, with everything restocked!

The Rent the Runway DC Market is back now through October 5, bringing designer styles up to 85% off—from Ulla Johnson to Reformation and everything in between. Stop by 1140 Connecticut Ave NW to shop pre-loved pieces that turn heads and save dollars.

✨ Want an extra 10% off? Just show this flyer at checkout and unlock even more style for less. Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 7 pm.

​
​👉 Get directions and plan your spree »​

Tried & True features your favorite go-to restaurants that have been around for a while and serve you consistently good food.

This Week's Feature: Regents Thai Food

"Regent Thai food in admo. The food is delicious, it’s just south of all the admo activities so it’s a great sit down before a night out, and it’s criminally empty to when you go the service amazing because they are so happy you’re there. Also super forward with allergies when we took a severally allergic friend. I actually can’t say enough good things about them" Zach

Locations: 1910 18th Street NW
​Website​

😋 What is your favorite tried and true restaurant?

Where do you find yourself going back time and time again? Reply and let me know to be featured and share the love for a local DC restaurant.

Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• ​Museum parties & happy hours​
• ​DC-area BARK Ranger programs​
• ​Art lover's Itinerary​
• ​Hidden gem theaters​

✨ Premium subscribers: Access the full list of 250+ events here.

• 🎈 Get ready for the Mid-Autumn Night Market at Union Market rooftop, a celebration with cultural performances, local artisans, guest restaurants, and fun under the moon. Wednesday 10/01 & Thursday 10/02. $8.
• 🧑‍🍳 Experience the flavors of Chile in a cooking class led by Chef Gustavo, where you can learn a 4-course meal and the secrets of Chilean cuisine! Wednesday 10/1-10/31. $131.
• 🧑‍🍳 Join Chef Gustavo for an intimate Argentine-Italian fusion cooking class where you’ll prepare and enjoy a 3-course meal that blends two rich culinary traditions. Wednesday 10/1-31. $160.
• 🎈 Head to this pumpkin festival where you can pick your own pumpkins and apples, get lost in a corn maze, pet farm animals, and bounce around on jump pads. It's got all the classic fall fun in one spot. Wednesday 10/1 - 11/2. $4+.

• 🖼️ Postal pARTy at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum invites you to dress as your favorite work of art and explore exhibits, hands-on activities, and a cash bar in a creative night celebrating the art of postage. Thursday 10/2. Free; registration suggested.
• 🕺 Celebrate Palestinian art and resilience at Culture DC with a special concert featuring DJ Basbousa and acclaimed singer-songwriter Lina Makoul, blending contemporary and traditional sounds. All proceeds benefit Anera’s humanitarian work in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. Thursday 10/2. $35.
• 📖 Join this inspiring talk by the ultimate celebratory bakes with Paul Hollywood, the baking extraordinaire from "The Great British Baking Show." Thursday 10/2. $35.
• 🎈 The Annapolis Powerboat Show is back and bigger than ever with over 400 boats to explore, plus you can actually climb aboard a Navy training vessel and test drive electric watercraft. Thursday-Sunday 10/2-10/5. $32 general admission.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make authentic Mexican tamales from scratch in this hands-on cooking class at La Cosecha, plus stick around for salsa dancing afterward! Perfect for kitchen newbies and pros alike. Thursday 10/2. $60.
• 🖌️ Get creative at the Trade Roots: An Autumn Garland Workshop where you'll craft your own everlasting autumn garland with paper leaves in the colors of your choice. Thursday 10/2. $71.21.
• 🖌️ Create your own fall or Halloween house decor with all the supplies you need - paint, glitter, ribbon, and more - while hanging out with other crafters. You'll pick your wooden decor kit and make something totally unique for your space. Thursday 10/2. $16-$40.
• 🍲 Practice your German while hoisting steins at this Oktoberfest happy hour and stein competition - perfect excuse to meet new people and test your arm strength! Thursday 10/2. Free.
• 🖌️ Get crafty at the Spooky Cozy Season Clay Earrings workshop with Abloom Earrings at Heurich House Museum. Thursday, 10/02. $45.

• 🕺 Lionel Plopkin's Reorient the Orient dance performance is a mix of dance, art, and social commentary that lets you choose your own adventure. Explore backstage areas and discover dancers, videos, sculptures, and unexpected surprises. Friday 10/3. Free.
• 🕺 One more time! Daft Disko brings French house + disco to Flash Rooftop. Dance to Daft Punk, Stardust, Justice, Breakbot & more. Friday 10/3. $24.
• 🍾 The DC Detour is here. Join the Ditch Day Crew for a full day of music, drinks, and nonstop energy at Hook Hall. Friday 10/3. $45+
• 🍾 Groove in the treehouse is an international dance party with local DJs that starts at 9pm (bar opens at 8pm if you want to get there early). It's at 4722 14th Street NW and goes until midnight. Friday 10/3. Price not stated.
• 🕺 Square dancing under twinkle lights in a secret Crystal City courtyard with a live string band, campfire, and caller to teach you every move - no partner or experience needed! Friday 10/3. $15.
• 🎭 Three Friday nights of free outdoor movie screenings at the University of DC Amphitheater featuring Halloween classics like Beetlejuice, ET, and The Addams Family. Perfect for families who want to get in the spooky spirit without the nightmares! Fridays 10/3, 10/10, 10/24. Free.
• 🤓 Gayme Night at Spark Social House is your chance to play Mario Kart, Jackbox, and board games while meeting new people in a super welcoming queer space. They'll give you a nametag at the door so you can easily jump into games with friendly faces! Thursday 10/3. Price not stated.
• 🎭 Pack your car with snacks and friends for a drive-in movie night at Union Market showing the classic whodunit "Clue" - plus you can grab dinner from all the amazing food vendors before the show. Friday 10/3. $20 per car.
• 🕺 CLOCKED Comedy is throwing their final show with an amazing lineup of LGBTQ+ comedians including headliner Jamie Mack. After a year of unapologetic queer joy and laughs, this is your last chance to catch this beloved monthly show. Friday 10/3. $19.
• 🧠 Level up your tech skills and join 800+ developers at DevFest DC 2025, the DMV's largest developer conference on Friday, 10/3. $87 early bird.

• 🍲 Taste of Bethesda is back on October 4th! Enjoy a food lover's paradise with diverse dishes from local restaurants and live entertainment in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle. Saturday 10/4. Free entry.
• 🕺 Join the celebration of DC’s musical legacy and culture at the Home Rule Festival, a second time this year at Alethia Tanner Park. Saturday 10/4. Free admission.
• 🏞️ Bird Walk - Kingman + Heritage Islands is your chance to explore the hidden oasis of Kingman Island and discover the beauty of Fall migration with the DC Bird Alliance. Bring your binoculars for a fall migration spotting at this hidden green oasis in DC. Saturday 10/4. Free.
• 📖 Christian Cooper is coming to chat about his viral Central Park birdwatching story and the memoir and Emmy-winning show that followed. Saturday 10/4. $29.
• 🍲 From Grechetto to Sagrantino, explore the wines of Umbria with Sara Goretti in a guided tasting and class at Divino Ristorante Enoteca. Saturday 10/4. $25.
• ​Greater DC Yoga Fest returns to Capitol Riverfront with all-day outdoor yoga, Hikyoga classes, workshops, music, food & local vendors. Saturday 10/4. $68+*
• 🕺 Step back in time to the Prohibition era and join the Sips & Secrets: A Speakeasy Night at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden on Saturday 10/4. $98 includes jazz, cocktails, and flapper-style fun!
• 🖼️ Join artist Kat Thompson for a guided walkthrough of her exhibition, Soft Monuments Walkthrough, featuring the presence of colonial-era monuments in the Caribbean and their impact on post-colonial memory. Saturday 10/4. Free.
• 🍾 Taylor Swift Rave + New Album Listening Party! Dance, sing, and celebrate Life of a Showgirl with all the TSwift hits, themed cocktails, photo ops & more. Saturday 10/4. $22+
• 🍲 Vola’s Fall Oysterfest brings unlimited oysters, buffet bites, cocktails, beer, wine & live music to the Old Town waterfront. Sip on cocktails, enjoy live music, and show off your shucking skills for Best Shucker! Saturday 10/4. $144.
• 🐾 Get ready for the Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash for Charity at The Wharf where Dachshunds dash to victory. Saturday 10/4. $34 to enter, free to watch.
• 🐾 Celebrate 50 years of Canine Companions at DogFest DC! Bring your dogs, friends, and family for agility courses, costume contests, vendors, and more. Saturday 10/4. Free.*

• 🎈 Get ready for the Takoma Park Street Festival - over 200 vendors, 18 bands on 3 stages, and a whole lot of community fun on Carroll Ave. Sunday 10/5. Free.
• 🤸 There's something magical about gathering under the Harvest Moon for reflection and intention-setting - you'll learn moon ritual tools while connecting with others in a cozy circle. Perfect if you're looking to slow down and tune into the season's energy. Sunday 10/5. $39+.
• 🍲 Enjoy a four-course Hispanic Heritage Cocktail Dinner, each dish paired with an original cocktail designed to highlight the diversity of Hispanic spirits, featuring sotol, tequila, pisco, and Puerto Rican rum. Sunday 10/5. $72.
• 🖼️ Catch the Lucky Girl Market at Hook Hall for Y2K fashion and vintage finds. This indie sleaze party promises a day of eclectic treasures, food, and drinks. Sunday, 10/5. Free entry.
• 🕺 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of dance, music, and fun at the waterfront! Join renowned instructor Orlando Machuca, Jr. as he brings salsa and bachata to National Harbor. Sunday 10/5. Free.
• 🖌️ It's candle season! Learn Candle Crafting Basics with 51st Wick for a hands-on session where you'll make your own custom-scented candle to cozy up your space or gift to a friend. Sunday 10/5. $20.
• 🐾 Dachtoberfest Dash is back at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm in Gainesville, VA! Bring your pup for a fun day with races, prizes, and mimosas. Sunday 10/5. $15 per pup.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make gorgeous apple frangipane tarts with Tatte Bakery's executive chef and take your masterpiece home to show off. Wine, snacks, and all the confidence you need to recreate it later are included. Sunday 10/5. $93.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Lace up for the 2nd Matcha Run at The LINE DC! Enjoy a community 5K with Orange Peel Athletic Club, post-run yoga, cookies, matcha, rooftop social hour with Peared, a Glowbar mini facial + giveaways. Sunday 10/5. Free entry.
• 🍲 Get ready for a day of fresh-picked apples, delicious bites, wine, and lots of laughs at the 3rd Annual Apple + Wine Tour. Sunday 10/05. Free.

🤫 Psst! I couldn't fit everything in this issue. See 90 events happening this weekend and next week like:

• Chinatown night market
• Free DC community fair
• Singles events
• Halloween pyrex potluck
• Sculptural pumpkin carving
• Taste of NoVA festival
• Louis The Child Union Market block party

⚡ More events. More access. Zero FOMO.

Our premium subscribers get the full event list (250+!), weekly updates, and VIP access to exclusive Not Bored in DC events.

​👉 Upgrade to Premium here​

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!

* Items marked with an asterisks contain affiliate links (for which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you) or sponsored. Events are featured based on if I find them interesting and think others will too, regardless if they are affiliate or sponsored.