In This Issue

🎃 Haunted buses, embassy trick-or-treating & candle making
🧠 Learn to fight procrastination or fix your knitting mistakes
🌽 SNAP benefits halted soon (and one way to help)
🎈 PorchFests, pup walks, and espresso-tini dance parties

Things I'm Talking About

🌽 SNAP benefits are stopped starting in a few days thanks to the government shut down. 1.6 million people in the DC area receive SNAP assistance for food.

🙏 I'm raising money for Capital Area Food Bank in what I'm calling Not Hungry in DC to help support the services that are already stretched thin due to the shutdown, and hope you will join me in joining. I already used up the $1,000 matching funds that I pledged, and would welcome anyone else who is open to providing matching funds for donations during this tough time.

🌭 The Czech Christmas Market is next weekend, and I have been dreaming about the sausage they have there for the past year. If you go, definitely get the sausage.

💧 DC AG is touting a deal they made with a developer who illegally drained DC wetlands to pay $200k in restitution, but I fail to see how it's actually a win. What is the long term impact? Have any of the damaged wetlands been restored? Are there plans to restore them and if not, why not? Despite the press releases all over social media, they haven't responded to any questions I've seen about it.

🍬 Some embassies in DC will be open for trick or treating.

👻 Instead of a haunted house, how about a haunted bus? Today MTPD is hosting its Spooky Bus at Rhode Island Ave.

🚌 Speaking of buses, there's a study being done on the Columbia Heights crosstown buses about roadway design concepts for bus operations and safety improvements. You can attend a meeting and give your thoughts.

🚗 If you're going out this weekend for Halloween, you can get a $15 Lyft credit through SoberRide for Friday or Saturday night. These are released 3 PM on Friday, and they get claimed quickly, so check the website at 3.

⚠️ Check all events to make sure they're still happening with the shutdown! I compile these ahead of time, and some may no longer be happening.

Valerie

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

Last week, I asked: Has your job been affected by the government shutdown? You responded:

• No (I'm not government or contractor) (50.9%)
• Yes (40.4%)
• No (even though I'm government or contractor) (8.8%)

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: La Bonne Vache

"LBV, the roti de boeuf or the French onion burger! Also must get a side of cheese fries. Start with the Parfait de Fois" Matt

Locations: 3265 Prospect 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.

✨ Premium subscribers: Events calendar is here!

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Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• Museum parties & happy hours
• Art lover's Itinerary
• Hidden gem theaters
• Where to see fall foliage
• Volunteer opportunities
• Best Christmas markets

• 🌐 Get your witchy on at this Halloween celebration with spell casting, tarot readings, astrology sessions, and craft-making at Dew Drop Inn. Perfect for anyone curious about the mystical side of Halloween! Wednesday 10/29. Free.
• 🎈 This three-night haunted house experience has costumed characters who will give you the scares at Barry Farm Recreation Center. Wednesday 10/29. Free.
• 🕺 Experience the longest-running jazz gig in DC at Jazz Night at Moonlight, a historic spot with live music every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 8pm until late. Wednesday 10/29 - Sunday 5/17/2026. Free.

• 🖌️ Spend an hour creating fall-themed watercolor art with all materials provided at the cozy Petworth Neighborhood Library. Weeknight Watercolor Fall Edition is perfect for adults and seniors looking to relax, chat, and enjoy some refreshments. Thursday 10/30. Free.
• 🐾 Let your furry friend show off their Halloween costume at the Doggie Dress-Up Gala happening outdoors at Takoma Community Center. Thursday 10/30. Free.
• 🛍️ Brighten up your garden with a visit to the Bulb Sale Pop-Up happening at two cool spots in NE D.C. This is a great chance to grab flower bulbs and support FONA’s work this fall. Thursday 10/30 and Sunday 11/2. Free.
• 🖌️ Make your own color-changing witches cauldron candle in a real mini cast iron pot you get to keep - customize it with herbs, flowers, or even a tiny broom! Pick from spooky scents like Dragons Blood and Petrichor or go with something more your speed. Thursday 10/30. $65.
• 🖌️ Make your own gratitude box from letterpress paper and fill it with small cards for daily reflection throughout November. You'll learn to transform beautiful autumn-themed sheets into a functional keepsake that makes gratitude practice feel special. Thursday 10/30. $20.
• 📖 Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon are talking about why cars are ruining everything and what life could look like without being stuck in traffic all the time. The hosts of The War on Cars podcast will share stories from their new book about building better, more equitable transportation. Thursday 10/30. $25.
• 🤓 Test your horror movie smarts at Horror Movie Trivia at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Crystal City where you can team up with friends or play solo in a fun, spooky quiz night. Thursday 10/30. Free.
• 🖌️ Get into the Halloween spirit by making spooky French macarons at the Spooky Halloween French Macaron workshop in DC! Thursday 10/30. $69.*
• 📜 Explore the spooky side of DC with the Halloween History Tour in Lafayette Square & White House Neighborhood where stories of spies, ghost tales, and secret symbols come alive. Thursday 10/30. $22.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Skip the typical "what do you do" small talk at this Gen Z happy hour that's all about real conversations and authentic connections. Think hangout energy with good drinks at Salazar, not your usual networking hustle. Thursday 10/30. Free.

• 🎭 Spend Halloween watching 14 classic episodes of The Twilight Zone Marathon at Chevy Chase Library from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Friday 10/31. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Dress up and show off your skills at the Sandwich Guy Costume Contest with fun prizes for best sandwich throw, fastest runner, and coolest costume. Tuesday 10/31. Free.
• 🕺 Catch Jon Batiste live at The Big Money Tour with special guests Andra Day and Diana Silvers at The Anthem where his mix of piano, blues, and genre-bending sounds make for a night that’s anything but ordinary. Friday 10/31. $73+.*
• 🎭 Time warp your way to the ultimate Halloween experience with The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Lincoln Theatre featuring Tim Curry's iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter and all the wild characters you love. Thursday 10/31. $45+.*
• 🍾 Boos on the Block gets you one ticket all-access for three nightclubs, featuring $5-$8 drink specials, DJs, costume contests, and entertainment all night. Friday, 10/31. $13.
• 🍾 Dress up and hang out with fellow anime fans at the DMV Anime Club Halloween Party where costumes are a must and the fun never stops. Tuesday 10/31. $25.
• 🍾 Step into the haunted party zone at Dupont Circle's Halloween Block Party, featuring three DC nightclubs, spooky fun, wicked drink specials, multiple DJs, and a thrilling costume contest with prizes. Friday 10/31. $15.*
• 🐾 Take your pup out for some fun with the Halloween Pup Walk in Georgetown where dogs and their people show off costumes, explore local shops, and enjoy treats along the route. No cost to join and all ages and pups are welcome! Friday 10/31. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Say goodbye to Pixie at her retirement party with Halloween treats and tarot card readings at Miss Pixies DC. Celebrate a local legend on her last day at the shop! Thursday 10/31. Free.
• 🎭 Experience the fierce energy of Lizzie The Musical at Keegan Theatre, where punk rock meets a gripping retelling of the Lizzie Borden story with an all-female cast and a killer soundtrack. Friday 10/31. $65.

• 🎈 Experience Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest with over 100 bands playing on 25+ stages across the neighborhood, plus food and drink specials at local spots. Saturday 11/1. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Celebrate beagles and bagels with author Melanie D.G. Kaplan at Beagle Bagel Borkfast while enjoying breakfast and a fun community moment. Saturday 11/1. $10.
• 🎈 Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a Free Espresso-Tini Open Bar at Diosa DC where you can enjoy free espresso martinis from 10 to 11 PM and dance to tunes by @myrymdc in a cool underground spot. Tuesday 11/1. Free.
• 🌐 Celebrate heritage and community with live music from The Kim Michelle Experience and J. Paul from The Voice, line dancing, crafts, and a classic car showcase at the Maryland Emancipation Day Celebration. Saturday 11/1. Free.
• 🎭 Watch a screening of Bird Walk with Cintia Cabib to see how a community saved a former golf course and turned it into a haven for over 160 bird species. Saturday 11/1. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Spend your Saturday morning exploring stories and meeting fellow book lovers at Book It Around™, a relaxed walk and chat through Jones Point Park. Saturday 11/1. Free.
• 🎈 Have fun at the Crispus Fall Festival with live music, seasonal food and drinks, and a neighborhood clothing sale. Saturday 11/1. Free or $25 donation.
• 🖌️ Make your own elegant Keishi pearl bracelet or necklace by learning classic hand-knotting techniques in a friendly, hands-on workshop. Saturday 11/1. $53.
• 🎭 Enjoy a night of food, drinks, and live performances at the Stilettos Dinner Theater Grand Opening Weekend in Capitol Heights. Saturday 11/1. $60.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make three different pies from scratch with award-winning pastry chef Padua "Sugachef" Player before the holidays. You'll master flaky crusts and perfect fillings in one fun afternoon. Saturday 11/1. $89.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bring your extra plants and leave with new green friends at this monthly DC Plant Swap at Atlas Bridge District. The new location has a big outdoor patio, parking, and Andy's Pizza if you work up an appetite trading plants. Sunday 11/2. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Spend your Sunday afternoon at the AIRPLANE MODE gathering at Washington National Cathedral where you can create art, share thoughts on meaning and purpose, and connect with others in a relaxed outdoor setting. Sunday 11/2. Free.
• 🖌️ Spend your Sunday afternoon making art that speaks to justice and community at this free DC Crafternoon at Merry Pin where everyone’s welcome to create together. Sunday 11/2. Free.
• 🧠 Learn how to create a flawless everyday makeup look that lasts all day with a pro artist in this fun, hands-on Everyday Makeup Routine Makeup Tutorial Class while enjoying fall treats and BYOB. Sunday 11/2. $49.
• 🍲 Mini Veg-Fest at LivingWell is your chance to sample holiday roasts, plant-based meat substitutes, and seasonal soups before the holidays hit. Perfect if you're curious about plant-based options or just want to try something new. Sunday 11/2. Free.
• 🧠 Ever wonder why procrastination feels so familiar and frustrating? Check out this Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator discussion where you can explore what really holds you back and swap ideas on beating the last-minute rush. Sunday 11/2. Free.
• 🖌️ Feeling creative? Stop by the Art À La Cart at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and make art inspired by Da Vinci and Kahlo using supplies from the art cart. Sunday 11/2. Free.
• 🍲 Learn how to brew a great cup of coffee with Apiary Coffee's expert Nathan Frost and take home your own dripper plus a bag of beans at this hands-on tasting and brewing class. Sunday 11/2. $20.
• 🍾 Step into a night of intrigue with the Murder Mystery Dinner Party with the Girlies at Valletta Port where you get a character, a mask, and a chance to solve the crime while enjoying a tasty meal. Sunday 11/2. $48.
• 🧠 Feeling stuck when knitting goes off track? This Troubleshooting Basics for Knitting class helps you fix common mistakes so you can keep your project moving without stress. Sunday 11/2. $40.

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

• XXI Fuego Flamenco Festival
• Taco Bell DC 50K
• Flamenco Dinner
• 1920s vineyard party
• Pumpkin Toss
• Boozy Book Fair

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Tartare, but make it art.

On Sunday, November 16, Not Bored in DC and Ugly Duckling invite you to a culinary experience made for food lovers who crave something bold, unexpected, and beautifully prepared.

Welcome to A Rare Taste where you’ll explore four unique tartare tastings, each one expertly paired with a drink that brings the whole flavor story to life.

Expect ultra-fresh meat and seafood, from silky and delicate to rich and savory. Each tartare comes with a thoughtful pairing (wine, cocktail, or mocktail) that enhances and surprises in every sip.

You’ll be welcomed with sparkling wine and invited to explore inventive takes on raw classics, plus a few reimagined bar bites that prove why Ugly Duckling is one of Shaw’s most buzzworthy spots.

Join us. Come hungry. Leave inspired.

👉 Save your spot now

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.