Making friends as an adult is hard, and a lot of you want more ways to make new friends.

I know that a common New Year's resolution is to put yourself out there more, so over the next couple months, I'm focusing more on things to do with groups that meet up regularly.

Going to regularly-scheduled events with similar groups of people is a great way to get to know people better and connect. I've found that the hardest part is hanging out regularly, so these events will help you do that over a shared interest. Lean into your existing hobbies, or explore a new one.

If you have any advice for how people can make friends, reply to this email and let me know.

If you'd like to submit an event, you can through this form.

Valerie

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Weekend

• Head on to this Irish pub for premium whiskey tastings as the pub's new manager shares his expertise on fine whiskeys with guests. Wednesday 11/20. $45.
• Listen to experts from Ford Theatre as they show 19th-century maps and photographs this coming Wednesday 11/20 for a Civil War Washington webinar. Free.
• Bring your rackets for a friendly game of tennis at Montgomery Park this Saturday 11/20. Free.
• Wine pros and newbies will enjoy using just their senses to identify the grape varieties at Verre's blind wine tasting event. Thursday 11/21. $15 per wine flight.
• Catch the holiday-themed happy hours at the rooftop bar from 7 to 9 PM and have fun with ICE! night from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" while you're there to relax. Thursday 11/21. Price varies.
• Destress, relax and unwind with a meditative coloring session and tea party at Teaism in Penn Quarter. Friday 11/22. Free.
• The DowntownDC Holiday Market (the one in Chinatown) is back, and it's the first year under new management. The churros will be back! Friday 11/22-12/23 (closed on Thanksgiving). Free.
• ​Learn about the streetcar lines that ran from the Treasury building downtown through Prince George's County through a walking tour of the missing segment. Saturday 11/23. Free.
• Walk through the history of DC's ties to enslavement in the 70s in this guided historical tour. Saturday 11/23. Free.
• Enjoy Scandinavian staples and crafts at the Finn Spark Christmas Bazaar, with delicious Finnish food. Saturday 11/23. Free.
• Help make the holiday season brighter for those in need by joining the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) in their Annual Thanksgiving basket giveaway. Saturday 11/23.
• Check out a self-love and gratitude-focused market right before the holidays, with lots of vintage and thrift vendors. Sunday 11/24. Free.
• ​Eat Dim Sum and gather with fellow food lovers this Sunday morning 11/24.
• If you're a Southwest DC resident, don't miss this chance to skate for free at The Wharf Ice Rink before its official opening on 11/27. Sunday 11/24. $19+ for nonresidents.
• Shop for handmade gifts at Eastern Market Pottery’s Fall Student Sale where 12 in-house potters will display their creations. Sunday 11/24. Free entry.
• This 4.5-mile hike at the trails of Turkey Run Park is a perfect pre-Thanksgiving workout for intermediate hikers, then hang with other hikers afterward for a bit of unwinding and relaxation. Sunday 11/24. Free.
• ​Bring a book and connect with fellow book lovers to share ideas, have a friendly discussion, or just make new friends. The focus is to have books as the starting point. Sunday 11/24. Free.
• ​Play Mah Jongg or stay for the lessons after the gameplay. Sunday 11/24. $20 donation for lessons.

Next Week

• Join us for a volunteer shift to help prepare groceries for homebound, food insecure people in DC for Thanksgiving. Monday 11/25. Free.
• Come to Friendsgiving next Tuesday 11/26 and connect with others over drinks, snacks, and giveaways. $35.
• ​Solve puzzles and win $100 if your team is fast enough. 11/26. $40.
• Not sure what to do for Thanksgiving? Edgewood Community Farm is hosting an Orphansgiving potluck. They provide the turkey, you bring whatever you fancy. Thursday 11/28. Free.
• ​The Season's Greenings holiday display is back with model trains, holiday decorations, and DC landmarks built using plants from Conservatory. Open from 11/28 to 1/5, except on 12/25.​
• The DC Holiday Hunt is a scavenger hunt throughout DC neighborhoods for the holidays. Win prizes as you explore & support local businesses. 11/29-1/5. Free.
• Support the next generation of female rock stars at the Camper Cover Show featuring Outerloop, Lud Roes, Ari Voxx, and Chyna. Saturday 11/30. $12.
• Start your day with coffee at Hypergoat, have lunch at Sundara, and then enjoy a walk through Old Town Alexandria along with other foodies for good company. Saturday 11/30. Free.
• Bring your dog to Dumbarton Oaks Park for a Rock Creek Park BARK Ranger swearing in ceremony. Saturday 11/30. Free.
• Take a historic trolley ride with (or without) Santa and a holiday model railroad at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Select dates Saturday 11/30-12/20. $13.
• Tired of your same old puzzles and board games? Freshen up your game collection with new ones or drop old ones for donation at the library. Sunday 12/1. Free.
• It's the CityCenterDC tree lighting. Come celebrate one of the tallest Christmas trees in town be lit up. Saturday 11/30. Free.
• Don't miss this chance to see the queen of Christmas Mariah Carey live at her annual Christmas tour. Tickets might sell out soon! Sunday 12/1. $60+
• Learn how to create pressed flower ornaments as seen on the hit show Love is Blind and take home 3 of your creations. Sunday 12/1. $45.
• ​Swap your favorite puzzles, play games, and meet other board game lovers at the Puzzle Palooza. 12/1. Free.
• Need supplies for your holiday designs? Drop by the Labs at MLK Library and get a winter stamping kit for some home creativity. Sunday 12/1. Free.
• Join the action and awareness against AIDS and spend a Day With(OUT) Art with oral history listening sessions, film screenings, and panel discussions at MLK Library. Sunday 12/1. Free.

Further Out

• If you're a fan of theatre, there's an upcoming Broadway Show: A Beautiful Noise at the National Theatre featuring stories behind the songs that defined Neil Diamond's career. Runs from 12/3 to 12/8. $100+
• The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House is an annual tradition (and source of commuter frustration). Thursday 12/5. Free.
• Explore the beautiful building of the National Academy of Sciences with their last science speakeasy of the year. Learn over cocktails and nibbles. These sell out quickly! Friday 12/6. $25.
• The Heurich House Christmas Markt only has small businesses. It's a week-long event this year, and if you go on weekdays, you can get a holiday house tour. 12/6-12/13. $8+.
• Lots of holiday festivities in Alexandria with the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Saturday 12/7. Free.
• Over 60+ boats will pass through the Washington Channel for the Holiday Boat Parade and Party. Enjoy the festivities with karaoke, s'mores, fireworks, a Santa photo op, and party at the pier. 12/7. Free.
• Listen along 40 creative artists at the Catalytic Sound Festival with musicians like Josh Berman, Eli Wallace, and Ishmael Ali. 12/7. $20+
• The Swedish Embassy (House of Sweden) hosts their holiday market and St. Lucia concert, the largest event they host each year. Tickets aren't yet available, but mark your calendar. Saturday 12/7. ~$10.
• You can visit the Season's Greenings in the morning and not have to wait for public opening hours for a sensory-friendly and more relaxed holiday experience. Only on 12/8. Free, but registration required.
• ​Meet dog lovers, pose with Santa in the holiday photo booth, and enjoy $5 craft beer specials at Atlas Brew Works. All proceeds benefit the Kingsman Dog Park. 12/8. $10 suggested donation.
• Design your own moon-themed quilt block while learning about the history of sewing in space exploration with astronaut Karen Nyberg and get the chance to be selected for display at the Lunar Quilt at the Kennedy Center next spring. Submissions open through 12/10. Free.
• If you love Talking Heads, the Start Making Sense tribute band will be back in the area and put on a really fun show. Friday 12/13. $20.
• After their holiday market, join in on the Cleveland Park Santa Bar Crawl. Costumes/ugly sweaters encouraged. Saturday 12/14.
• Have a unique indoor winter fun as the National Building Museum turns to an ice skating rink this holiday season. 12/16-1/4.
• Relive old Paris on New Year's Eve at the Boudoir Bohéme Masquerade Ball and meet the most infamous figures at the time. 12/31. $60.
• ​Watch 5 ballet dancers bring the story of Sleeping Beauty to life through traditional ballet and a glow-in-the-dark show. Friday 1/10. $48+
• A John Waters Christmas is sold out, but if you want an irreverent celebration of love, check out A Date With John Waters on Valentine's Day in his home town of Baltimore. Friday 2/14.

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