World Pride is being held in DC this year, and the music festival lineup has been announced! Troye Sivan is headlining with J.Lo, with Raye, Tinashe, Kim Petras, RuPaul (DJ set), Disco Dom, Slayyyter, and Zedd in the undercard. Tickets on sale today.
But, there have been some changes as well. With Trump taking over the Kennedy Center board, the May 21 performance of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC has been cancelled. With news of Issa Rae and other performers cancelling their shows at the Kennedy Center in light of the leadership changes, the programming is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Valerie
Historic Photo of the Week
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The District of Columbia Home Rule act of 1974 gave DC residents the right to the local self-determination we enjoy today, with elected mayors and council members. This button is a part of the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum's collection. Sadly, this is back in the news.
Taste chilis from 5 local restaurant chefs as they compete for small business grants. Attendance is free, but chili is first come, first serve.
Don't want to stress about tasting them all before they run out, or battling the crowds? Get a VIP ticket for only $25. Includes early access, guaranteed chili, a welcome drink, and more.
Come say hi! I'll be there with a VIP ticket and would love to chat.
I'm continuing with highlighting more events that are put on regularly to help you not only meet new people but have a regular space for you to hang out.
Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!
This Week
Thursday
๐ญThereโs a charming and fun new play by Bob Bartlett about records and romance. Playing until Sunday 3/9. $45.
๐ฒ Sip your favorite winewhile connecting with featured authors and supporting a community book drive for Books Breaking Borders. Thursday 2/20. Donation.
๐ผ๏ธ Enjoy a rotating list of fresh local craft beers, cocktails, and wines in a 1921 biergarten setting while browsing through an exhibit of 1,000 objects from the Heurich Brewery. Open Thursday 2/20 to Saturday 2/22. Free.
๐ง Learn to make Argentinian empanadas at La Cosecha. Learn to make empanadas filled with ground beef, vegetables, and eggs in this hands-on class. Thursday 2/20 & 2/27. $69.*
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Bring your friends and family for an outdoor movie night.Bring blankets, chairs, and good company this Thursday 2/20. Free.
๐ฒ Join this community of chocolate lovers who enjoy talking and eating about chocolates. This month, theyโre celebrating DCโs black chocolate makers with more bean-to-bar tastings! Thursday 2/20. $25.
๐ญ This exclusive speakeasy evening features Edgar Allan Poeโs most beloved stories and four classic cocktails to make it worthwhile. Thursday 2/20 to Saturday 2/22. $55.*
Friday
๐ญ Enjoy this romantic lineup of love stories and movies at The Miracle DC. Perfect for a cozy movie date night. Every Friday until 2/28. $8.
๐บWatch the Black Arts Fest celebrate Black culture through cabaret performances and live music from DCโs top artists. Friday 2/21. Free, registration is required.
๐บDance the cold winter away with hot nights of Salsa every third Friday for all months of 2025. Starts Friday 2/21. $12 early bird; $15 at the door.
Saturday
๐ฐ Tour the rich heritage of Asbury Church and learn about its 188-year legacy as the oldest church in Washington DC. Saturday 2/22. Free, DCPL members; $55 non-members.
๐๏ธ Stitch your personal story into your own fabric patch using salvaged textiles, trinkets, and upcycled materials. Saturday 2/22. Free.
๐ค Casey Trees needs volunteers to help weed, mulch, and water the newly planted trees around Brentwood Reservoir. Saturday 2/22. Free.
๐คธ Compete for bike underground racing or spectate and enjoy the pop-up bar. If you want to race, signup is until Friday 2/21. Race happens Saturday 2/22. Free for spectators; $25 for racers.
๐คธ All girlies will love this active session of tennis & yogawith sportswear and candlescent giveaways. Saturday 2/22. $40.
๐พ This sip & swapis a much awaited one. Ready your preloved items for new swaps, then sip drinks or play pinball afterwards. Crafts and floral arrangements also available. Saturday 2/22. Free.
๐ Listen to dramatic readings of conflicting history in the 1793 Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic, with guided discussions on health inequities from nurses, caregivers, and first responders. Saturday 2/22. Free.
๐ค Nowโs the time to declutter your kitchen and swap unwanted kitchen items with others. Thereโs tea, scones, and a discussion on sustainable living. Saturday 2/22. $5.
Sunday
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Take your dog to a pet-friendly afternoon day outand enjoy 16 craft beers on tap with other fur parents. Sunday 2/23. Free.
๐ฒ Chefs from local restaurants will have achili cook-off at Lower Georgia Aveand you can taste & judge their best dishes for the People's Choice Award. Last year had ~10 different restaurants to taste (and I was a judge!). Sunday 2/23. Free (with VIP option).*
๐คธ Stretch and relaxwith a yoga flow in the Great Hall of The National Building Museum. Youโll love the sound experience from ocean drums, chimes, gongs, and crystal bowls. Sunday 2/23. $30.
๐ The largest record fairreturns to DC for an extra special DC Record Fair at 9:30 Club. Sunday 2/23. $5 early bird; $2 after noon.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Share your inner comedian self with cards and friends from Hiking and Other Cool Stuff group. Sunday 2/23. Free.
๐๏ธ Explore DCโs urban trails with this point-to-point trek through SE Washington, with carpool arrangements from the endpoint to the starting point. Sunday 2/23. Free.
๐๏ธ Stitch, knit, and share your stories in a heartfelt conversation with other creative crafters. This is a space where itโs okay to craft, cry, and carry on. Sunday 2/23. Free.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง This book club isperfect for burned out and busy bookworms who want little commitment. Discuss short books, stories, and essays. Sunday 2/23. Free.
๐๏ธ Prepare and bring a dish from Alexandra Staffordโs Bread Toast Crumbs to share with other bakers in a feast. Share your baking process and learn from others! Sunday 2/23. $15.
Get your life together
Your Next Breakthrough sends out an actionable idea, question, and exercise to help you think through this week.
๐ Learn how regenerative farming can improve soil health, fight climate change, and help increase food access in a talk with local botanist experts. Thursday 2/27. Free, must pre-register.
๐ Enjoy Ibero-American cultural activities and explore authentic culinary delights and beverages by 19 embassies. Friday 2/28. $120 early bird; $150 regular.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Sign up for the Smithsonian Scavenger Huntfor a whole adventure of solving trivias, taking photos, collecting items, earning points, and exploring the National Mall! You might even get early access to the newly reopened Air and Space Museum! Saturday 3/1. $20.
๐ You donโt want to miss this fun Mardi Gras parade at The Wharf with floats, beads, fireworks, and live music until sundown. Saturday 3/1. Free.
๐ฒ Mexican food lovers should go explore the best taco and pupusa spots in DC, earn points, and vote your winner for the Battle of the Taco. Saturday 3/1. Free.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Bingo Loco is a bingo rave party where comedian MCs, lip-sync battles, dance-offs, confetti, CO2 cannons, and of course, bingo happens in one night. Saturday 3/1. $33.*
๐๏ธ Does your inner child scream more creativity? Join this adult crafternoonfor a fun crafting session with adult crafters. Saturday 3/1. Free.
๐ Celebrate Mardi Gras with special bites at food stations and exclusive cocktails from Korean-inspired and New Orleans classics. Saturday 3/1. $150.
๐๏ธ Getting married soon or attending one? Steal vintage wedding finds like dresses, antique jewelry, accessories, loungewear, and guest attire from over 10 vendors. Sunday 3/2. $15+.
Further Out
๐ฒ Surprise your tastes and senses with a blindfolded 3-course meal across three menus: meat, seafood, and veggies. Tuesday 3/4 and 4/8. $72.*
๐พ Be among the first to taste the Senate Bock, a century-old beer recipe from a 1948 report reimagined by brewing experts. Wednesday 3/5. Free.
๐ Listen to how DCโs 1976 Bicentennial shaped community engagement and selfโdetermination during a guided presentation by Heurich Humanities Scholar M.J. Rymsza Pawlowska. Thursday 3/6. Free RSVP.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Enjoy funtrivia about Womenโs History Month, food, and drinks at Laredoโs while supporting Cleveland Park Main Street. Saturday 3/8. $15.
๐พ Sample 8 premium Irish whiskeysat 8 downtown bars during a fun, daylong whiskey walk within DC. Saturday 3/8. $29 early bird; $65 regular ticket.
๐ Love tarots or just curious? Join tarot enthusiasts from The Firefly House gather around a table of decks to discuss symbolism and practice readings. Saturday 3/8. Free.
๐๏ธ Learn brush pen calligraphyand enjoy 10% off light bites from local Catonsville bakeries. Saturday 3/8. $75.
๐ญ Watch โWe Are Guardiansโ, a free documentary that follows an Indigenous forest guardian and activist as they defend their territories against deforestation. Sunday 3/9. Free.
๐ผ๏ธ The National Gallery Nights returns with better artmaking, performances & pop-up talks this time. Be on watch for their ticket lottery system the week before each themed evening. Runs Friday 3/14, 4/11 & 5/9. Free.
๐๏ธ Learn the basics of flower arranging and flower care then craft your own spring bouquet using seasonal favorites like tulips, ranunculus, and anemone. Tuesday 3/25.
๐บThe Library of Congress is hosting a free Regency Ball around Martha Washington and Queen Charlotte, where attendees are encouraged to dress up. Tickets are available Tuesday 2/25 and will go quickly, event happens Thursday 3/27. Free.
๐๏ธ Snag some gently used merchandise finds at the tossed-and-found rummage saleat bargain prices. This is where I get most of my new clothes for the year. Saturday 3/29 to Sunday 3/30. Free admission.
๐ Come to Spring Fair for eco-friendly crafts, gifts, eco-treats, and more goodies to enjoy the spring season. Sunday 3/30. Free.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Join this fan-made survivor gameat Rock Creek Park if you have what it takes to survive and win $250, sign up through Monday 3/31. $25 if youโre chosen to play.
๐ Awesome Con 2025 is coming to Washington DC and they're bringing special celebrity guests, comic con panels, screenings, and exclusive exhibits for fans of anime, comics, movies, and games! Friday 4/4. $20
๐ง Learning a new language?Find your language partner at this exchange happy hour. Expect many multi-linguists from DC Language and Cultural Exchange club. Friday 4/4. Free.
๐ผ๏ธ Ready for the best vintage finds around DMV? Find vintage fits, accessories, vinyls, glassware, books, and more old stuffs! Tickets required. Saturday 4/12. $5+.
๐ Healthy Homes Fairreturns with 100+ exhibitors and an appliance โpetting zooโ featuring the latest home technologies needed to decarbonize our homes. Win prizes and e-bike incentives. Saturday 5/10. Free.
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.
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