In This Issue

🎢 Goodbye to Six Flags, Trio Bistro & the Dulles Expo Center
🎄 Czech Christmas Market (and their sausage) is back Saturday
🕺 GoGo & Glow, Flamenco Fest & 90s Witch Night
🚴‍♀️ Cyclocross Championships, adaptive mountain biking & fall 5K at the Arboretum
📖 Murals walking tour, South Indian classical dance, and stained glass workshops

Things I'm Talking About

🎢 Six Flags America in Bowie closed down this week after 50 years in business.

🍃 Gingko trees are starting to come into bloom in DC, and this weekend I think will be the start of the really pretty streets, though probably still a week or two away from peak leaves. If you want a more natural setting, you can head out to Virginia Arboretum this weekend while the leaves are still on the trees.

🐶 Brandywine Valley SPCA, who took over city animal control services from HRA this year, is waiving adoption fees through Sunday due to overcrowding.

🍁 DC leaf collection started this week, and you can see your scheduled times on their website. Each year, it's a toss up about whether they'll actually collect my leaves.

🥖 Geno's Steaks, the South Street Philly cheesesteak legend, is opening a location in Baltimore. I don't know how I feel about it.

🌭 I can't wait to eat the sausage at the Czech Christmas Market on Saturday.

🍽️ Trio Bistro on 17th Street NW closed this past weekend after 75 years in business.

📦 Dulles Expo Center is closing at the end of the year, and being replaced with an IKEA.

💳 SNAP benefits were not released in November, and DC, Maryland, and Virginia have all stepped in to replace those funds. It's not clear, though, if the states/district will be reimbursed once the government re-opens.

🥫 I'm looking for people or businesses who are interested in providing matching funds next week for another donation drive for Capital Area Food Bank. If you would like to join, I can offer newsletter and social media features based on donation tier. Get in touch at valerie@notboredindc.com.

🎟️ Attendance at the Kennedy Center is markedly down in 2025 after the Trump takeover. Performance companies like the Washington National Opera are feeling the effects of the local distaste for the Kennedy Center direction, with sales down 38% and donations also down. Hometown hero Noochie's Kennedy Center performance this weekend still has about a third of all seats empty. I feel bad for the performers.

⚠️ 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

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​

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

Last week, I asked: What's your favorite Halloween candy? You responded:

• Reese's (48.2%)
• Snickers (28.6%)
• Candy corn (12.5%)
• Kit Kat (8.9%)
• Skittles (1.8%)

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: Tiger Fork

"I think both tiger fork and lapis are really great for an intro to dc....Tiger fork is also more on the casual side and I love blagden alley in general since you have so many options around you!" Eileen

Locations: 922 N Street (Rear) 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!

Now you can search and filter events by category, date, and my top recommendations, as well as see it in an easier to read list view or on a calendar. Choose between a monthly or weekly view.

And it's mobile friendly! Go check out all the events.

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

Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• ​Art lover's Itinerary​
• ​Hidden gem theaters​
• ​Where to see fall foliage​
• ​Holiday volunteer opportunities​
• ​Best Christmas markets​

• 🖼️ Explore two unique exhibits celebrating D.C.'s artistic communities with a Visual Description Exhibit Tour designed for blind or low-vision visitors using verbal descriptions. Wednesday 11/5. Free.
• 🕺 Enjoy a soulful night with Wednesday Jazz on Kennedy Street featuring Integriti Reeves' smooth vocals and lively energy. Bring a chair, grab some local dinner, and soak up live jazz under the stars. Wednesday 11/5. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Meet 60+ local nonprofits at Community Changemakers, Spur Local’s annual celebration of impact. Connect, network & discover ways to get involved in shaping a stronger region. Wednesday 11/5. $35 early bird.
• 📖 Catch the U.S. premiere of the documentary Les combats méconnus de Robert Badinter about the man who helped abolish the death penalty in France, followed by a panel on democracy today. Wednesday 11/5. Free.
• 🤝 Learn about hands-on apprenticeship programs from local trade unions at this Trade Union Apprenticeship Information Session where you can ask questions and explore career options. Wednesday 11/5. Free.
• 🏞️ Take a peaceful evening stroll on the Moonlight Monument Walk on the Mount Vernon Trail and enjoy views of DC’s monuments under the Beaver Moon. Meet at Theodore Roosevelt Island Parking, bring a flashlight, and stay for stargazing with provided telescopes. Wednesday 11/5. Free.
• 🍲 Get your holiday wine game sorted at this Thanksgiving wine tasting with Lanterna wines where you'll sample wines that actually pair well with turkey and all the fixings. Jason Wright from Lanterna will guide you through the perfect bottles for your holiday table. Wednesday 11/5. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Cozy up with fellow book lovers at Literary Libations for November Book Club where you can sip themed drinks and chat about Slaughterhouse-Five in a relaxed setting. Wednesday 11/5. Free.

• 🖼️ Check out this cool art opening where poems and paintings have actual conversations with each other at Sitar Arts Center in Kalorama. Artist Jennifer Wessmiller created visual art and poetry side by side, so you get to experience how words can paint pictures and colors can tell stories. Thursday 11/6. Free.
• 🕺 Experience the passion and power of Flamenco at the XXI Fuego Flamenco Festival featuring US and international artists over three weeks at GALA Hispanic Theatre. Thursday 11/6-11/22. $25+
• 🖼️ Experience Jenny Holzer’s what you love light projections on the Water Court’s concrete walls, featuring powerful texts from voices like June Jordan and Sappho. Thursday 11/6-11/9. Free with timed entry tickets.
• 🍲 Learn why Pinot Noir drives wine lovers crazy as you taste six different styles from Burgundy to Oregon, plus artisanal cheeses to pair. You'll figure out what makes this grape so special and maybe find your new favorite bottle. Thursday 11/6. $45.
• 📖 Catch two short documentaries about DC’s artist-run spaces, The Legend of Union Arts and Rhizome is Home and stick around for a thoughtful chat with the filmmakers and local artists about why these creative hubs matter. Thursday 11/6. Free.
• 🕺 Spend an hour sharing and discovering favorite tunes at the Record Pull & Listening Party where everyone’s invited to chat about the music that moves them. Thursday 11/6. Free.
• 🎭 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival 2025 celebrates Black filmmakers and HBCU culture with screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities right at Howard University. It's a perfect chance to discover fresh talent and connect with the next generation of storytellers. Thursday 11/6-11/8. $20+.
• 📜 Learn about the amazing restoration of an 1891 pipe organ at St. Joseph's Catholic Church plus hear stories about this beautiful Gothic church built by German immigrants. You'll get to sit inside the gorgeous nave while experts share how they brought this historic instrument back to life. Thursday 11/6. Free.
• 🧠 Tinker with electronics and contribute to the Space Blimp project or bring your own gear to this hands-on Hardware Hacking Night at HacDC. Thursday 11/6. Free.

• 🤸 The Pan-American Cyclocross Championships are coming to DC at the Armed Forces Retirement Home - watch elite cyclists tackle a wild course with stairs, barriers, and hills on the same grounds as Lincoln's Summer Cottage. Friday 11/7 - Sunday 11/9. Free to watch.
• 🍲 Learn how to shuck oysters like a pro and taste some fresh ones at this Oyster Shucking and Tasting Class with a local oyster expert. Friday 11/7. $29+.
• 🖌️ Learn copper foil stained glass techniques while helping create 1,000 glass cranes for trans community support. You'll master cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering skills in a welcoming studio space. Friday 11/7-11/24. Free.
• 🕺 Cirque Italia brings European-style circus artistry to life with circus performances, traveling across the US with its famous Silver, Gold, and Platinum water show units. Friday 11/7. $15+
• 🕺 Experience a unique blend of 17th and 18th-century violin music paired with live poetry from Rose Solari in Virtuosos of Violin and Verse at the Folger. Friday 11/7. $20-$50.
• 🖼️ If you love art and history, don't miss the McLean Antiques Show & Sale! Explore fine antiques, art, and collectibles from around the world, plus unique finds from 49 years of celebrated dealers. Friday 11/7 - Saturday 11/8. $11 admission.
• 🖼️ The Superfair takes over Gallery Place with over 2,000 works from dozens of independent artists you can actually chat with about their pieces. Plus curator-led tours will teach you how to start your own art collection. Thursday 11/7. $20+.
• 🖌️ Try your hand at the pottery wheel with the Friday ONE SHOT! class where you get 2.5 hours, clay, and an instructor to guide you through the fun challenge of shaping pots. Friday 11/7. $80.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Step into a night of 90s-inspired magic with 90s Witch Night at The Parlour featuring tarot readings, moody cocktails, and a candle and fragrance bar to explore. Friday 11/7. Free.
• 🕺 Experience a night full of energy with GoGo & Glow featuring The Experience Band and Aladdin DaPrince where the music keeps you moving and the atmosphere lights up the room. Friday 11/7. $35.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Love puzzles or just want to try a new one? Check out the Puzzle Swap at Benning Library where you can bring a puzzle to trade, work on a group puzzle, and meet others who enjoy the challenge. Saturday 11/8. Free.
• 🎈 Experience the charm of the season at the Czech Embassy Christmas Market with handmade ornaments, Czech pastries, live music, and puppet shows for all ages. Saturday 11/8. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Find some great pre-loved clothes, shoes, and accessories for free at the Project ReCy-Clothes Pop-up where you can refresh your wardrobe sustainably or help someone in need. Saturday 11/8. Free.
• 🕺 Experience the storytelling power of South Indian classical dance at Samyuktha presented by DMV Adavus, where local dancers bring to life themes of relationships through expressive movement and intricate footwork. Saturday 11/8. $20.
• 📖 Join a hands-on lacemaking workshop where you'll create a beautiful bookmark sampler with three foundational stitches - no experience needed! Saturday 11/8. $25.
• 🖌️ Learn how to make your own glass bowls, plates, and sculptures with hands-on help from a pro during the Glass Lovers Weekend class. Saturday and Sunday 11/8 and 11/9 from 1 to 4 pm. $350.
• 🖌️ Unleash your creativity with a free Paint & Sip session at the MLK Library where you can paint, sip a non-alcoholic drink, and connect with others in a relaxed, welcoming space. Saturday 11/8. Free.
• 🌲 Experience the thrill of mountain biking on adaptive, power-assisted trikes made for all abilities at Adaptive Mountain Biking Clinic in Black Hill Regional Park. Saturday 11/8. Free to join, but registration required.
• 🖌️ Hand-build your own ceramic tic-tac-toe game with Pegah guiding you through creating both the board and playing pieces in one fun session. You'll pick your glaze colors and have a finished game ready for pickup in about 2 weeks. Saturday 11/8. $85.
• 🖼️ Step back into the 90s with the Boozy Book Fair: 90s Edition where you can sip on nostalgic cocktails, browse throwback books like Goosebumps, and get creative with 90s-themed crafts. Saturday 11/8. $18.

• 🍲 Experience a night of Spanish tapas, wine, and a flamenco show by Rafael Ramirez at this Spain Flamenco Dinner featuring a four-course family-style meal and live dance. Sunday 11/9. $165.
• 📜 Ever wonder what DC looked like before it was DC? This tree walk with historical ecologist Michael Gaige at Oak Hill Cemetery explores the area's oldest trees and what the landscape looked like in the early 1800s. Sunday 11/9. $29.
• 🤸 Experience a deeply relaxing Sound Voyage at the Alexandria Masonic Temple with crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes inside the stunning Memorial Hall. Thursday 11/9. $55.
• 🖌️ Learn to make your own glass mosaic with artist Miriam Julianna at The Fridge Gallery, where you'll create a 2x4" piece using stained glass and epoxy. Half the class fees go toward supporting the gallery as mutual aid. Sunday 11/9. $30+.
• 🧠 Perfect for anyone who wants to get back on a bike or just learned to ride, this Basic Skills Clinic covers turning, braking, and shifting so you can ride with confidence. They'll provide a bike and helmet if you need one! Saturday 11/9. $10+.
• 📖 Walk through NoMa with a local guide who'll share the stories behind 20 neighborhood murals and how they connect art, gentrification, and community change. You'll get the inside scoop on each artist and what their work means for this evolving DC neighborhood. Sunday 11/9. $31.
• 🏞️ Take a stroll or run through the colorful fall gardens at the Friends of the National Arboretum Fall 5K where roads are closed to cars and strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome. Still on with the shutdown! Sunday 11/9. $60.
• 🛍️ Planning a wedding and need to see all your options in one place? The Washington Bridal & Wedding Expo brings together vendors, ideas, and inspiration to help you figure out your big day without the overwhelm. Sunday 11/9. Free with online registration or $10 at the door.
• 🤓 Test your chess skills at this four-round Swiss tournament with cash prizes up to $175 and sections for all skill levels. Perfect for competitive players looking for a solid Sunday challenge! Sunday 11/9. $35.
• 🕺 South Africa's Heavy K (aka The Drumboss) is bringing thunderous Afrohouse and 3 Step beats to a rooftop party that promises serious dance floor energy. Sunday 11/9. $30+.

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

• Holiday crafting on a budget
• Art exhibit opening
• Wine tastings
• Michelle Obama talks style
• 50-mile walk around DC

Click the Login link below the form and use the email you're subscribed with.

⚡ 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.