Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city β whether thatβs protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us at 51st.news/submit-events.
For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup; and for more to do around the city, don't miss our Weekend Events post.
ONGOING
Street Sense Media pre-winter donation drive Our friends at D.C.'s street newspaper are collecting items to prepare their vendors and clients for the cold season. They're looking for clothing items like T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets; personal care items including soap, shampoo, and toothpaste; and other essentials including hand warmers, blankets, towels, umbrellas, laundry detergent, and gift cards. You can mail your donation to 1317 G St. NW, or drop it off there yourself!
Bakers needed for Ward 4 Mutual Aid Ward 4 Mutual Aid is hosting a bake sale on October 24 and needs your help! Pull out the apron and get to baking. In the past year, Ward 4 Mutual Aid has raised almost $18,000 to support neighbors with food, diapers, and household goods through these bake sales. Fill out the form here to contribute. They're looking specifically for savory baked goods, if that's your specialty.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
National Guard Out Now Rally β° 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. π E. Barret Prettyman Federal Courthouse (333 Constitution Ave NW) In 2025, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit to stop Trump's deployment of National Guard troops across D.C. streets. Federal courts sided with D.C. residents, but the Trump administration appealed that ruling β and now, the appeal will be heard on October 14. Free DC will be packing the courthouse and filling streets outside to let them know D.C. wants the National Guard out. Stop by any time to show your support.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
DC YIMBYs Happy Hour β° 6 p.m. π metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave NE) Mix and mingle with like-minded neighbors as you dream up solutions to D.C.'s housing issues. You'll learn more about opportunities to advocate IRL for housing equity in D.C. β including upcoming ANC canvassing! RSVP here.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Washington Informer 62nd Anniversary Photo Exhibit β° 6 - 9 p.m. π Eleven Gallery (1330 F St NW) The Washington Informer is celebrating 62 years of documenting the people, moments, and movements of D.C. with a photography exhibit exploring the paper's archives. There will be brief remarks, food and drink, live music, and more. Tickets are free, but you can make a donation at the event to support continued coverage of D.C.
Beloved Community Incubator 10th anniversary party β° 6:30 - 9 p.m. π MLK Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW) Beloved Community Incubator, the local nonprofit that helps groups (like us!) build economic power through cooperative structures, is celebrating 10 years of work and building a solidarity economy across D.C. There will be cocktails and collective visioning. Attendance is free, or you can make a donation to support the mission of BCI for the next ten years.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Day of Action: Vote early β° 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. π Various locations Free DC is participating in the No Kings Nationwide Day of early voting action. Each ward is hosting its own early voting event β both to encourage voter turnout and to build power in community. Find information about your ward's early voting location and activities here.
DC Bike Party β° Meet up at 7:30 p.m., bike at 8 p.m. π Dupont Circle Fountain It's a Halloween Heroic Ride with the DC Bike Party! The theme is superhero, so drape yourself in your special cape, gloves, and eye mask and get ready to zoom around D.C. streets.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Transportation priorities forum β° 4 - 5:30 p.m. π The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd NW) The Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Greater Greater Washington, and the Bike, Walk, and Bus PAC are preparing for new faces in the Wilson Building. What transportation issues are most important to you, and how can you make sure your voice is heard? Join advocates at this forum! Reserve a spot here.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Training: Film the police β° 7 - 8:30 p.m. π Virtual Led by Harriet's Wildest Dreams, this training will prepare you to monitor police activity. You'll learn your rights when observing law enforcement, how to document interactions, and strategies for de-escalation. RSVP here.
Colleen is a 51st co-founder and a former DCist reporter. Her work has appeared in NPR, Street Sense Media, and The Washington Post. She currently lives in New York, where she's pursuing an MFA.
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