12 things to do around D.C. this weekend

This weekend is dominated by Howard University Homecoming events – and rightfully so, it’s the centennial celebration of one of the very first HBCU homecomings. While tickets to the football game against Tennessee State are sold out, you can still celebrate with a step show, a bar crawl, or a parade through Shaw. You can also catch screenings throughout the weekend at the Immigrant Film Festival, swap plants at MLK Library, or sip wine at Union Market. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
We, Native Deaf People, Are Still Here!
This Gallaudet University exhibition opening features a land acknowledgment mural and an educational lounge with kids' activities and books by Indigenous writers. There will also be a renaming ceremony for a building that paid homage to the senator responsible for the 1887 act granting the U.S. government authority to regulate tribal territories. The new name was chosen in collaboration with the indigenous deaf organization Turtle Island Hand Talk. (Gallaudet University; 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.; FREE)

Immigration Film Fest
In-person film screenings throughout the weekend will include a documentary about an immigrant ultimate frisbee team and a short about Western Sahara told through the eyes of refugee school children. Virtual screenings will continue throughout the month with films from across the world, including South Africa, Mexico, and Nigeria. (Various locations; Various times; $35-$75)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Greek Step Show | Homecoming 100
This fan-favorite event is sure to be spectacular for Howard’s centennial homecoming. The tradition of stepping is “part entertainment, part history lesson, part ancestral homage, and part prideful boast,” reads the event page. Featuring Howard’s Divine Nine, this is no doubt the best way to experience an HBCU step show. (Howard University’s Burr Gym; 8 p.m.; $40-$60)

Arlington Restaurant Week
Restaurant weeks are an opportunity to take a chance on a new place, or to snag a deal at a pricey spot normally out of your budget. Arlington's version prioritizes a diversity of businesses, from fast casual to five star joints. With oysters, tacos, curries, dumplings, barbecue, ramen, and pizza all represented, there's sure to be something you're craving. (Various locations; Oct. 14-21; various prices)

HU Bar Crawl
This annual Howard homecoming event calls itself the largest Black bar crawl in the world and attracts thousands of alumni and friends to bars along U Street where there will be drink specials, an open bar, and giveaways. (Various U Street bars; 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; $25-$60)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Harvest Day
Dig into your local food system, perhaps literally, at this food justice festival. Make an origami packet filled with your own combination of seeds; learn how to build a worm composter in your backyard; and grind your own oat flour. There will be culinary books for sale from Bold Fork Books, live music, and food trucks. (Reach Plaza at the Kennedy Center; 10 a.m.; FREE)

Community Parade | Homecoming 100
This Homecoming parade down Georgia Avenue will feature Howard’s marching band, floats, as well as cheer and dance teams. (Parade begins on 6th Street, NW between Howard Place and Fairmont; 10 a.m. -2:00 p.m.; FREE)

DC Wine Fest
Whether you’re a sommelier or just a weekend wine lover, spend the day sampling natural wine, sparkling wine, wine cocktails, small-batch honey wine, and a variety of varietals curated by purveyors across the District, Virginia, and beyond. Not a viticulture enthusiast? There will also be vodka and rum tastings and food offerings that include cookies and crab cakes. (Dock 5 at Union Market; 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.; $35-$55)

WHUT FAMFEST | Homecoming 100
Bringing kid-friendly entertainment into the centennial celebrations, Howard University Television’s FamFest will feature arts and crafts stations, game booths, and live performances. (Howard University’s Lower Quadrangle/The Valley; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; FREE)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 
Turkish Festival
Sample doner kebab and baklava and enjoy a Turkish coffeehouse with fortune telling at this celebration of Turkish culture. A full day of programming on the main stage includes Turkish folk songs and a Turkish dance party by D.C.’s own DJ Seyhan. (Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd Street and 6th Street; 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; FREE)

Black on the Block
Held in a different city each month, D.C.'s edition of Black on the Block was timed with Howard’s homecoming. The event will feature a curated selection of over 100 Black-owned businesses, including artists, jewelry makers, and fashion designers. There will also be food and live music. (Nationals Park; 1 p.m. -7 p.m. $15)

MLK Library Plant Swap
Calling all plant parents – or aspiring green thumbs! If you can’t stop acquiring plants but you’ve run out of window space, bring a plant or cutting to trade for something new to you. You can also bring pots and planters to swap. If you’re brand new to amateur botany, there will be some free cuttings and small plants available, no trade necessary. (The New Books Room at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library; 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.; FREE)