Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city — whether that’s 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
Budget oversight hearings As the D.C. Council prepares to vote on our 2027 budget later this spring, it'll be exercising its oversight powers with a slate of public hearings. On Wednesday, April 29, the Metropolitan Police Department and the Office of Unified Communications will be appearing for public questioning. On Thursday, April 30, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Transportation are up. The hearings will run through May 8; you can find the schedule and sign up to testify here.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
Testifying for tenants: A training ⏰ 6 - 7 p.m. 📍 Virtual or The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW) As mentioned above, it's budget time! This training, hosted by DC Jobs With Justice, will prepare you for testifying in a public hearing; they'll cover the current budget proposal and upcoming housing-related hearings, what to expect when you testify, how to build a strong testimony, and more. RSVP here.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
Community conversation: D.C. election season ⏰ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 📍 Common Good City Farm (300 V St. NW) As a part of the urban farm's political education series with Ward 1 Mutual Aid, this laid-back event will bring together community members to discuss what's at stake in the upcoming election. (The organizations are not endorsing any candidates.) Beverages and snacks provided, and no RSVP required!
Courtwatch training ⏰ 7 - 9 p.m. 📍 Virtual Supported by Harriet's Wildest Dreams, DC Justice Lab, and D.C. Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, this training will teach you how to observe local court proceedings, document injustice, and ensure we're holding our judicial systems accountable. RSVP here.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
May Day DC ⏰ 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. 📍 Various locations Dozens of local organizing groups and labor unions are partnering with Free DC for a day of action on International Workers Day. The day will begin with invitation-only actions at 6 a.m. (check in with your trusted networks for more info), followed by a march and rally at noon at the Washington Monument. The day will wrap with a concert and celebration at the AFL-CIO headquarters downtown. Learn more about each event and RSVP to the concert on the May Day DC website.
Working Class Literature Festival with Bol Co-op ⏰ Friday, 6 - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. 📍 The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW) Worker-owned bookstore Bol Co-op is partnering with the Festival Center, the Claudia Jones School of Political Education, and other local organizations to put on D.C.'s first-ever Working Class Literature Festival. The two-day festival will bring together writers and organizers to discuss the state of work, what it means to make working class literature, and how it can build movement solidarity — and will also include community tabling and a concert! Entry is free, but RSVP here.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
Mutual Aid Flower Potluck ⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 📍 Doubles (3118 Georgia Ave NW) It's that time again! Co-organized by The 51st's own Maddie Poore, this event offers a recurring opportunity to build something beautiful alongside your neighbors, in more ways than one. How it works: You'll show up bearing flowers to share — whether purchased or foraged — and a vessel for arranging them! There will be a brief skillshare before everyone gets going, along with a small photo-op area to document your creation. All funds will be donated to Remora House, a mutual aid group that supports unhoused D.C. residents. Reserve your spot here.
I ♥️ D.C. Arts and Activism Party ⏰ 2 - 5 p.m. 📍 City-State Public House (705 Edgewood St. NE) This is a celebration of the various groups working to support D.C. residents and the city's autonomy. Part of the 2026 Being Human Festival from the National Humanities Center, the party will feature Free DC, Harriet's Wildest Dreams, SolarPunk DC, and more. A family-friendly party, there will be interactive arts activities and music from local DJs. RSVP for free here.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
How to host a one-on-one conversation ⏰ 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. 📍 Virtual Hosted by Free DC, this workshop will equip you with the skills you need to have the conversations necessary for building solidarity. You must have attended a Free DC campaign orientation to attend. 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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