Get ready for a creativity-forward next few days โ including a late-night citywide festival, an โart walkโ in Capitol Hill, and plenty of live music.
Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city โ whether thatโs 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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Hands Off Our Elections mobilization โฐ 12 - 1 p.m. ๐ Capitol Grounds, Section 11 (Independence Ave. SE & First St. SE) Free DC will be supporting Popular Democracy and People's Action Institute as they participate in the Organizing Revival Networks' election protection day of action. More than 500 organizations and leaders will be rallying at the Capitol to defend fair elections and call on elected officials to work against the Trump administration's attempts to undermine democracy. RSVP here.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Movement 4 Black Lives โฐ 5 - 8 p.m. ๐ Realm Rooftop (899 O St. NW) The national coalition Movement 4 Black Lives is marking Congressional Black Caucus Week with a kickback featuring local D.C. partners, including Harriet's Wildest Dreams. There will be mixing and mingling as they strategize about focused solutions for communities in D.C. and across the U.S. Also, appetizers!
Stomp Out Slumlords general membership meeting โฐ 6:30 p.m. ๐ The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW) The tenant advocacy arm of the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America is holding a general meeting open to new and old members. Attendees will hear updates on building organizing, workshop the challenges tenants are facing, and discuss what the group has been up to as they prepare for two MDCDSA candidates โ Janeese Lewis George and Aparna Raj โ to take office. Pupasas provided! RSVP here.
Educator night at Living Room DC โฐ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. ๐ Living Room (3169 Mount Pleasant St. NW) Calling all teachers! It's your turn to go to art class. Diane D'Costa and Gabriella Hoard are hosting a special art class just for teachers at the Mount Pleasant art space we wrote about here. No outlines, lesson plans, or learning outcomes required โ and all supplies are provided with your $20 ticket. Buy one here!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Street Sense Art Fair โฐ 6 - 9 p.m. ๐ metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave. NE) Our friends at Street Sense Media will be displaying handmade art from their artists and vendors at the paper's annual Community Celebration. Peruse the gallery, grab a drink, and connect with the folks who make and support D.C.'s only street newspaper. Tickets start at $40. RSVP here.
D.C. Justice Lab Movement Mixer โฐ 6 - 9 p.m. ๐ The Point (2100 2nd St. NW) In light of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundationโs 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, the D.C. Justice Lab is bringing together legal experts, organizers, and influencers dedicated to improving the criminal justice system in their communities. Sponsors include FWD.Us, Tzedek DC, and more. Tickets start at $25; RSVP here.
Hiring Hub job fair โฐ 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. ๐ Anacostia Neighborhood Library (1800 Marion Barry Ave. SE) A flurry of employers across all sectors โ including healthcare, manufacturing, food service, mechanics, construction, and more โ will be accepting applications at a library-run job fair. All job seekers must register and upload their resume ahead of the event; you can find all of that information here.
The Anacostia Community Museum turns 59 โฐ 7 - 10 p.m. ๐ Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE) Our local Smithsonian is throwing a special, after-hours Night at the Museum party to celebrate nearly six decades of community history! There will be food, beverages, live music, and even a perfume bar. Free DC folks will be there too, shoring up the fight for the museum's future. RSVP here.
Hot Dogs for Abortion (Part 2) โฐ 6 - 9 p.m. ๐Dew Drop Inn (2801 8th St. NE) A fundraiser so nice they're running it twice! July's event โ run by local hot sauce purveyor and reproductive justice advocate Female Rage Hot Sauce โ made over $5,000 for the D.C. Abortion Fund. Will slightly cooler weather make this one even bigger? Either way, sounds like the perfect night: Enjoy a dog, supporting access to safe and affordable abortions, and some tunes from Green Slay, D.C.'s all-girl Green Day cover band.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Chocolate City Free DC CBC Week Reception โฐ 5 - 8 p.m. ๐Location upon RSVP As Congressional Black Caucus Week draws to a close and national leaders prepare to head back out of town, Free DC's Chocolate City contingent and Harriet's Wildest Dreams are throwing a get-together focused on protecting Black political power. Drinks and apps will be served from 5 - 6:30 p.m. RSVP here.
Film screening: The Elements of Mutual Aid โฐ 6:30 - 8 p.m. ๐ Location shared upon RSVP Harriet's Wildest Dreams is screening a four-part documentary highlighting 15 different mutual aid groups across the nation that examines the work, infrastructure, and principles required for successful organizing. You can RSVP here.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
The People's Budget and Revenue Forum โฐ 12 - 4 p.m. ๐ Christ Our Shepherd Church (801 North Carolina Ave. SE) It's never too early to start thinking about FY2028! The Fair Budget Coalition is bringing folks together over snacks to share knowledge and begin outlining priorities for the next fiscal year, ensuring D.C. gets the budget D.C. residents deserve. Notes from the event will be shared directly with the mayor and councilmembers' offices. RSVP here.
Voting Accessibility and Language Access Summit โฐ 12 - 3 pm. ๐ D.C. Board of Elections (1015 Half St. SE) In honor of Disability Voting Rights Week, the D.C. Board of Elections is hosting a special summit aimed at ensuring every D.C. resident has access to the electoral system. Attendees will learn about special accommodations, language access services, how to work a Ballot Marking Device, and more. No RSVP needed!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Takoma Village Cohousing Tour โฐ 1 -3 p.m. ๐ 6827 4th St. NW Takoma Village, a multigenerational community where people live collectively, is welcoming guests and prospective new members for a walking tour. Whether you're a family looking for a new home, a single person looking for community, or a resident committed to environmentally conscious living, stop by to meet and mingle with neighbors. Light refreshments provided. 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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