Making some noise: Your August Civics Roundup

Every Thursday, 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 using this form. For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup. 

ONGOING

Good Trouble Cooperative backpack drive
The local mutual aid group Good Trouble Cooperative is collecting funds for a back-to-school supply drive. You can shop their Office Depot wishlist or donate directly via Venmo (goodtroublecoop) or Cash App ($GoodTroubleDC).

Nightly noise demonstration
FREE DC is calling all residents to get outside every night of Trump's federal occupation and make some noise. Literally. Bang pots and pans, scream, make some noise – for at least five minutes.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

Comedy fundraiser
In light of this week's absurdity, FREE DC and the Just Kidding Comedy Collective are bringing the community together for a night of laughs at Pikio Taco. Tickets are $28.52, and proceeds will go toward FREE DC and Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Ride for Palestine
D.C. Metro's chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace is partnering with Gaza Sunbirds, a para-cycling team in Gaza, to host a bike ride in support of Palestinian liberation. (The group is also using this as a way to take up space on D.C.'s streets as Trump deploys National Guard troops and federal police.) They will meet at the northwest corner of Malcom X Park at 7:30 p.m. The ride will end in Adams Morgan. You can DM JVPDCMetro for a signal link.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Police abuse complaints workshop
Black Lives Matter DC and several local activist groups are holding a special event to discuss reporting police abuse, controlling the narrative, and building community power. The workshop is all the more relevant now, as Trump siccs federal officers across the city. The event will take place at the Black Workers Wellness Center from 12-2 p.m. Free food and kids' activities will be provided.

Healing Justice Summit 2025
Hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project, the day-long event will focus on creating a safe space for grief, reflection, and joy. There will be interactive workshops, art vendors, and resources from various local groups. It will run from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Festival Center. You can RSVP here.

DC Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Fundraiser at Songbyrd
Local bands Dorinda, Broke Royals, and Argo and the Violent Queens will be putting on a show at Songbyrd and putting all proceeds toward the DC Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 ahead of time, and $18 at the door.

Ride 4 Rights
This mobile protest is biking across America to stand up for free speech and justice – and meet some federal workers along the way. You can join part of the D.C. leg. Meet in Virginia Highlands Park at 11 a.m., and bike to the mall. (Map here.)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

FREE DC orientation
The need to protect Home Rule has perhaps never felt more urgent. FREE DC's mission is to protect D.C. residents and their autonomy through political action. If you're interested in tapping into your local ward chapter, attend a campaign orientation. You'll learn what you need to know to become an active member. It'll run from 12 - 1:30 p.m. over Zoom. (Good for your lunch break.)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Melt ICE BBQ
Head to Garfield Park for live music, food, art, and community building. Local advocacy organizations like FREE DC, D.C. Migrant Mutual Aid, and Cispes Solidarity will be tabling. Donations are encouraged; 75% will go toward mutual aid groups working with immigrant communities, and 25% will go toward The 411 Collective for future events. Everyone will be hanging out in the park from 2 - 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Mutual Aid History Happy Hour
Ward 1 Mutual Aid and Baldwin House are hosting a happy hour focused on the history of mutual aid in the D.C. area and the importance of storytelling in community movements. The event will run from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at Baldwin House (2570 Sherman Avenue NW).

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

Labor Day Rally with FREE DC and Union Partners
Spend the holiday with FREE DC and local unions. The rally will be held from 5 - 8 p.m. Check with FREE DC for more details closer to the event!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

Farm to Freedom Dinner Party
To celebrate Black August, the Fort Stanton Community Garden is hosting a farm to freedom dinner party – honoring a legacy of agricultural resistance, land stewardship, and protest through food. Local orgs like Nyame Kua Farm Collective, Dreaming Out Loud Inc., and Harriet's Wildest Dreams are partnering for the event. There will be food, music, and Black-owned spirits. Tickets start at $23, and the event will run from 6 - 10 p.m. See a full run-of-show here.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

Black August open mic at Haydee's
The local chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation is marking Black August with an open mic for artists and performers at the Mount Pleasant karaoke spot Haydee's. The event will be free before 8 p.m., with a $20 cover after 8 p.m. The show will start at 7 p.m. With your ticket, you'll be asked to give a $5 donation to the Black Immigrants Bail Fund.

Looking for more ways to get involved? Below, you'll find a list of public meeting calendars for various city agencies, important contact information, and more