13 things to do around D.C this weekend
Community is important right now: attend a post-election gathering space, make new friends, go to a sound bath.
Well… it’s been a week. One thing that might help is unfolding from your doom-scrolling crouch and finding ways to connect and build community. We hope this roundup of ways to get out of the house and through the coming days is useful.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 7
Post-Election Community Space
Feeling stressed out? Overwhelmed? Hopeless? Be in community, however you’re feeling, in this space organized by ROC DC, a restaurant workers-rights organization. There will be light snacks and chances to meditate, socialize, or make art. (1640 Columbia Road NW; 1 p.m.- 8 p.m.; FREE)
Marvel vs. DC Trivia at Atlas Brew Works Ivy City
Ready for a lower-stakes debate? Fight it out for team Ironman or team Superman with other comic diehards at the city’s “Best Themed Trivia,” according to Washingtonian Magazine. The winners can snag a $50 Atlas gift card, or a six-pack of beer. There will be food and drink specials – and seating is limited so don’t delay. (Atlas Brew Works Ivy City Brewery & Taproom; 5-10 p.m.; FREE)
2024 Whiskey, Wine & Spirits Festival
When all else fails… head to Union Market for unlimited whiskey, wine, and spirit tastings. There will be food, music, a fall gift market, pumpkin painting, and a free rocks glass if you get there early enough. (Dock 5, Union Market; 6:30 p.m.; $80-100)
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8
Young Black Professionals Happy Hour
Make new friends, forge career contacts, and build community at this event aimed at like minds, identities, and career stages. Enjoy $5 drink specials and a $10 food menu until 9 p.m. (Flirt Cocktail Bar; 6-10 p.m.; FREE)
November Friends in DC
Making friends as an adult is hard, and we probably need them now more than ever. Make it easier with this event aimed at D.C. residents searching for community but struggling to find it. For those who are feeling a bit anxious about the prospect of connecting with strangers – “all you need to do is show up as you are with an open heart.” (Eaton House; 7:30 p.m.; $30)
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9
Release & Flow Sound Bath
It’s been a stressful week (month? year?) and we could all use a little release. This sound bath uses drums, chimes, and crystal sound bowls to leave you feeling replenished and at peace. No experience necessary – you just have to lay on a mat, cover your eyes, and vibe. (Yoga Heights Georgia Ave.; 1 p.m. -2:15 p.m.; $31.35)
Bike the Sites
The Neighborhood Design Center works to improve public and shared spaces with improved design, greenery, increased accessibility, better seating, and other community-informed upgrades. Now, they’re hosting a bike tour of their sites throughout Prince George’s County, paired with breakfast and a pizza lunch. Electric pedal assist bikes are available if you need one. (3911 Hamilton St.; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.; $10-$20)
Bring Back The 90’s
Miss scrunchies and Nintendo? This yoga and pilates event might be for you. It promises to serve up a heavy dose of nostalgia with all of your favorite fashion and music from the decade while also making you sweat and stretch. (1325 5th St NE; 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; $28.52)
That’s So Vintage Market
Over two days you can shop DC’s largest vintage market with over 52 vendors peddling retro duds, accessories, books, glassware, trinkets, and more. With different vendors each day, it might even be worth going twice. (Dock 5, Union Market; 11 a.m.; $5-$30)
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10
National Pupusa Day at El Tamarindo
D.C. loves a chance to celebrate pupusas, and this Sunday you can do so until 2 a.m., while fall-themed cocktails flow and a DJ spins Latin tracks. There will also be family-friendly daytime events, including face painting and a cooking class. Sample specialty pupusas by chefs at Colada Shop and Yalla with flavors from El Salvador and Cuba. Better yet, partial proceeds go toward legal defense for unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings. (El Tamarindo; 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; FREE)
November Pre-Holiday Market
The holidays will be here before you know it so get a jump on your gift list at this pop-up on Sonny’s spacious (and heated!) patio. You’ll find local artisans curated by ArteparaVivir Design, and local nonprofit District Bridges will be organizing arts and crafts. When your shopping energy flags, take a break with coffee, natural wine, and pizza. (Doubles DC; 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.; FREE)
Trinidad History & Future Fest 2024
This event “is more than a block party,” it’s a celebration of this Ward 5 neighborhood’s rich history, and future potential. There will be DJs blasting family-friendly tunes, food, giveaways, historical information, and discussion about the future Trinidad residents hope to build for themselves. It says tickets are sold out on the event listing but organizers confirmed tickets aren’t required, and everyone is welcome. (1299 Neal St NE; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; FREE)
An Evening with Caroline Choe for BANCHAN
They might technically be side dishes, but banchan can also be the main attraction to any Korean meal. Celebrate the release of Caroline Choe’s new cookbook and its 60 recipes for these tasty sides – from Hobakjeon, or zucchini pancakes, to Pa Muchim, or shaved green onion salad, and – of course – kimchi. She’ll be in discussion with DC-based artist Julia Chon (better known as Kimchi Juice). (Bold Fork Books; 6-8 p.m.; $5-$28)
