Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city β whether thatβs 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.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
Ranked-choice voting training β° 7 - 8 p.m. π Virtual The primary election is coming up on Tuesday, June 16 β and how we're voting is changing, with the rollout of ranked-choice voting. You can learn more in The 51st's voter guide, and/or get your questions answered live at this nonpartisan training hosted by Grow Democracy, Free DC, and the Washington Interfaith Network. Register here.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Volunteer with Thrive DC β° 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. π 1525 Newton St. NW, Suite G1 The organization is short on volunteers to serve up their Thursday morning meal β can you step up to help? Even an hour could make sure more of our unhoused neighbors get something to eat. Sign up here (and don't miss the pre-volunteering requirements!). See other shift options here.
My Body My Festival β° 6:30 p.m. π 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW) Now in its fourth year, My Body My Festival brings together musicians and fans to support the DC Abortion Fund, one of the country's largest organizations that helps people access abortions. This year's one-night-only lineup is stellar: Bartees Srange, Cherub Tree, Deakin, Hamilton Leithauser, Nourished by Time, and Yaya Bey. Tickets are $45.65.
Free DC Chocolate City meeting β° 6:30 - 8 p.m. π RSVP for location The Free DC Chocolate City Group is convening for a night of political education, strategy, and community. You don't have to be a part of Free DC already to attend; the meeting is meant to be a space for connection and collective power. RSVP here.
U Street Neighborhood Night β° 6 - 8 p.m. π DC9 (1940 9th St. NW) It's rooftop season and U Street/Shaw organizers with Free DC are hosting a social at the 9th Street NW bar and concert venue. Drop in to get to know your neighbors and to dream up plans for the U Street Joy Fest in July! Beverages β alcoholic and NA β will be available for purchase.
Neighbor 4 Neighbor Care Planning Workshop β° 5:30 - 8 p.m. π MLK Library (901 G St.NW) This event is designed to help residents plan out how to better show up for each other β both in crises and every day. You'll learn to prepare a pod map and a mad map, along with other strategies for preparedness. Masks are required. You can RSVP here.
Youth for Justice: Free DC Panel and Workshops β° 5 - 8 p.m. π Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ (5301 North Capitol St. NE) Organized by the DC Girls' Coalition, the church's Youth for Justice team, and other local groups, this meeting is a chance for young people to get involved in the Free DC movement to protect home rule. Youth under 24 will receive a $25 stipend for attending, and food will be provided. RSVP here.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Buko Buko show and fundraiser β° Doors at 8 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. π Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW) Buko Buko, which means "young coconut" in Tagalog, is taking the stage at Black Cat alongside other local groups SAAFEWAAY, D.M.V., and GORF. Tickets are $15 and will go toward DC Books to Prisons β a local group that sends more than 6,000 packages of books to incarcerated people across the country every year.
Tech Worker Coalition happy hour β° 6:30 p.m. π Lyman's Tavern (3720 14th St. NW) Calling all tech workers: This group exists as a "political home" for tech workers who are interested in organizing with others in the field β along with building wider coalitions for justice. After a long week, wind down, mingle, and maybe even play some pinball at the Petworth (just barely!) dive bar.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Ratical Left performance β° 2 p.m. π4800 Iowa Ave NW Did you know Ward 2 Mutual Aid has a band? The Ratical Left will be gracing the ... porch at Petworth Porchfest on Saturday. Stop by and support! The festival features 430 bands playing across 164 neighborhood venues, and with 31 genres represented, there should be something for everyone in your group chat.
Museum opening: "We Make History" β° 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. π Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE) After closing for a new installation, the Anacostia Community Museum is reopening with a day-long celebration of its new exhibit "We Make History." There will be a sound bath, a farm stand, story time, and hands-on activities, including guided tours, workshops, and craft stations. You can find the full run-of-show here. No RSVP needed.
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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