Events

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Mr.TinDC

MONDAY, MARCH 5

TEQUILA: Come party tequila style at Oyamel. This all-inclusive party will have food, music, a photo booth, and 15 mezcal, tequila, and beer tasting bars. Ole! (Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, 6 – 9 p.m., $49)

A POET AND I KNOW IT: Hear some poetry at the Brookland Busboys and Poets this evening. Local poet Jonté “Luki” Barrett will perform some of her work while fellow artist Charity Blackwell hosts. Barrett has been called the “Princess of Spoken Word,” so come hear her live up to the hype. (Busboys and Poets – Brookland, 9 p.m. – 12 midnight, $5)

MOVIE NIGHT: The Navy Yard Slipstream hosts movie nights every Monday. This week’s theme is action movies, and Boondock Saints and Lucky Logan will be on the screen. Come by for free popcorn, all-night happy hour deals, and half-off wine bottles. (Slipstream – Navy Yard, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Pianist Michael Weiss (Arts Club of Washington, 7 – 8:30 p.m., FREE), Adams Morgan Day Community Planning Meeting (The Line Hotel, 7 – 9:30 p.m., FREE), 2018 National Bike Summit (Renaissance Washington – Downtown, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., $280 – $650), Basic Bike Maintenance and Security (District Hardware and Bike, 6 – 6:45 p.m., FREE, registration required), Glendalough Distillery Whiskey Masterclass (Five to One, 4 – 7 p.m., FREE, registration required)

Photo by Mr.TinDC

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

TANGO: It takes two to tango, so grab a friend or significant other and head to the Argentinian Embassy for free tango lessons. Argentinian instructor Jorge Pereyra will be in the house to teach you all the steps of the famous dance. It’s for beginners, so not experience necessary – just excitement. (Embassy of Argentina, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE)

THE BIG LEBOWSKI: Celebrate the Dude – it’s the 20th anniversary of The Big Lebowski’s release, and Reliable Tavern will be ringing in the event. Drink White Russians in your best Lebowski costume and stick around for trivia and contests. (Reliable Tavern, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m, FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Clif Burns

TAG IT: Let your rebellious creative streak run free at ArtJamz’s Graffiti Party. Paint the studio walls however you please for an hour, with a complimentary beverage to fuel your liquid inspiration. Afterwards, pay a little extra to stick around, if you want, and move your art to a canvas. (ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 8 – 9 p.m., $15)

WOMEN + ARTS: Celebrate Women’s History Month at the National Museum of the American Indian. Get to learn about Native American artist Nora Naranjo-Morse and her sculpture exhibit, “Always Becoming,” that she created on the museum ground using natural materials and clay. You’ll get in on the action, too, and create your own clay pot or sculpture. (National Museum of the American Indian, 1:30 p.m., FREE)

GARDEN DANCE: Combine flowers and dance tonight because…why not? The Heart Stuck Bernie dance group will perform amongst the orchid display at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Both the choreography and plants are beautifully unusual, so it’s a good fit – stick around for drinks after. (U.S. Botanic Garden, 6 – 8 p.m., $10 – $15)

WET YOUR WHISTLE: If you’re a vodka-cran kinda imbiber, this may not be for you. The Whisky Nite event will take over the Fairmont Hotel tonight, with over 150 distillers on-site to share their booze. Local bartenders will be on-site mixing cocktails, and you can listen to talks by whisky experts or shop for liquor cabinet supplies. Worry not – there’ll be food there, too. (Fairmont Georgetown, $139 – $199)

MORE: Networking and Happy Hour at the French Embassy (French Embassy, 6 – 9:30 p.m., $45 – $65), Bad Jews (Generic Theatre Company, 7 p.m., $5), First on First Features (Heurich House Museum, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE), First Friday Dupont (Dupont Circle, 6 p.m., FREE), Galactic (9:30 Club, 8 – 12 midnight, $30), Paint to Flesh: Current Figurative Work from Martin Campos (Washington Studio School, 5 – 8 p.m., FREE), So Fetch: 2000s Tribute Band (Union Stage, 9 p.m., $10 – $25)

Photo by washingtonydc

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

ADOPT, DON’T SHOP: Meet all the doggos and cats today! The Humane Rescue Alliance will host an adoption event at District Hardware & Bike. The spot is newly-relocated to the Wharf, so stroll around before or after to check out the new neighborhood. You can bring the dog (or dogs plural) you adopt at the event, too. (District Hardware & Bike, 12 noon – 3 p.m., FREE)

MEET THE MAKERS: Meet the folks behind some of your favorite D.C. brands at Union Kitchen’s Meet the Makers event. Sample bites from Dorjee Momo, sip Cosmic Juice, snack on Swapples, and check out many more of the entrepreneurs making the D.C. food and drink community great. Your ticket includes samples from everyone, and you can purchase products on-site, too. (Union Kitchen, 5 – 7 p.m., $19.99 – $29.99)

WELCOME!: Head by the Petworth clothing store Willow today to welcome a new friend to the neighborhood. Capitol Cider House will be opening on Georgia Avenue soon, and it’ll be giving away samples of its cider at the store to celebrate. Al Sur Latin Kitchen will be there, too, handing out empanadas, so make it a lunch-and-drinks thing. (Willow D.C., 2 – 4 p.m., FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Eric Spiegel

MONDAY, FEB. 26

ONE NATION?: Amy Chua, author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, will be in conversation with Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance at Sixth & I. The two will discuss political tribalism, and the identity politics with the U.S. that contribute to it. (Sixth & I, 7 – 8:30 p.m., $20)

CROCK POT SIPPIN’: Drink for a good cause at the D.C. Distillers’ Crock-Off. Local distilleries like Cotton & Reed, Jos. A Mangus, and One Eight Distilling will be create one-of-a-kind warm winter cocktails in crockpots, each vying to put together the best recipe. After, each crockpot will be donated to Food & Friends, a nonprofit in Northeast that delivers meals and groceries to folks with life-threatening illnesses. (Free State, 7 – 11 p.m., FREE)

@ SCREENWRITERS: If you have dreams of writing hits in L.A. one day, check out the Screenwriters Roundtable. It’s a safe, welcoming space for screenwriters to come share their work, hear others, and get inspiration and helpful feedback. Come ready to read the first five pages of your latest work. (Interface Media Group, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., $10)

MORE: Peace Corps Week (Locations, times, prices vary), Local Author Showcase: Jean Freedman (Busboys and Poets Takoma, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE), Fix a Flat Class (District Hardware and Bike, 6 – 7 p.m., $35), All That Sparkles: Grower Champagne (Tabard Inn, 6 – 8 p.m., $81), Min Jin Lee in Conversation with Bethanne Patrick (Politics and Prose at the Wharf, 7 – 8 p.m., FREE), Norfolk State v. Howard (Burr Gymnasium, 5:30 p.m., $10 – $15)

Photo by Mr.TinDC

TUESDAY, FEB. 27

FEELIN’ CHEESY: Let’s face it: Cheese = life. Meet up for Cheesemonster’s monthly Cheese Club. For February, it’ll be diving into the creamy, salty goodness that is L’Amuse Signature Gouda. Try the cheese (aged for over two years by a cheese master) and chat, snack, sip, and mingle. (Bureau, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., $40 – $50) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Kyle

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

VROOM VROOM: Get out your leather – it’s the Washington, D.C. Motorcyle Show this weekend. For those that heed the call of the open road, it’s the ultimate gathering: stunt shows, demo rides, vintage bike displays, sweepstakes, vendors, and more will all be on-site. (Walter E. Washington Convention Center, times vary, $16)

BOOK TALK: To celebrate both Black History Month and W.E.B. DuBois’s 150th birthday, National Book Award winner Ibram Kendi and Howard English professor Dana Williams will be in conversation tonight at Kramerbooks. They’ll discuss DuBois’s seminal piece, Souls of Black Folk, along with his other philosophies, and the resounding effect they had on society from the Civil Rights movement to today. (Kramerbooks, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE)

DO THE VOGUE: It’s D.C. Fashion Week, and there’s plenty to check out. See a showcase of Haitian-designed clothes at the Embassy of Haiti today, take in emerging designers on Saturday, or go high-end at a couture runway show Sunday. It’ll be a very posh weekend in the District. (Locations, times, and prices vary)

BACK TO THE FUTURE: This isn’t your usual happy hour – a psychic will be at Station Kitchen to look into your future over cocktails. She’ll tell you how she does it during a Q&A session, after which she’ll give everyone a personal reading or answer group questions via Angel Cards. The first question: Who will buy my drinks tonight…? (Station Kitchen & Cocktails, 6 – 9 p.m., $30)

MORE: Meeting of the Sexes (Busboys and Poets, 5:30 – 8 p.m., $10), Black Renaissance: Networking Event + Opening Reception (Distinctly Creative, 8 – 11 p.m., $10), Workshop: An Introduction to Fermentation (U.S. Botanic Garden, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $35), Writing Dillon Ripley: From Archive to Book (Smithsonian Libraries, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE, registration required)

Photo by Miki Jourdan

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

SK8R GURLS: Cheer on some badass chicks at the D.C. Rollergirls’ season opener today. The AllStars team will take on the Derby Dames from Charlottesville first, and then the National Maulers will compete against another Charlottesville team later. Roll on. (D.C. Armory, 4:30 p.m., $15)

HERE’S TO YOU: Throw ’em back local-style at the D.C. Distillers Festival. Over 20 area craft distillers will gather Saturday to offer samples of their booze at this speakeasy-inspired fete, complete with a jazz band straight out of the 1920s. Don your flapper gear and sip cocktails by the likes of Founding Spirits and Cirrus Vodka all night long. (Long View Gallery, 1 – 10 p.m., $85 – $150) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Caroline Angelo

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

YAPPY HOUR: It’s like the Bachelorette – except with puppies. At Wunder Garten’s Bachelorettes & Brews Yappy Hour, the single will mingle over drinks and appetizers while Lucky Dog Animal Rescue shows off some of its cuddliest pups. All the dogs are available for adoption, and ticket proceeds go to the rescue shelter. (Wunder Garten, 6 – 9 p.m., $28)

THE IDIOT New Yorker staff writer Elif Batuman will be at Kramerbooks to discuss her book, The Idiot (not the Dostoyevsky one). It follows the story of Selin, the daughter of Turkish immigrants, as she starts at Harvard in the middle of the 90s. It’s a coming-of-age novel that examines young adulthood with wit and a sharp eye. (Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE)

VINO DINNER: Philip Mazzei was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson’s, and helped plant the first vineyards at Monticello. Tonight, discuss Mazzei with one of his direct descendants, Giovanni Mazzei, at a multi-course dinner in Plume’s private wine cellar. The dishes will be created by the restaurant’s chef, and each will be paired with a wine from the Mazzei estate in Tuscany. (Plume, 6:30 p.m., $175)

MORE: Smooth Whisky, Strong Women (The Watergate Hotel, 7 – 10 p.m., FREE), Art You Can Eat (Colada Shop, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., $75), Washington Capitals v. Tampa Bay Lightning (Capital One Arena, 7 p.m., $22 – $371)

Photo by Ted Eytan

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21

CO-WORK IT OUT: Co-working space MakeOffices is opening in The Wharf, and to celebrate, the spot is hosting a day of events with Brightest Young Things. Stop by for juice and coffee from JRINK before settling in for panels on opening a physical retail location, making a living as a creative, and social media marketing. In between, network and refresh with a happy hour and food from CAVA. (MakeOffice at The Wharf, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., FREE, registration required)

PAST IN ART: Check out local artist Lisa Noble’s installation at a reception tonight. Hosted by Monochrome Collective, the artist presents a series of spaces mirrored after interiors from her past. It’s a reflection on the power of memory and its reinterpretation through art. (The Lemon Collective, 5 – 7:30 p.m., FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Mr.TinDC

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

COFFEE + CHOC: Attention coffee and chocolate lovers: A Baked Joint will host a post-Valentine’s Day coffee tasting event tonight. You’ll explore a variety of coffee beverages with tasting notes of chocolate, and cap off the night with an espresso and a chocolate treat. (A Baked Joint, 6 – 7 p.m., FREE)

FIFTY SHADES OF ROSE: It’s the most delightfully basic combo of all time: rose and Fifty Shades of Grey come together at the Fifty Shades of Rose event. Tonight, the French Embassy will have rose, chocolates, oysters, live music, and more for a night of culinary romance. A ticket gets you unlimited wine samplings, cheese and charcuterie, plus live cooking demonstrations. (French Embassy, 6 p.m., $69 – $99)

I LOVE THE 90S: If you weren’t alive during the 90s, skip this – the Back to the 90s event is tonight at Union Stage, which showcases cover bands specializing in the decade’s music. A Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band, a No Doubt cover band, and an Alanis Morissette-soundalike will all take the stage tonight. Grab your flannel, Steve Madden sandals, Furby, and prepare to rock out. (Union Stage, 10 p.m., $15 – $25)

MORE: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Tasting (Craft Beer Cellar D.C., 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE), Literary Cocktails: The Alienist (Petworth Citizen, 7 p.m. – 12 midnight, FREE), Rob Cantrell Stand-Up (Drafthouse Comedy, 7 – 9 p.m., $20)

Photo by Victoria Pickering

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

YEAR OF THE DOG: Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Blagden Alley restaurant Tiger Fork. Outside the spot that afternoon, there will be Chinese lion and dragon dancers, Kung Fu demonstrations, and free hot tea. Stick around and grab some food after – the restaurant will have a special prix-fixe menu, and each item represents and element supposed to bring good luck in the Year of the Dog. (Tiger Fork, 2 – 7 p.m., FREE)

HBD FREDERICK DOUGLASS: Head to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site to celebrate the bicentennial of the abolitionist and writer’s birth. There will be performances by historical Douglass impersonators, tours, music, a puppet show, and crafts. Kenneth B. Morris, Douglass’ great-great-great grandson, will speak, too. (Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Dave Bloom

MONDAY, FEB. 12

ROCK ON: Like heavy metal? Like beer? Come to Atlas Brew Works tonight. The spot will be serving its beer as three metal bands from Germany, Richmond, and Herndon play their rock. It’s an all ages show, so bring the entire crew. (Atlas Brew Works, 8 p.m., $10)

MAKE YOUR MAG: Participate in making your own live-action magazine. At Pop Up Magazine, people will take the stage to tell reported stories, show documentary films and photography, play radio clips, play music, and more. It has all the interesting, informing aspects of reading a magazine, only it’s delivered in real-time. Author Nathaniel Rich will be participating in tonight’s event. (Warner Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39)

ARTIST TALK: BØRNS is performing at The Anthem tomorrow night – catch him beforehand in conversation at Kramerbooks. Come hear the artist talk about his his first record and the process of releasing his second album, Blue Madonna. (Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Curling & Cocktails (The Wharf, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., FREE), Double Agent Date (International Spy Museum, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., $42), Pennsylvania Avenue: America’s Main Street (National Mall, 10 a.m., FREE), Emotional Labor Union: Female Friendship (The Lemon Collective, 7 – 8:30 p.m., $25)

Photo by Three Points Kitchen

TUESDAY, FEB. 13

LES BON TEMPS: Celebrate Fat Tuesday at The Wharf’s Mardi Gras celebration. The spot will host a parade along the waterfront complete with floats, bead tossing, and a New Orleans brass band. After, there will be a dance party and fireworks finale. Stick around when it’s all done – many of the restaurants and bars in the development will serve Mardi Gras-themed treats. (The Wharf, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Nathan Castellanos

FRIDAY, FEB. 9

BUBBLY, PLEASE: If your New Year’s resolution was to entertain more often, go to this: The St. Regis will host a cocktail class covering how to make the best champagne cocktail. You’ll learn to recreate plenty of recipes at home, and try some, too. Everyone gets to sample the cocktails they make, and there will be appetizers and a parting gift. (The St. Regis Hotel, $85, 4 – 6 p.m.)

PARTY LIKE AN OLYMPIAN: Let the games begin! Kick off the Olympics by watching the Opening Ceremony at Wunder Garten’s dance party. There will be themed cocktails like the Triple Lutz and the Downhill Chaser, a DJ, and prizes for the best costume (so break out those ski jackets). If you can’t make it, come by throughout the games to watch events on the spot’s TVs. (Wunder Garten at NoMa, 6:30 – 11 p.m., FREE)

WRITE ON: The Muslim Writers Collective is hosting its monthly open mic tonight. The theme is Love & Heartbreaks, so if you have something to say in the midst of Valentine’s Day season, sign up to share your songs, poems, or essays. Don’t want to get on stage? Come hang out and listen to the stories in-person. (Thurgood Marshall Center, 7 – 8 p.m., $7)

HAWT DAWG!: Free. Hot. Dogs. Yes, you read that correctly. Go by The Pig at lunch today, where they’ll be giving away 100 of their Boss Hogg Dogs free of charge. These bad boys come with smoked gouda, Cognac mustard, and foie gras aioli, so it’s worth it to elbow people out of your way en route. (The Pig, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., FREE)

MORE: CinEinsomnia: Ghost (Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 12 midnight, $9.50 – $10), Tedeschi Trucks Band (Warner Theatre, 8 p.m., $67.50), Cabaret Rising (Dupont Underground, 3 – 5 p.m., $35 – $75)

Photo by Erin Kelly

SATURDAY, FEB. 10

YOU’VE GOT MAIL: This is way better than Hallmark – come to the National Postal Museum to make a Valentine for your boo or BFF. They’ll provide the supplies, and afterwards, you can head to the museum’s stamp store, pick out your favorite, and send the card right then and there. Who said snail mail is dead? (Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., FREE)

MOUNTAIN WINE: Cork’s wine tasting series continues this month with a new focus: mountain wines. Come by to taste and learn all about vinos from the mountains of France, Italy, and Spain. On top of the wine flights, there will be small plates, too, and you’ll leave with enough knowledge to host a wine tasting of your own. (Cork Wine Bar & Market, 2 – 3:30 p.m., $40) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Eric p.

FRIDAY, FEB. 2

I GOT THE BLUES: If you like blues music, come see the real thing tonight at the Kennedy Center. Memphis Gold is a blues musician – the kind it’s rare to see these days – and he’ll be playing at the Millennium Stage. All the performance at the space are free, so just show up and prepare to enjoy. (The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, 6 p.m., FREE)

COLOR IT IN: Who doesn’t love coloring? Join the Luce Foundation at the Smithsonian Art Museum for its young professionals night complete with art supplies. Sip a complimentary cup of cocoa while you color in pages based on works in the space. (Smithsonian American Art Museum, 5 – 7 p.m., FREE)

NO VEGETARIANS, PLEASE: Tonight and tomorrow is Salty Beast, a pop-up dinner series hosted by Cured D.C. The five-course dinner features Old World-style charcuterie (hence the name) meant to be shared. Pull up a chair at a big, communal table and dig in. (District Space, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., $55)

HAIKU FOR YOU: Today is the last day to enter the Golden Triangle BID’s haiku contest. Pen one of the short poems (five-seven-five syllables per line), submit it, and your work could be featured on a series of signs placed along city sidewalks come March. Oh, you could also win prizes up to $500. (FREE)

MORE: A Branch of Freshest Green: Music of Hildegard von Bingen (Washington National Cathedral, 8 p.m., $30 – $60), His Town: A Drunk Ed Deep Dive into the Masculine Swamp (Black Cat D.C., 8 – 10 p.m., $15), First Friday Dupont: Art Walk (Dupont Circle, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE), YARN (The Hamilton, 8 p.m., $10 – $15)

Photo by Erin

SATURDAY, FEB. 3

MAKE YOUR OWN SUSHI: Learn to roll sushi tonight at Umaya. A seasoned chef will walk you through the steps for creating four different types of rolls, like California and spicy tuna, and you’ll get to sample them all. Both red and white wine is included at the event, too. (Umaya, 1 – 4 p.m., $52) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by quemac

MONDAY, JAN. 29

CLOTHES SWAP: It’s time for pre-spring cleaning: Clear your closet of gently-used clothes that you never wear, and bring them to a clothing swap. You’ll be able to trade your threads on-site for other cloths people have brought to swap, and you’ll walk out with a whole new outfit. (The Potter’s House, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE)

TIME IS UP: Platform: A New Generation of Politically Empowered Women is an education and lobbying group inspired by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Today, it will host a panel and workshop about ways to advocate for an end to sexual violence and harassment. Tuesday, participants can go to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and put their new tactics to use. (Social Tables, times vary, FREE, registration required)

MORE: David Hallberg with Michael Kaiser: A Body of Work (Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 7 – 8 p.m., FREE), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (9:30 Club, 7 – 11 p.m., $26), Conversations with Women Who Lead (D.C. Mayor’s Office of Women’s Policy & Initiatives, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., FREE, registration required), The Puppet Lobby (Brookland Artspace Lofts, 7 – 8 p.m., FREE)

TUESDAY, JAN. 30

FOOD FREEDOM: We’re a culture obsessed with food – but when does that obsession become unhealthy? Food group pineapple presents a talk on food freedom and our relationship with it. Four women from the wellness and food industry will speak to the group about identities with food and the emotions that accompany eating. (Logan Exchange, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., $25 – $30) (more…)