17th_st_high_heel_race
Photo by PoPville flickr user thisisbossi

The 17th Street High Heel Race is tomorrow night:

“The High Heel Race is one of Washington, DC most unique events with a rich history of “Crossing The Line Since 1986”. On the Tuesday before Halloween, thousands of spectators pack the Dupont Circle Neighborhood to watch hundreds of costumed drag queens show off their extravagant outfits and race down Historic 17th Street, NW.

Location: 17th Street, between P and S Streets NW near Dupont Circle
Race Time: Begins at 9 p.m. Participants gather as early as 6 p.m.

The start of the Race will be in between Riggs and R street on 17th street NW and the ending will be on 17th Street between P and Church street.”

For those not familiar, some history from their facebook page:

“For anyone who has ever wondered about the History of the High Heel Race here it is. In 1986 JR.’s Bar & Grill opened. it was formerly Annies Paramount Steak House. A few guys were dressed in drag and said “let’s run to Annies (now located a block away) do a shot and run back to JR.’s. Well they did this and the next year they had a few more people and it was a continued tradition. It eventually got to be so big that the police had to shut down the street and worked with JR.’s to help make sure the event was organized and safe for everyone. We are happy to say that with the Help of JR.’s that this event has been problem free for 28 years now. The poice department and the Mayors office have been amazing throughout the History of the Race. This is a neighborhood event and it always brings out the best in people whether it be their creativeness or just putting people in a positive mood. The Race used to be on halloween night but to help the police department out it is always held the Tuesday before halloween now.”


ria_fall_fest

From RIA Main Street:

“Rhode Island Ave. NE, between 20th and 24th Streets NE

For the last 3 years, the Rhode Island Avenue Fall Fest has showcased our beautiful tree-lined commercial district in one of the hottest real estate markets in DC, and has attracted hundreds of visitors for a day full of shopping, food, and entertainment for the whole family. Fall Fest 2014 promises to be bigger and better – more music, more art, more food, and more fun!”

182362_140362112763797_387785863_n_1
Photo courtesy Old Takoma Business Association

From a press release:

“The 2014 Takoma Park Street Festival will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 10am-5pm in Old Takoma: Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, MD to Carroll Street, NW in Takoma, DC. Visitors are encouraged to make a day exploring unique Old Takoma and attend this popular community event. The streets will be filled with music, artisans, community groups, children’s activities, food vendors and variety of green companies.

NEW in 2014: The Crawl! Festival attendees can purchase a commemorative TAKOMA beer mug good for discounted beer pours during and after the festival at the following businesses: Republic, Roscoe’s Pizzeria, Olive Lounge, Takoma Station Tavern and Evolve. Plus for the early risers- Breakfast Beer, for Mug holders only, is available at Republic starting at 10am. Mugs will go on sale prior to the festival at Takoma shop, Trohv, and on the day of the festival, at the Festival Info Booth.

The festival has three stages that play host to 18 popular, local bands.

Additionally, a diverse collection of affordable items from over 150 artisans makes holiday shopping easy. Shoppers will find paintings, photographs, pottery, silk-screening, soaps, stained glass, jewelry, wood-working, textiles, ceramics, kids’ items and much, much more! Community groups are a big part of the festival in socially conscious Takoma Park too. Festival goers have the opportunity to meet a wide variety of non-profit organizations ready to share information. Kids also love the festival with kids’ activities, inflatables and FUN!”

soldiers_home_access_petworth

“Enjoy Fall Fest at the Soldiers’ Home!
Join us on Sunday October 5 for Fall Fest at the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Upshur Street at Rock Creek Church Road NW

Enjoy an array of activities throughout the day, including: an antique car show, beer and bourbon tents, games and activities, golfing, live music, a military drill team, and tours of buildings in the historic core of the Soldiers’ Home campus, including the Sherman Tower and Quarters 1.

This event is hosted by the Armed Forces Retirement Home, in partnership with President Lincoln’s Cottage, Double Nickels Theater Company, Friends of Soldiers’ Home, Military District of Washington, and Creative Minds International Public Charter School. Special thanks to our supporters DC Brau and Woodford Reserve for donating craft beer and bourbon to the President Lincoln’s Cottage tent.

9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday October 5. Free entry.”


IMG_3537
Photo courtesy Barracks Row Main Street

From a press release:

“Saturday, September 27, 2014 marks the return of Barracks Row Main Street’s longest running event, the Barracks Row Fall Festival where over 120 booths plus six full hours of stage acts blend urban diversity with the curiosities of small town fairs. There’s no fair like this fair anywhere and its just one week away!

Our event partners and participants include the United States Marine Corps, The Trapeze School DC and the Military Hospitality Alliance – sponsors of the Military Chef’s Cook Off. This year we will feature a “river row” comprised of a dozen booths representing Anacostia River activities available year round: kayaking, ice skating, sailing, new parks for river watching and even volunteering for river maintenance, clean up and counting osprey nests.

Last year’s big hit, the BRMS Fall Festival Beer Garden is back. Located directly across the street from matchbox, 521 8th St, SE, it is produced by Belga, Cava, DC3, matchbox and others. There you can find many St. Pauli Girls, guys in lederhosen along with live music and loads of delicious seasonal dishes to accompany seasonal beers.

Also, for kids, our ever-popular farm animal petting zoo is returning! Plus there is a Kids Zone with balloon animals, face painting, crafts and stories. As the afternoon progresses watch back-to-back performances from 2:00 PM to 4:15PM by Batala, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, and The Georgetown Chimes. For a timeline of stage acts www.barracksrow.org. Spend a few hours or the entire day. Our many sidewalk cafes make the perfect front row seat for this show.

Barracks Row is located on 8th Street, SE, running from Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, to M Street, SE.”


8019046755_0ab142d8ab_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

This weekend is just ridiculously packed with good stuff – here’s one more. From Fiesta DC:

“Fiesta DC Latino Festival has been held each year in Washington DC for forty-three years. It is an annual celebration of Latino culture that features a Parade of Nations that displays and preserves the Native Latino cultural dance troupes as well as contemporary local groups from civic organizations, schools, and performers. The Parade of nations will take place on Constitution Avenue Through partnerships established with the festival’s sponsors, Fiesta DC 2014 will host a variety of entities that will provide educational and community information to the event attendees.

Fiesta DC 2014 Parade will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2014, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Parade will start at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW , and will travel east to 14th Street NW.”

fiesta_dc


vegfest_2014_dc
Photo of Yards Park by PoPville flickr user caroline.angelo

From a press release:

“Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or veg-curious, DC VegFest is the place to be on September 20th from 11am-6pm. More than 15,000 Washingtonians and visitors alike are expected to attend this yearly celebration of the best of everything vegetarian in and around the nation’s capital.

“From free vegan food samples and cooking demos to a kids’ activity area and live music, DC VegFest has something for everyone,” says Erica Meier, Executive Director of Compassion Over Killing. “Now in its sixth year, this free outdoor event is the perfect way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon with your family and friends – including your furry four-legged friends who can enjoy free treats in our new Barking Lot.”

During this day-long celebration, more than 100 exhibitors, partners, and sponsors will showcase a wide range of products, services and resources to help Washingtonians discover why eating a plant-based diet and choosing vegetarian foods is one of the best ways to help protect our health, the planet, and animals.

DC VegFest will take place at Yards Park, corner of N St and 1st St SE, Washington, DC, and attendees will have the opportunity to: (more…)


dcsf_postcard

From a press release:

“The fifth annual DC State Fair will be held on September 20, 2014 from 12PM to 7PM at the Old City Farm and Guild located at 925 Rhode Island Ave NW.

The DC State Fair is partnering this year with the Homegrown DC Fair to put on an event showcasing the District’s food and artistic talent. Various contests will be held during the Fair, including: pie baking, funkiest-looking vegetable, honey, and pickled foods. Last year’s bike accessory contest winner was a child’s seat add-on for the Capital Bikeshare bicycles. New for this year is an ice cream contest where the District’s residents can show off their home-made ice cream and gelato. The popular homebrew contest will be held later this Fall. (more…)


h_street_festival_dc_20131
Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

Don’t forget Adams Morgan Day is this Sunday and mark your calendars for H Street and Columbia Heights:

“The 2014 H Street Festival will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2014. This will be the biggest Festival ever, spanning 10 blocks of H Street NE and featuring over 200 businesses, restaurants, community organizations and merchants. Come down and enjoy great food, drinks, music, contests, kids’ activities and more!

Organized by H Street Main Street, the annual celebration highlights the development of the H Street NE Corridor and it’s vibrant businesses. The event is one of the District’s most popular festivals, and has been named Washington, DC’s best neighborhood festival by Washington City Paper for the last four years. In a city that boasts so many wonderful neighborhoods, the H Street NE Corridor has become one of the most diverse and exciting neighborhoods to live in, shop, eat and hang out.

This year’s Festival will offer more entertainment than ever before, featuring more than 500 performers and artists on 14 staging areas spread throughout the event. Performances will range from jazz, pop and gospel music to fitness demonstrations, a “skills on wheels” performance and interactive art displays.

For those who come hungry or thirsty, the Festival will feature over 70 food vendors, food trucks and restaurants serving up meals from all corners of the world. Festivalgoers can also visit the beverage gardens located along the festival route to sample the many available libations.

Other attractions at this year’s Festival, include:

– Washington Nationals Presidents – The Presidents will race down part of the Festival route from the 8th Street Stage (8 and H) following the singing of the national anthem at noon. The Presidents will also be available for pictures with festivalgoers at 3 p.m. at the Zone 9 parking lot (9 and H).

– DC Streetcar Open House – Visitors will be able to get an up close look at the exterior and interior of the DC Streetcars, which are set to begin running later this year (5 and H, 8 and H and 13 and H).

– Grand Opening of Gallery on O – The H Street Festival will celebrate the grand opening to the public of the Gallery on O, showcasing the 50th anniversary of Washington Informer photography (13 and H).

– Kids Zone – The Festival will have a special “kid’s zone,” featuring GolfZilla, a Godzilla-themed inflatable target that kids can hit golf balls at, multiple appearances by Callaloo the puppet, face painting, a giant slide and other family-friendly activities (9 and H).

– Interactive Art Displays – Festivalgoers will be able to get an up close look at a number of art cars (13 and H), as well as watch artists paint an H Street-themed bus from start to finish and build custom bikes from scratch (5 and H).

– Contests and Competitions – Attendees are invited to compete in or watch the annual pie, chili and burrito eating contests, a bad tattoo competition (10 and H) and an arm wrestling competition (9 and H).

– District Fashion Week – The Fashion Stage will kick off the annual District Fashion Week celebration with area designers (10 and H).

– Pedicabs – Pedicabs will offer weary festivalgoers transportation at a special festival rate parallel to the festival route on G and I Streets.

– And much more!

Festival hours are from noon – 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. The Festival will take place between the 400 and 1400 blocks of H Street NE. For additional information, please visit here.”

columbia_heights_day

“Columbia Heights Day Is Back!
Join your neighbors & bring your friends on Saturday, October 11th!

The Columbia Heights Day Initiative and 11th Street Business Alliance are excited to announce the kick-off of our 8th Annual Columbia Heights Day Festival. Neighbors and friends of all ages are welcome to join the fun-packed day of festivities which will feature local musicians, a dunk tank, face painters, eating contest, an adult tricycle race, yoga, family fun field day, & much much more”


View More Stories