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For four electric days, Washington, DC becomes the beating heart of Irish cinema. From February 26 – March 1, 2026, Solas Nua’s Capital Irish Film Festival (CIFF) returns to the iconic AFI Silver Theatre & Cultural Center in downtown Silver Spring with a must-see lineup of bold stories, premieres and receptions, and in-person appearances from the filmmakers and actors shaping Ireland’s booming film industry. 

Celebrating 20 years of presenting Irish film in DC, CIFF 2026 showcases 18 features, 7 North American and 7 East Coast premieres, and 24 shorts across four programs (including a family-friendly program). 

CIFF is your chance to see Irish films that would not normally screen in the United States.

Expect gripping dramas, Irish-language thrillers (BÁITE, AONTAS), music documentaries (CELTIC UTOPIA, BP FALLON ROCK’N’ROLL WIZARD VOL. 1, IN TIME: DONAL LUNNY), profiles of political leaders who lead with peace (GERRY ADAMS: A BALLYMUPRHY MAN, DANIEL O’CONNELL: THE EMANCIPATOR), and women fighting for justice (TESTIMONY).  (more…)

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Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. This winter’s been too cold, so let’s melt some hearts. Get your floral order in now while there is still a variety of stylish arrangements to choose from. 

Instead of calling up one of those national florists and ordering a generic arrangement, shop local and order a unique design from D.C.-based florist Volanni.

Michael Lanni, the artist behind these beautiful bouquets, has created a catalogue for Valentine’s Day arrangements. You’ll find way more options than your classic red roses, too. Ultimately, Volanni is made up of artists and flowers are the medium.

So if you want to support a local designer and surprise your special person with an arrangement this Valentine’s Day, shop Volanni’s arrangements and place your order online by Thursday, February 12.

Follow Volanni on Instagram @volanni_floral!

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Bring the whole family or your Valentine to enjoy a day of chocolate history, culture, and food at the National Museum of the American Indian, Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 AM – 5 PM. 

Visitors can watch as Executive Chef Alex Strong of the museum’s own Mitsitam Cafe shows how she makes some tasty chocolate treats, enjoy performances by dance group Danza Tecuanis, and follow the path from blossom to beverage with an interactive presentation, and make and take a bookmark to remember the day! 

SCHEDULE

10 AM-4 PM | Amate Bookmark Activity
Made from fig and mulberry bark, amate is a type of paper that has been made and used by Indigenous communities of what is now Mexico for generations. Amate was often used to create codices or folding books. Join our museum educators to make and take home your own amate bookmark. 

10:30 AM-5 PM | Blossom to Beverage
The Jose Reyes Family (Mixtec) will share the process of turning cacao into chocolate. “Blossom to Beverage” delves deep into cacao, from blooms through ripe cacao pods, and finishes with the frothy beverage we recognize as hot chocolate.

11 AM, 2 PM | Food demonstrations with Executive Chef Alexandra Strong
Mitsitam’s executive chef will demonstrate how to make some of her favorite chocolate desserts.

12:30 PM, 3:30 PM | Performances by Danza Tecuanis
Local Mixtec dance group Danza Tecuanis fills the Potomac Atrium with movement.

*Schedule subject to change

Feast & Fettle is now officially delivering throughout Washington DC, and families across the city are beginning to experience a simpler and more thoughtful way to approach dinner.

Each meal is prepared from scratch by the company’s in-house culinary team, then delivered chilled and ready to heat. There is no cooking, no cleanup, and no uncertainty about what is for dinner. Just real food, made with care and designed to make evenings feel more manageable.

The decision to expand into Washington DC was never only about reaching a new market. It was about recognizing a real need. This is a city filled with professionals, caregivers, and families managing full schedules. Feast & Fettle saw the opportunity to offer a solution that saves time without compromising on quality. It was also a chance to join a community that values both nourishment and reliability.

Before the first delivery went out, Feast & Fettle partnered with local organizations such as Bread for the City to provide meals for those affected by the pause in SNAP benefits. This outreach reflected the same core belief that guides the company’s work every day. Everyone deserves access to a nourishing meal, especially during times of uncertainty.

Now that the new regional facility is fully operational, Feast & Fettle can serve Washington DC with the consistency members count on. This facility has also created new jobs in the area, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting the local economy and building strong connections in the communities it serves.

Each week, members can choose from a rotating menu that includes entrees, seasonal sides, and kid-friendly options. Every dish is crafted using high-quality ingredients and made without shortcuts. Whether feeding a family or planning for a busy week, members can rely on meals that are both satisfying and thoughtfully prepared.

In a city where time is always in short supply, Feast & Fettle offers a way to take one important thing off the to-do list and replace it with something better.

Because a good dinner should never feel out of reach. It should feel like a welcome part of the day.

New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: Feast & Fettle