There’s so much to do in the DC area in the coming days, and WTOP brings you our weekly roundup of area events worth waiting for.
There’s so much to do in the DC area in the coming days, and WTOP brings you our weekly roundup of area events worth waiting for.
If you’re looking for events perfect for the season, head over to the guide to last week’s Halloween-focused events Or WTOP Fall Festival Guide for more fall fun.
Check back every Thursday for a preview of Things to do in the DC area.
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Although born in St. Paul, Minnesota, F. Scott Fitzgerald has local ties, not only to his grave being in Rockville, Marylandbut also the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festivalwhich returns for its 27th edition on October 21. On October 20, the festival will also host a free event at the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where there will be readings of works by American author Jonathan Franzen, who will be in attendance.
This year the theme of the festival is “Mental Illness in Fiction”. Expect a full day of activities with workshops on topics such as “Turning Your Mental Health Story into Fiction” and “Writing Historical Fiction.” Later, authors Franzen and David Means will converse and give readings from their works, with a lecture later by Ron Charles.
Franzen, this year’s winner, is known for written works like “The Corrections,” a satirical family drama that won him a National Book Award. He was too on the cover of Time in August 2010.
“Fitzgerald’s fiction, like Jonathan Franzen’s, is serious fiction,” said Gary Berg-Cross, president of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference. “It tries to address the issues of the day and put people in the context of how their lives are affected by what’s happening in the culture. »
Here’s what else is happening in the DC area:
CC
Comic collage workshop
A local group of creatives, called Creatives Club DC, will host a low-key workshop at Fantom Comics entirely dedicated to comic collage. Taking place on October 24, the event is open to creatives of all types and skill levels.
Jazz at the Carter Barron
The Rock Creek Conservancy is hosting a virtual panel discussion on October 25 that explore the history of jazz at the Carter Barron Amphitheater. Expect to hear names like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, among others. The event is free.
ARTECH·TALK with Henry Dehlinger
ARTECHOUSE DC is hosting a series of conversations with NASA scientists as part of its latest exhibit, “Beyond the Light“, which will run until December 13. On October 25, the digital art gallery will host Henry Dehlinger, composer who collaborated with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the National Philharmonic to create an orchestral work comprising seven “tone poems.” These poems are paired with images and data visualizations of the sun, Earth, moon, planets, and cosmos, many from the James Webb Space Telescope. Expect a lecture that will discuss transforming the data of the universe into art. For those who might miss this conference, there will be another one on November 1st with Dr Stéfanie MilamDeputy Project Scientist for Planetary Sciences on the James Webb Space Telescope team
Old-fashioned dance evening
For those 21 and over, Pie Shop invites the public to dance hard on October 21. Ticket sales will fund grants to Ward 6 schools and H Street beautification and improvement projects. Tickets are $15 or $10 cash at the door with proof of purchase of dinner at a neighboring establishment on rue H.
Laurie Anderson
As part of its recent exhibition entitled “The Weather”, Laurie Anderson, Grammy Award-winning musician and recording artist will host a one-night-only performance with composer and jazz musician Doug Wieselman at the Hirshhorn Museum. Currently, free passes have been claimed, but a queue will open at 5 p.m. on the museum square. The event has been postponed and is now scheduled for October 24.
Play golf at Nationals Park
Stadiumlinks hosts departure time at Nationals Park from October 20 to 22. The stadium will have a nine-hole golf course spread across the entire outfield with the option of a chipping or putting challenge to add to the experience. Tickets range from $84 to $89 per player and can be reserved for groups of two, four, six or eight players. There is also a $115 VIP package that includes food, drinks and more.
Black Boy Art Exhibition
Long View Gallery celebrates Black male visual artists from cities across the country in this traveling art exhibition. THE “Black Boy Art Exhibition» is scheduled to come to DC on October 22 with tickets starting at $30.
Immigration Film Festival
For its 10th year, the theme of 2023 Immigration Film Festival is “Resilient Together”. So, the films we can expect are those that take inspiration from how connecting to others can help immigrants and refugees build resilience. The festival takes place from October 20 to 22 for the in-person schedule and from October 19 to 29 for virtual broadcast.
Black City DC
Catch the end of this black film festival before his last day on October 22. Many of the films date from 1948, with some screenings including guest intros, such as by film historian Foster Hirsch who will present the films October 20-22.
The Vampire’s Life
Profs & Pints will host a presentation by Stanley Joseph Stepanic of the University of Virginia who will discuss the origins and evolution of vampires. The event at Penn Social will take place on October 24. Advance tickets cost around $15. At the door, tickets are $17 or $15 with a student ID.
Sublime Sunday
HAS Femme Fatale DC, expect fun activities like DIY pressed flower pumpkins, DIY candles, tarot readings, and “permanent jewelry.” The event will take place on October 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Reopening of the National Museum of Women in the Arts
After two years of renovations, the National Museum of Women and the Arts reopens on Saturday. Discover the new features and take a peek inside with cover art from WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer.
Maryland
Chevrolet Chase Art Walk
More than 70 local artists will open their studios and homes around Chevy Chase, Maryland and Washington, DC on October 21 and 22 for the occasion. fourth annual art walk. Featured artists include a wide range of media, such as painting, jewelry, sculpture, ceramic art and photography. Check out this Google map to see where the art walk locations will be this year. The event is free and open to the public.
Stuffed Animal Costume Workshop
On October 20, Bark Social Bethesda will host a cuddly toy workshop with the Bougie Dog Mom with tickets costing $15. Bark Social, a social club for dogs and dog lovers, is also hosting a meeting about dog costumes on October 23. Parents of four-legged friends must register their dogs with current vaccination records and have a Bark Social Club membership – or monthly or daily pass – to attend the event.
Halloween Harbor
October 22 at National Harbor, Harbor Halloween family event will allow young people to celebrate the spooky season by giving gifts at several participating locations. Children in costume will also be eligible for a free ride on the Capital Wheel from noon to 5 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entry. Other activities to plan for that day are an outdoor screening of the film “Hocus Pocus,” a pumpkin carving competition and a “pet paw.”
Looking for more spooky, family-friendly events in the DC area? Check WTOP Halloween Events Guide.
Virginia
Autumn Festival
On Tysons Corner Center Square, the Fall Festival will invite the public to participate in a pet costume contest, pumpkin carving demonstrations, face painting and seasonal crafts. The October 21 event runs from noon to 6 p.m.
For more fun this fall, find over 20 festivals to consider in this guide from WTOP.
Middleburg Film Festival
In Middleburg, Virginia, this annual festival returns for its 11th edition with a special preview of future Oscar contenders before they are broadcast nationwide. WTOP’s Jason Fraley has all the details you’ll need on this event, which takes place from October 19 to 22.
Halloween Trivia…with cats!
Put your knowledge to the test with this festive and hairy Halloween quiz night on October 19 at Mount Purrnon, the cat cafe located in Alexandria, Virginia. Tickets are $25.50 each. The next day, October 20, consider attending Mount Purrnon’s drag bingo night (with cats, of course).
Haunted Wine Tour
Until November 2, The Winery at Bull Run in Centerville, Virginia, leads outdoor walking tours through the historic winery grounds. The one-hour lantern-led tour will include a wine tasting and special offers on mulled wine and signature mug combinations.
Masquerade
Birchmere’s annual Halloween event on October 21 is a fusion theatrical oriental dance show. The event will feature a costume competition at 5:30 p.m. and the main show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35.
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