Head to the P Street Whole Foods this week to make challah bread. (Photo from LaTur)
In a rut? Break out of the usual this week by making challah bread, sampling Spanish wines, or catching a Brazilian film. Feeling intellectual? Then check out the Code(Her) conference or TedX talk at Howard. Or just say screw it and ride around D.C. on a bike dressed like a cartoon character—that’s an option, too.
MONDAY, SEPT. 11
HOLLA FOR SOME CHALLAH Kids and adults alike are invited to swing by the P Street Whole Foods for its Challah Tots event. Attendees will enjoy story time and crafts all while braiding challah bread (and eating it afterwards, of course). Even those not celebrating Shabbat this week should come by—after all, who doesn’t love an excuse to eat carbs? (P Street Whole Foods Market, 4 – 5 p.m., FREE, registration required)
WHERE HAVE ALL THE LEADERS GONE? Duke University professor and co-director of the Social Movements Lab Michael Hardt comes to the District to discuss his latest book, Assembly. Focusing on the effect social movements have on political landscapes, Hardt’s book examines the eruption of “leaderless” social movements in current global politics and their effectiveness at enacting change. Co-hosted by NoMu NoMu and Washington Project for the Arts, Hardt’s discussion will attempt to answer his multi-pronged question: Where have all the leaders gone? (Washington Project for the Arts, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE)
ART TALK Support local, burgeoning artists at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design’s senior photo exhibition. Each student artist will discuss his or her photographic focus, as well plans for the upcoming final thesis. There will be plenty of photography genres represented—from abstract to still life—and plenty of questions raised—from standards of beauty to definitions of art. Take part in the discussion moderated by Professor Jennifer Sakai, and leave with a new perspective. (Gallery 102, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE)
BRAZILIAN FILM Get some South American flavor at the Brazilian Embassy this week at the space’s Bahia Film Showcase. Bahia, a northern state in Brazil, and its capital, Salvador, are unique hybrids of African and Brazilian cultures. Tonight’s screened film, Lower City, takes viewers into this blend of traditions and influences by following two childhood friends who find themselves in a love triangle. Show up to see how it all ends. (Embassy of Brazil, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., FREE)
START ME UP D.C. Startup Week is officially underway. The event lasts through Friday and is filled with talks, panels, workshops, lunch-and-learns, and mixers all dedicated to promoting entrepreneurialism and innovative growth. Today, there will be talks on tech language, diversity, and using federal resources, to name a few, but the array of topics throughout the week is seemingly limitless. Sounds like a startup, no? (Locations vary, times vary, FREE, registration required)
PAY TRIBUTE On the 16th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, honor those fallen by attending the D.C. National Guard’s Memorial Service to American Heroes. Eastern High School and the D.C. National Guard Band will play, and speakers such as Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Commanding General William J. Walker, and D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson will offer tribute. (D.C. Armory, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., FREE, registration required)
Go underground with D.C. Design Tours and Dupont Underground. (Photo by J LaBerge)
TUESDAY, SEPT. 12
BELOW THE SURFACE Dive above and below the foundation of Dupont Circle’s history, literally. D.C. Design Tours and Dupont Underground will host an exclusive tour of the neighborhood’s elegant homes before heading into the previously abandoned trolley tunnels below ground. The tunnels are being transformed into a public art and performance space by Dupont Underground, so prepare for an evening of history, drinks, architecture, and art. (Meet at Dupont Circle fountain, 5:30 – 8 p.m., $35)
HONKY TONK FOR GOOD Help Texan friends post-Harvey by attending the Texas Flood Benefit Concert at the American Legion. There will be a variety of musical acts including singer Chris Rentch, the groups One Hot Mess and Wil Gravatt Band, and even a few tunes from Arkansas congressman Rick Crawford. If that wasn’t enough, stick around for an after party at Capitol Hill Karaoke. A big Tuesday night will be worth it— ll the proceeds go to the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent to help hurricane victims. (American Legion, 6 p.m. – 12 midnight, $15 – $20)
STREET SENSE Street Sense and D.C. Shorts Film Festival will host a screening of four mini-documentaries by the nation’s first homeless film cooperative. All films were shot, directed, and produced by folks who have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. Stay for one or all; either way, the pieces are sure to challenge perspectives and examine the root of homelessness in America. (E Street Cinema, 12 noon – 2 p.m., FREE, registration required)
MORE Georgetown Sunset Cinema: Erin Brockovich (Georgetown Waterfront Park, sunset, FREE)
(Photo by Liliang)
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13
EAT TO RUN Attention runners: Tired of protein bars and gels as long-run fuel? Join Beth Roessner, aka The Rungry Health Coach, at Potomac River Running Store to learn about fueling long runs with real food. Yes, there will be samples, as well as plenty of advice on the nutrition needed to maximize running performance. Those hardcore enough can show up early for a four-mile run around the National Mall. (Potomac River Running Store, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., FREE, registration required)
CYCLIN’ CARTOONS Each month, D.C. Bike Party hosts a shindig made for two wheels, with a new route, a new playlist, and a new post-bar for after-biking drinks. For September, the group will kick it back to Saturday mornings as a kid with a cartoon ride. Come hang out and bike dressed as Batman, Wonder Woman, or even Scooby Doo. Whatever the costume, prepare to have fun —the night will end with plenty of happy hour deals at Uniontown Bar and Grill. (Meet at Dupont Circle, 7:30 – 11:30 p.m., FREE)
Thursday, sample a series of chocolate treats while sipping on paired Spanish wines. (Photo by Nikoo)
THURSDAY, SEPT. 14
CHOCO-HOLIC Whether chocolate or wine is the preferred indulgence, this event is a no-brainer. At The Chocolate Feast in Spain event, sample Spanish cava and red and white wines paired with a variety of chocolates and truffles. It’s not all eating and drinking: Experts will be on-hand to outline the chocolate-making process, as well give pointers on pairing wine and food. (The Chocolate House, 7 – 8:30 p.m., $50)
TED TALK Howard University is sponsoring its third TEDx event, and this year’s theme is “All Things Glorious.” Speakers will include civil rights attorney and activist Donald Temple, Howard professor of sociology Dr. Bahiyyah Muhammed, NASA aerospace engineer Dr. Aprille Ericsson, and Howard assistant professor of strategic communications Dr. Joanna Perkins. And it’s not all talk: Entertainment from Howard’s choir and Afro-Blue will round out the day, too. (Cramton Auditorium, 6 – 9:30 p.m., $25)
TECH SAVVY The Code(Her) Conference is this weekend, and to jumpstart two days of women-led discussions about internet technology, D.C. Web Women and The Urban Institute will host a kick-off party. Grab food and drink while listening to keynote speaker Renee Forney, cybersecurity expert and Forney Group CEO. The fuel will be necessary for all the talks throughout the weekend; check out the website for a full program list. (The Urban Institute, 5:30 – 9 p.m., FREE, registration required)
AUTHOR TALK Celeste Ng, author of the award-winning book Everything I Never Told You, has released her long-anticipated next novel. Both a comedy of manners and a social critique, Little Fires Everywhere uses a plot based in suburbia to examine the definition of family and the essence of the parent-child bond. Learn more about the novel at Politics and Prose, where Ng will be in conversation with Nicole Chung of Catapult. (Politics and Prose, 7 – 8 p.m., FREE)
STAMP IT Tonight, crafting meets happy hour as Wine & Design pairs with the National Postal Museum for a postal-themed project. This session, try a hand at making embroidered greeting cards while enjoying a complimentary glass of beer or wine. As always, the artistic streak seems a little more refined when accompanied by an adult beverage. (Smithsonian National Postal Museum, 5 – 7 p.m., $11.50)
MORE Uncensored: Zine Lab (Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE), Shop for a Cause with J. Crew (F Street J. Crew, 5 – 8 p.m., FREE), Conversations with Artists: Michael Jones McKean (The Phillips Collection, 6:30 p.m., $12), Street Food Cinema (Artdrenaline, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE, registration required)
