Summer has come to close and back-to-school traffic is nigh. But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in the purgatory of routine this fall. Welcome in this season by exploring D.C.’s classes, activities, and other learning opportunities that are just as colorful as the pile of leaves kids (for some reason) can’t wait to catapult themselves into. Consider this your fall guide to knowledge.
Events
Syllabus: The National Gallery of Art is back after a summer break with its evening series After Hours at the NGA. DJ Heat will be opening the first event and spinning all the jams expected to revive your back-to-school nostalgia. The East Building of the gallery will house pop-up talks that explore color theory and some of the most compelling elements of modern art, including a history lesson by Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey, hosts of the podcast Stuff You Missed in History Class. You can register now to secure your spot before class is in session.
Back to School (Sept. 12, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE)
Syllabus: Join Dumbarton House for a grownup back to school night complete with free food and a cash bar. Other school-related fun includes a pop-up book fair by KramerBooks, and hand-lettering worksheets, a.k.a. a chance to finally perfect your cursive writing. DC Public Library and Distinctive Bookbinding will also lead a demonstration on bookbinding.
Grownup Back to School Night (Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. FREE)
Classes
DC Improv
Subject: Comedy
Syllabus: This lauded comedy venue also hosts educational opportunities for budding comedians. These classes and series offer everything from the beginner’s guide to improv, to short form storytelling, to stand up workshops. They’re taught by renowned and experienced comics that know the business and understand the art of funny. You can get pro tips how to develop scene setting abilities and learn the components that make or break a joke.
Upcoming courses: Beginning Improv (Oct. 19-Nov. 23, Oct. 30-Dec. 4, Nov. 4- Dec. 16, $250), Short Form: Relationships & Story (Nov. 5-Dec. 3, $250), Level 2 Improv (Nov. 10-Dec. 15, $250), Stand-Up Workshop with Jessica Kirson (Dec. 29, $55)
Columbia Room
Subject: Cocktails and other things
Syllabus: So you’re ready to spruce up the bachelor(ette) party arsenal with some new drinks, or maybe you want to impress your parents with all that you’ve learned since undergrad. Look no further than the Shaw bar Columbia Room, offering two cocktail masterclasses this fall taught by Drink Company President Derek Brown. The first class covers different ways to incorporate botanicals, herbs, and spices into your cocktails. Or register later for a crash course in choosing the right spirit for your cocktail. These interactive lectures will guide you through crafting up three tantalizing beverages, and you will receive snacks and a gift.
Upcoming courses: Part I: Botanicals, Herbs, and Spices (Sept 14, $125), Part II: Spirits, Mixers, and Tinctures (October 5, $125)
Conversational DC
Subject: Language
Syllabus: Do you ever wish you had the chance to study abroad on your own time? Conversational DC is a free language immersion club that allow you to take on one language in your own neighborhood. At this company’s events at bars across the city, you’ll have the chance to participate in conversations with new friends in another language. You’re encouraged to leave your grammatical inhibitions at the door and keep the conversation going.
Upcoming courses: French (Colony Club, Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m.), German (Bistro Bohem, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.), Portuguese (Colony Club, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.), FREE
Profs and Pints
Subject: Grab Bag
Syllabus: In this series, college faculty come to bars, cafes, and other venues to share their knowledge. These experts cover a wide range of topics, from understanding the daunting Mueller Report, to figuring out the psychological phenomenon of FOMO, to facing the realities of climate colonialism. And though you won’t actually earn any college credit for attending, most classes offer a $2 discount if you show a valid student ID.
Upcoming courses: Bizarre Psychological Disorders, Part II (Bier Baron Tavern, Sept. 24, 6 p.m., $12-$15). The Green New Deal and Climate Colonialism (Bier Baron Tavern, Oct. 1, 6 p.m., $12-$15). The Exorcist’s Power, (Church Hall, Oct. 15, 6 p.m., $12-$15)
Smithsonian Associates
Subject: Miscellaneous Arts
Syllabus: If you have ever enjoyed the pleasures of building a charcuterie board with all your favorite fixings or have ever pondered the inspiration behind Mona Lisa’s smile, consider one of the courses on architecture, history, art, food, and more at the Smithsonian Associates. This series taps into the knowledge from experts and resources at the Smithsonian Institution, and offers memberships for discounted tickets and access to special classes. Participate in an evening tasting inspired by the feasts in Leonardo da Vinci’s work; learn about Jewish genealogy with a consultant for the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City; or take an all-day tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park to learn the site’s untold stories.
Upcoming courses: Dining with da Vinci: Feasts of the Imagination Evening Program with Tasting (Sept. 9, 6:45 p.m., $45-$55). A War Correspondent at Gettysburg: A Reporter’s Mission, a Father’s Search (Sept. 14, 8:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m., $155-$205), Ottoman Baroque: How Cross-Cultural Architecture Rebranded 18th-Century Istanbul (Sept. 18 6:45 p.m., $30-$45), Researching Jewish Genealogy: Portals to a Timeless Heritage (Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $90-$140)
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Subject: Art
Syllabus: The city’s modern art museum offers plenty of chances to learn about the making or the consuming of art. In addition to daily free tours of the museum’s collection in the afternoons, there are guided tours for studying particular exhibits through one lens, such as Futurism. If you’re feeling creative, you can try echoing some of that art yourself at a sketch class inspired by one of the gallery’s works (This month, it’s Mark Bradford’s Pickett’s Charge). All ages are welcome for most tours and classes, unless stated otherwise.
Upcoming courses: Hirshhorn Draw (Sept. 13, 2 p.m.-3 p.m.), Futurism in Manifesto: Art x Agency (Sept. 13, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.)
General Assembly
Subject: Technology
Syllabus: This skills-based learning resource is made for diversifying your resume or portfolio with some technology. The D.C. chapter of General Assembly offers full- or part-time courses or one-off classes—plenty of them online or free—for individuals who want a primer on web development and design, product management, coding, digital marketing, and more.
Upcoming Courses: Intro to Coding: HTML & CSS Live Stream, (Sept. 23, online, FREE), Intro to Product Management Live Stream, (Sept. 26, online, FREE), Building Brands People Love, (General Assembly D.C., Oct. 2, 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m, FREE)
