A couple of Leap Day specials at Hank’s Oyster Bar and Astro Beer Hall will help you end February on a high note. Then, in March, look forward to female-centric events during Women’s History Month, including a wine class at woman-owned Pom Pom, a panel on women’s labor issues at 12 Stories, and the International Women’s Day Market in Fairfax, Virginia.
Supporting one of D.C.’s own
14th Street NW restaurant Marvin is throwing a party/fundraiser on Thursday for Rajah Caruth, a 17-year-old NASCAR racer who lives in D.C. and has trained in Charlotte, North Carolina. Enjoy signature cocktails, bites, and a screening of “Through the Fences: RC13 A Racing Story,” which follows Caruth’s journey to professional auto racing. A share of that night’s sales will help the School Without Walls senior cover his travel and equipment expenses. (2007 14th Street NW, Thursday, 7 p.m., entry is free)
Wine not?
Head over to Pom Pom in Petworth for a wine-tasting class where you’ll pop three bottles of wine from France, Bolivia, and Georgia. (An added bonus: Participants get to take home whatever they don’t finish.) The price also includes a glass of sparkling wine, cheese, snacks, wine tasting guides, and what the women-owned restaurant says is a “very cool” tote bag. (828 Upshur Street NW, Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., $120)
Hang with lady-brewers for Women’s History Month
Swing by women-owned Caboose Commons on Tuesday for its second annual International Women’s Day Market, featuring pop-ups from women-owned businesses. Don’t forget to try the brewery’s new West Coast IPA, described as tropical, citrusy, and piney. Not only is it made with the 2020 Pink Boots blend from Yakima Chiefs Hops, but $3 for every pound of hops sold goes to the Pink Boots Society, a nonprofit that supports female brewers. (2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax, Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
All aflutter for free fritters
Keep your eyes peeled for Federal Fritter, a pop-up food truck and the latest from Equinox Restaurant‘s co-owning couple Ellen Kassoff and chef Todd Gray. Starting March 2, the food truck will be parked on the restaurant’s patio (weather permitting) and serve up Equinox’s popular hot risotto fritters. They’ll come with your choice of three sauces: marinara, blue cheese, or crème fraîche, symbolizing a collective nod to America. (818 Connecticut Avenue NW, $4 for four, $6 for six, and $7 for eight. Look out for free samples during the first week)
Sushi with beats
Union Market-based O-Ku Sushi is teaming up with BLCKNLIT, an event group led by people of color, to unleash a Thursday Night DJ Series. Hosted at the restaurant’s upstairs whiskey lounge, the series kicks off with DJ KayB Hart. Enjoy complimentary Japanese small bites and, for purchase, specialty cocktails, whiskey, and sake. (1274 5th Street NE, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., free, but you can register here)
Another Leap Day, another brunch
Astro Beer Hall has joined forces with 305 Fitness to launch a Leap Day pop-up brunch. Start by working up a sweat with 305’s 55-minute, high-energy dance class, and then treat yourself to a brunch cocktail or coffee, one of three entrées (French toast doughnuts, fried chicken breakfast sandwiches, and biscuit-carried bacon/sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiches). Save some room for the cinnamon-sugar and vanilla-glaze doughnuts for dessert. (1306 G Street NW, Saturday, 10 a.m., $20)
Dainty Doesn’t Do It
Women-run public relations firm MoKi Media celebrates International Women’s Day on Tuesday with its third-annual “Dainty Doesn’t Do It” panel, at 12 Stories. The discussion will focus on D.C.’s talent pool, equal pay, and other issues affecting working women. The slated participants are Rose Previte, the owner of Compass Rose and Maydan; Kimberly Wilson, who works for Essence magazine; Ginger Flesher-Sonnier, the founder and owner of The Ginger Companies; Monica Alford, the editor-in-chief of District Fray Magazine, formerly known as On Tap Magazine; and Jessica Dallesasse, the general manager at 12 Stories. The conversation will be moderated by Amanda McClements, the owner of Salt & Sundry, Little Leaf, and The Sun Room. Complimentary cocktails and bites will follow the panel. (75 District Square SW, 7 p.m., free, but you can RSVP by March 1 here)
Happy hour oysters FTW
On Leap Day, find a golden oyster at Hank’s Oyster Bar and you’ll score happy hour prices on oysters all year long at the restaurant’s four locations. A prize will be hidden inside oyster orders at the Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Old Town, and Wharf locations. If oysters aren’t for you, there’s crab-cake sandwiches, shrimp po’ boys, and Eastern Shore crab dip. (1624 Q Street NW, 633 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 701 Wharf Street SW, and 1026 King Street in Alexandria, Virginia, Saturday)
