FRIDAY OCTOBER 15
WAKE UP CALL: Start your Friday morning on the National Mall with artist Abigail DeVille and their new performance, WAKE UP: Liberation Call at Dawn. Participants will gather at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden for this sunrise drumming-based performance that calls back to protest movements throughout the years. The show, according to organizers, asks the question, “What was the sound of liberation for those at the margins, those who were not recognized or protected by law at the moments when the ideals of American liberty were forged?” (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.; FREE)
ORCHESTRAL BLACK PANTHER: On Friday, get tickets for the second night of the National Symphony Orchestra performing Marvel’s Black Panther. The event will feature the NSO performing the score “live to picture” — which means audience members experience the movie with the full symphonic backdrop. (The Kennedy Center; 8 p.m.; $39+)
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: On Friday, PEN (Promote, Empower and Nurture) DMV is hosting their New Normal Leadership Summit at Busboys & Poets. The event is being held in collaboration with Dunbar Senior High School and lunch will be provided. (Busboys & Poets; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; FREE)
MOVIE NIGHT: Wanna add a Masterpiece to your weekend? Head to the President Woodrow Wilson House for a screening of the 2019 Downton Abbey film. The event will be held outdoors, and participants are invited to pack a blanket and/or chair — and don their favorite 1920’s attire. Bags of popcorn are on the house — and beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase. (The President Woodrow Wilson House; 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; $25)
DANCE CLASS: This Friday, let loose by joining Sippin’ with CityDance & Lady Gaga. The session will be lead by AJ Guevara and will focus on “the delightfully macabre moves of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance.’” The class is hybrid, meaning it offers both in-person and live-streamed options — so you can join in no matter where you choose to unwind. If you attend IRL, the fee covers a glass of wine — virtual attendees are encouraged to BYOB. (Virtual or CityDance; 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; $20 – $30)
MORE: Matthew Whitaker (Lincoln Theatre; 8 p.m.$25+).
SATURDAY OCTOBER 16
DC WINE FEST: On Saturday, Dock 5 at Union Market will be hosting the DC Wine Fest. After taking a year off for the pandemic, the vino celebration will include 17 wineries, live music, and even two craft breweries. Please note that tickets are for one of the three-hour sessions across the afternoon. (Union Market; 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m., or 7 p.m.; $39+)
BOOKING 5K: This Saturday, join in on the ‘Book It For Books’ 5K and one-mile Run/Walk. The biannual event is held to raise money for the non-profit Reading is Fundamental that supplies books to children in Northern Virginia. Both in-person and virtual options are available. (Virtual or Bluemont Park; 9 a.m.; $25+)
B(RUN)CH: Back by popular demand, Pacers running store and The Yards are once again teaming up for a run/walk plus brunch event. Here’s how it works: After purchasing a ticket for two, participants join the cardio portion of the event with Pacers before picking up their brunch to-go box from District Winery. (The Yards Park; 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; $50+)
GALA Hispanic Theatre: On Saturday, head to the GALA Hispanic Theatre to watch the bilingual performance La llamada de Sylvia Méndez: Separate Is Never Equal. The play “embraces diversity and tolerance through the story of Elementary School teacher Sylvia Méndez who fought to end segregation in education in California.” The show has additional performances this month, and will appear on GALA’s stage again in Spring 2022. (GALA Hispanic Theatre; 3 p.m.; $12 adults; $10 children)
ART SAFARI: This Saturday, children ages five and up are invited to the Art Safari at Torpedo Factory Art Center. Kids can paint at easels, make papier-mâché animals, invent glass art sea creations, and more at stations throughout the center. (Torpedo Factory Art Center; 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE)
BARK BALL: Support your four-legged friends this weekend by attending the annual Bark Ball event, which benefits the Humane Rescue Alliance. Although last year’s event was completely virtual, this year offers both in-person and online opportunities to engage in the celebration. Dogs are welcome to attend the in-person gathering, but please note that they must be leashed and up-to-date on vaccinations. (Virtual OR the Washington Hilton; 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.; $50 – $200, with free viewing-only option available).
BRAU WORKOUT: This weekend, get in your exercise right before your brews. DC Brau is hosting a free in-person interval training workout at their brewery on Bladensburg Rd NE. (DC Brau; 11 a.m.; FREE, beer not included)
MORE: Family Hearth Cooking Workshop (George Mason’s Gunston Hall; 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.; $55+)
SUNDAY OCTOBER 17
SOUL BOX EXHIBIT: On Sunday, visit the Soul Box Project exhibit, This Loss We Carry, on the National Mall. The installation “[provides] a dramatic visual for the incomprehensible number of 200,000 people killed or injured by gunfire in the U.S. in fewer than three years. Thirty-six thousand origami boxes will line the Mall, aiming to honor the people killed, people injured, and the families who have been torn apart by gun violence. (The National Mall; FREE)
FRIGHT FEST: This Sunday, catch an outdoor viewing of Edward Scissorhands overlooking Dupont Circle. The moviegoer with the best costume will receive a one-night free weekend stay at the Ven hotel. Each ticket also includes popcorn and water — and additional provisions will be available for purchase. (The Ven at Embassy Row; 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; $20)
MORE: Torres & Sarah Jaffe (Union Stage; 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show; $15+); The Living Room Halloween Comedy Show (late show!) (Secret Location; 10 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.; $10); Kinda Live Comedy Saloon Showcase (Saloon; 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; FREE); Jigs & Swigs at Atlas Brewery (Atlas Brew Works; 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; $25+); An Evening With: Chatham County Line (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:00 p.m. show; $20)
