FESTIVALS
ReelAbilities Disabilities Film Festival DC-MD-VA
The ReelAbilities Disabilities Film Festival débuts it’s DC tour this February. The award-winning national film festival promotes awareness and appreciation of the lives of people with different disabilities. Through features, documentaries and shorts it showcases their unique experience and highlights their artistic expression. The films present stories of people living with, and overcoming, extraordinary disadvantages including autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness and mental health issues.
Experience Celtic Tradition at the 41st Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
The 41st Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend in Old Town Alexandria will awe attendees with their renowned parade, Scottish tastings, holiday sales, crafts with Santa and “Plaid the Dog,” and several other Celtic and holiday inspired events! Put on your tartans and other fairings and make sure you arrive early because this annual event attracts nearly 30,000 individuals and families who come to watch over 100 Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, dancers, re-enactors, and their Celtic canines rally down the streets of Old Town Alexandria for the Scottish Christmas Walk.
Take a Break from Holiday Shopping and Attend the Capital Irish Film Festival
What’s the best way to experience Irish culture without leaving the U.S.? Attend one of Solas Nua’s programs. You won’t want to miss their 2011 Capital Irish Film Festival (CIFF), which runs from December 1 to December 10 with screenings at the E Street Cinema and the Goethe Institute in DC.
Chrismahanakwanzicah…Or Something Like That
This year, let’s add a little culture to our holiday traditions! Check out a few of these events celebrating Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas! Read on about Chanukah on the Ellipse 2011, 25th Annual MatzoBall, Dance Place Kwanzaa Celebration, Free screening of The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration, 7th Annual Downtown Holiday Market, and the Norwegian Christmas at Union Station…
Reston Residents Gear Up for Annual Jazz and Blues Festival
Come rain or shine, the 5th Annual Lake Anne Plaza Jazz and Blues Festival will take place in the waterfront plaza this Saturday for music lovers all over the northern Virginia area. The festival’s theme, Brazilian Jazz, will feature lead Latin vocalist Cissa Paz and be accompanied with scheduled performances by Rashida Jolley, Veronneau and many more.
Explore the Beauty of Turkish Food & Culture in DC
Hosted by the American-Turkish Association of DC, and voted “Best Festival” in the Washington City Paper’s Reader’s Choice competition in March 2011, the Turkish Festival is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Turkey, its ancient culture, spectacular handicrafts, delectable food, and fascinating people—all without ever having to pack a suitcase.
Oktoberfest Beer Festival in Northern Virginia
It’s that time of year again! The time for pumpkin spice lattes, autumn comfort foods, layers of warm clothing, and last but not least, seasonal brews! Capitol City Brewing Co. is getting ready to host the largest Oktoberfest Beer Festival in Northern Virginia! The 12th annual Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest will take place October 8th in Arlington, VA and will provide attendees with the music of an authentic German band and traditional Oktoberfest fair foods.
Art All Night Long
If you have trouble sleeping, we’ve found a creative way to keep you busy this Saturday night! In its inaugural year, Art All Night: Nuit Blanche DC will explore and celebrate contemporary art by bringing the community together for a cultural experience.
H Street Festival is Happening This Weekend!
This coming Saturday, September 17th, marks “DC’s best neighborhood Festival” HStreetFestival2011. With the completion of the streetscape project and several newly established businesses with open doors Executive Director of H Street Main Street, Anwar Saleem, feels there’s plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Six Tempting Events To Sip Your Way Through September
Crystal City is expanding their Vintage Crystal brand to include six super fun events to sip through this September. The featured event — Vintage Crystal — will serve up fine wine, fabulous food, live jazz, and saucy salsa dancing all with a true Latin flavor. Happening every Friday in September — and we get five of those this month — Wine in the Water Park will feature wine and beers hand-selected by the Washington Wine Academy and complimentary bites from famed and fabulous Jaleo.
Wanamaker Wet Electronic Music and Water Festival
Now that’s a mouthful! Otherwise known as the Wanamaker Wet Party, Rach Events plans to make a splash in the DC live music events scene. Partnering with Rock the Vote and Metromix DC, this end-of-summer electronic music festival offers attendees entrance to the Yards fountain, water games, a giant foam pit, and ten straight hours of live international and local DJ talent including Sultan + Ned Shepard, Serge Devant and Tatiana Fontes. If you’re brave enough to battle it out in a swimsuit model competition with designer swimwear provided by east coast fashion retailer South Moon Under you might walk away with cash and prizes too! The contest will be judged by the festival’s Master of Ceremonies Bianca Chardei of America’s Next Top Model fame and South Moon Under.
Columbia Heights Day
DC celebrates community, diversity, and service at the 5th Annual Columbia Heights Day this coming weekend. Expect two stages of live music performances, the return of the DC State Fair, morning yoga and a dog parade, kid’s zone and petting zoo, access to your favor DC food trucks, the 2nd Annual King & Queen of Columbia Heights Pageant, contests and raffle prices — all that and an after party!
