Vibe Check DC: Things to do in DC October 8 – 11

Written by on in Blog, Blog post, D.C. Drinks, D.C. Eats, D.C. Events, Exploring D.C., Love4dc

Friday October 8

  1. Block Party: The DC Design Week Pop-Up Shop is back! We’ll be doing things a little differently: a 1-evening Pop-Up Block Party on Friday, October 8, 6–10 pm, in a new location — the beautiful Brookland Arts Walk — which has a lot more

2. Back to The Yards: Yards Park will blast to the past for one night only as it transforms into a nostalgic 80s dance party, complete with throwback tunes and activities. Parents and kids of all ages are invited to learn groovy dance moves with break-dancers, create slap bracelets, scrunchies, and t-shirts, and jam out to a playlist of 80’s chart-toppers, one-hit wonders, and favorites. Glowing giveaways and an LED light up piano will make this a party for the ages! Admission is free and kids of all ages are welcome to attend. https://www.theyardsdc.com/event/2021/10/back-to-the-yards-2/

3. Artechouse Exhibit: LIFE OF A NEURON now until November 28, 2021 ARTECHOUSE is the nation’s first innovative art destination dedicated to the intersection of art, science and technology. The Life of the Neuron exhibit is a walk through a neuron—the “thinking cells” of the brain—and witness first-hand the beauty of one of science’s greatest mysteries: the human brain. This exhibit brings artists and scientists together for a groundbreaking collaboration to explore how the brain shapes the shared human experience. Through collaboration with the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s leading scientists and creatives, this immersive exhibit will allow us to experience a neuron—from pre-birth to death—providing an experiential view of life at a cellular level. Admission: $24 Open Daily 10am – 10pm

4. Drag Underground: Check out this party to celebrate the power, pride, and leadership that define the drag community. To raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and its civil rights movement, Richard Eichberg, a psychologist, and Jean O’Leary, a gay rights activist, founded National Coming Out Day in 1988.  National Coming Out Day is observed throughout the US and other countries around the world. Please note: Either a negative Covid-19 test within the last 48 hours or proof of vaccination (digital or printed).  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drag-underground-national-coming-out-day-edition-tickets-180192509647?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Saturday October 9

  1. Snallygaster is the District’s beastliest beer festival, bar none. And on October 9, 2021 the monster makes its triumphant return to DC for its ninth year as a rollicking salute to craft beer. Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 450 highly sought-after brews on draft from 200+ of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music. Brought to you by the minds behind DC’s Bluejacket, ChurchKey, The Sovereign and more, this is far and away the biggest event of the year for beer geeks of every stripe. Hit up the links above for the sortable beer list, brewers, bands, food trucks, and the rest of the monster deets.

2. Fall Wine Festival at George Washington Mount Vernon. This is a City Vibes favorite! Get ready to sample Virginia-Made wines Bring a blanket and relax on the East Lawn overlooking the Potomac River. The fall festival features 18 different Virginia wineries. The Shops at Mount Vernon and Wine Valet Service are open until 8:45 p.m. The first floor and cellar of the Mansion will be open until 8:30 p.m. Mount Vernon can be accessed from the Washington, DC metro by car or by public transportation. Doors open at 6 p.m. each night.

3. Savor Bowie Fall Fest: Two days of complimentary Wine tastings from the areas best wineries! Vendors, great food, exhibitors and artists. There will be two stages and many areas of music and other entertainment, showcasing the best of what the county and surrounding areas has to offer. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savor-bowie-fall-fest-2021-food-wine-and-music-festival-tickets-83425055587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

4. Down in the Reeds is a day-long Fall celebration and Music Festival.  Our 2021 Festival is happening on Saturday October 9th from 11am – 7pm at The Parks at Walter Reed. Their mission is to create an outdoor Fall gathering that brings together a mosaic of entertainment and activations reflective of DC’s cultural diversity and in celebration of the healing power of music. The ability of music to heal at the micro and macro level is one of music’s fundamental characteristics, bridging race, culture, and socio-economic status across all Wards. This one-day celebration seeks to highlight that common experience through performances from some of DC’s most vibrant musicians as well as workshops, arts ACTIVATIONS, community & Family engagement and more. https://www.downinthereeds.com/

5. THE TAKOMA FOUNDATION’S COMMUNITY BEERFEST: Here’s a special chance to do good in our community while also having a really good time. For a $45 ticket from the Takoma Foundation, you’ll be entitled to two free drinks and two appetizers. You’ll be supporting the social justice causes the foundation helps fund such as a free summer camp, food distributions, PTA projects and many others. Outdoor seating will be available. Meet at the famous Takoma Station on Saturday, October 9th from 4-to-7pm. Suggestion: Walking or parking at the Metro.

6. Classified Comedy: Monthly stand up showcase in Downtown Washington DC hosted by Charlie Ross. The event features some of the best up-and-coming comedians in the Washington DC area . A small show held at the exclusive ‘Caos on F’ art gallery in Downtown DC. Come out for a night of drinks , laughter, and mischief.

7. Fairlington Villages Community Center will be hosting their 5th Annual Fairlington Fall Festival! Join Kay Houghton & Associates as we celebrate all things FALL. Costumes welcome! There will be Pumpkin Decorating, Fall-Themed Photo Booth, Face Painting, Games, Cider and Delicious Fall-Themed Treats! They will be collecting food donations to support our Arlington neighbors in need. Please bring non-perishable goods and drop them in our AFAC food drive box. Most needed items: canned vegetables, soup, & tuna, peanut butter, cereal, & cooking oil.

Sunday October 10

  1. Join us for the 23rd Bethesda Row Arts Festival, the area’s premiere outdoor fine arts festival. 129 artists from around the country will showcase their incredible works of painting, drawing, jewelry, photography, sculpture, fabric, glass, ceramics, and other mediums. All guests are encouraged to wear masks while at the festival. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the show.

2. Party Hard: No work the next day so why not party! Check out this Cosmopolitan All Black Party located at  The Mayflower Club (1223 Connecticut Avenue NW) Complimentary Admission Before 7pm W/Rsvp!  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cosmopolitan-all-black-party-tickets-169780123921?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

3. SünDown Open Air show: On October 10th, NuAndroids will welcome superstar South African DJ Black Coffee for a special SünDown Open Air show, popping up for one night at the DC Brau parking lot. The South African phenom will kick off the return of SünDown Open Air, where we bring our weekly family gathering to an offsite outdoor location for a special show like none other. With a larger outdoor space, they will be curating multiple art installations, local food and beverage vendors, and much more to amplify the SünDown vibes. See you on the DC Brau dance floor for this family function powered by the one and only Black Coffee. PSA: There will not be designated parking for this event! We recommend all patrons to use Uber or Lyft.

Monday October 11 – Holiday!

  1. Mark your calendars! Every Monday is Trivia Night at Wunder Garten! Bring your friends and test your knowledge to win prizes and glory. If you are looking for fun, originality the Wunder Garten’s trivia night is for you. Swizzler will be serving up delicious food and the beer will be chilled and ready for you. Signup starts at 7 pm. | Arrive early to get registered. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monday-trivia-at-wunder-garten-tickets-119958572319?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

2. Brunch on a Monday! Hell yes, Shaw’s Tavern has extended their weekend brunch to this Monday due to the holiday. Check it out!  https://www.shawstavern.com/events/columbus-day-brunch