Category Archives: Special Events

Entertainment, Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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61st Annual St. Mary Armenian Church Food Festival

Photo courtesy of
‘Skewers on the Grill’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’

Starting yesterday and continuing through this weekend  you can enjoy the culinary delights of the 61st Annual St. Mary Armenian Church Food Festival at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church (Metro Red Line to Friendship Heights Station).

The festival highlights delectable Armenian foods such as: lahmajoon, kufta,  stuffed grape leaves, grilled shish kebobs, lamb skewers and other traditional fare. You can also partake in authentic Armenian beer and grape wine.  Portions are ample and pricing is reasonable.

Lunch:  October 7, 8, 9 and 10th from 11AM to 2 PM

Dinner: October 10th from 5 PM to 9 PM

Adventures, Essential DC, Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The District
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Big Kids Block Party was EPIC

Photo courtesy of
‘Kids in the Air’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’

According to the Q Street Neighborhood Association, the Big Kids Block Party was a rip-roaring, rocking and uber-successful event.

Here are some stats:
-1,048 people in attendance
-26 tapped kegs
-200 Ben’s half-smokes eaten
-585 other hot dogs devoured
-500 oz Mr. Yogato fro-yo grobbled
-100 Julia’s Empanadas consumed
-100 Rice Krispie Treats inhaled
-Countless pounds of popcorn, cotton candy, regular candy, chips, etc. scoffed up
-50 butchered (carved) pumpkins

Most importantly the block party raised $20,151.32, **More than DOUBLED the original goal**, all of which will go to four deserving non-profits.

For those of you who couldn’t make it, they’ll be throwing the 2nd Annual Big Kids Block Party in 2010, after a much deserved recovery.

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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All DC Dogs Instantly Become Calm, Submissive

Courtesy of National Geographic

Courtesy of National Geographic

Cesar Millan: the man, the myth, the Dog Whisperer, will be in DC today during lunchtime! National Geographic (1600 M St NW) is showing a sneak peek of the new season at 12pm and then Cesar will be signing copies of his new book, How to Raise the Perfect Dog, at 1pm. Tickets are free and on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11am in the Grosvenor Auditorium lobby. I wonder if he’ll use the shh! noise and bite motion on me if I get too excited…

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Locovore Events At Ronald Reagan Building

Photo courtesy of
‘cherry tomatoes in blue boxes’
courtesy of ‘needlessspaces’

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center handed out fliers today announcing Capital Harvest, a new foodie event in the heart of the city. On Friday, October 16 and Friday, November 13 Penn Quarter residents and workers will be able to stop by the plaza for local produce vendors and chef demonstrations by Chef Todd Gray of Equinox (one of my favorites!) and others.

More than 18 local growers will be offering a wide variety of freshly picked fruits, vegetables and cut flowers, as well as meat products and seafood. Stop by the plaza from 12:30 to 5 p.m. those Fridays in October and November to partake.

Entertainment, Night Life, Penn Quarter, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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VelocityDC Dance Festival

Image courtesy of VelocityDC

Image courtesy of VelocityDC

There are dance parties where you dance, and dance parties where you watch in awe. This Friday and Saturday for a paltry $15 you can do the latter at VelocityDC Dance Festival, where six companies will strut their stuff upon the stage of the Harman Center. It’s a wide variety – ballet, modern, flamenco, hip hop – with troupes such as The Washington Ballet, CityDance Ensemble, and Liz Lerman Dance Exchange presenting short pieces designed to introduce you to dance performance. 

Both nights start with a special street performance at 5:30pm called “Bodies in Urban Space,” which will move from the Navy Memorial through Penn Quarter to the Harman.  Stage performances begin at 7:30pm. Meet the dancers afterwards at the bars of the Harman to chat them up about their profession, one of the most grueling and athletic of the performing arts. 

And if that weren’t enough, Saturday will also feature a 10pm cabaret with performers like Furia Flamenca and Capital Movement Project, followed by DJ Ian Knight spinning in the Harman lounges. 

So, $15 for poetry in motion. Not bad.

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Fall Spa Week

Photo courtesy of
‘Facial Massage’
courtesy of ‘The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa’

DC Spa Week is back, October 12-18th! $50 spa treatments abound all over DC, at some of the area’s best spas. Local spa expert McLean from Deacon Does DC recommends Parma and Bella Donna. Oh, and just because I can read your mind – I called Bliss and they’re already booked up, sigh. For more information and options check out the full list.

Special Events, The Daily Feed, The District
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Completely Bazaar

Photo courtesy of
‘Russian handiwork’
courtesy of ‘beketchai’

Getting a hankering for some stroganoff or Faberge eggs? Well lucky for you, because the Annual Russian Bazaar is this weekend. On Saturday, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, from Noon to 6 p.m., rain or shine, you can enjoy homemade russian delicacies, live folk music a wide assortment of unique handicrafts, tours of The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and children’s activities. I hear there will be a moon bounce. Count me in.

St. John the Baptist Cathedral is located at 4001 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, one block west of 16th Street NW, 2.7 miles due north of the White House/Lafayette Park.

Entertainment, Special Events, The Features
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National Book Festival Recap

Photo courtesy of
‘(269/365)’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

Last Saturday, book lovers of all ages braved the rain for the Library of Congress National Book Festival on the National Mall. The Book Fest is always a great way to see a bunch of the biggest authors around, but this year they encouraged people to tweet from the festival and tag their pictures on Flickr with “NBF.”

The best part of the festival was all the moments that make even adults squeal like little kids. There were authors whose books I grew up reading, like Judy Blume and Lois Lowry, and authors so big they’re practically celebrities (even though you might not recognize them), like John Grisham, Nicholas Sparks, and James Patterson. Other exciting names were Jodi Picoult (My Sister’s Keeper), John Irving (A Prayer for Owen Meany), and Ken Burns (of the Ken Burns effect, as seen on every slide show I’ve ever made). Continue reading →

Adventures, Life in the Capital, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The District, The Great Outdoors, The Hill, The Mall, We Green DC
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National Public Lands Day 09/26

Photo courtesy of
‘Cleaning Up the Potomac’
courtesy of ‘mtngirl9999’

Looking for something to do Saturday? How about volunteering at a local National Public Lands Day site.

Tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of this event to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.  Last year brought out more than 120,000 volunteers at over 1,800 locations to assist public land managers with hands-on projects.

You can find 6 events taking place in DC at various locations, like: Kennilworth Aquatic Gardens, Rock Creek Park, Kingman and Heritage Memorial Park, the Lincoln Memorial, President’s Park and National Mall & Memorial Parks.

Entertainment, Essential DC, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Special Events, The District, The Features
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We Love Events: Big Kids Block Party

Photo courtesy of
‘The Good Stuff’
courtesy of ‘DaveFayram’

In last weekend’s Washington Post, the article “Tips on Throwing a Neighborhood Block Party,” detailed the ins and outs of how to–legally–plan, promote and execute a block party in DC.

So now, my friends, it’s time to get the block partying on!

Look no further than the Big Kids Block Party, Saturday, October 3 from 6pm to midnight at Marion and Q St NW in DC’s Shaw neighborhood.  The party is being hosted and organized by the Q Street Nehighborhood Association, is properly sanctioned by local DC authorities and, as a BIG kids block party, is for the 21+ crowd (photo ID will be required for entrance.)

Did I also mention all the local restaurants/shops that are providing provisions for the event? I’m talking 200 half-smokes from Ben’s Chili Bowl, Mr. Yogato fro-yo (and they’ve got some sort of 100 yogurt cup competition up their shelves AND gift card giveaways,) lots of tasty goodies from Julia’s Empanadas, a cotton candy machine, rice crispy treats and more. Continue reading →

Downtown, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Old-School Figure Skaters To Film Special In DC

Photo courtesy of
‘NHK Trophy’
courtesy of ‘tpower1978’

I might regret admitting this to you later, but I? used to LOVE figure skating. As in, I wrote a paper in 3rd grade about Nancy Kerrigan, Kristi Yamaguchi was my personal hero and I still think Tonya Harding is a total skank. There is something entrancing to an elementary school girl (like wee lil Katie in the ’80s) about people sailing and jumping around on ice, in super sparkly fabulous costumes. I mean figure skating had it all – bows, sparkles, pink, skirts, the romance of the couples skate, and some ridiculously cheesy dance moves. My world used to stop for the Winter Olympics. I? WAS A FAN.

So I got kind of (kiiiiiind of) geeked out when I got a press release from the Verizon Center about the filming of Kaleidoscope, a “Star-Studded Show To Feature Skating Champions, Recording Artists, Cancer Survivors and Health Advocates In One Unforgettable Night at Verizon Center” It’s seriously old-school skating with names I actually recognize, like Scott Hamilton (in his first television performance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago), Dorothy Hamill. Olivia Newton-John (say WHAT? She was in Grease AND she can skate? Is there anything she CAN’T do?) Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and some random newbies I don’t know about that are apparently Olympic figure skating “hopefuls” – Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.

So if you’ve at all related to my ridiculous admission of skating geekdom, Tickets for the taping of “Kaleidoscope” are on sale now. Filming will be at the Verizon Center on Monday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. and are $115.00, $60.00, $40.00 and $20.00 (plus applicable service charges). Not feeling the price? Kaleidoscope will air nationally on FOX on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) 2009 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (EST), immediately following the FOX Thanksgiving Day football telecast. Excuse me, I’ve got to go set my DVR now. I mean go to the bathroom/go walk my dog/uh… nevermind.

Entertainment, History, Special Events, The Features, The Great Outdoors, The Mall, We Green DC
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Host a National Park Premiere Party

photo courtesy of pbs.org

photo courtesy of pbs.org

This Sunday evening, September 27 at 8pm, the long awaited Ken Burns documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea premieres on PBS. The documentary stories the inspiring individuals who dedicated themselves to establishing our National Park System and to protecting America’s cultural, natural and historic heritage.  The series will air a new episode every night next week with the concluding episode on Friday, October 2.

To spread the word about this awesome documentary and get park lovers to share their parks stories with friends and family, the DC-based non-profit, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is organizing nation-wide viewing parties for the Sunday premiere, and they’ve made it super easy to host your own get-together with customized evites, your own personalized party page, helpful party tips and innovative ways to share this documentary with people around the country.  “Our goal is to inspire all Americans to dedicate themselves to protecting and preserving our national parks,” says Tom Kiernan, NPCA President, “so that the parks can be enjoyed, explored, and cherished by our children, our grandchildren, and by all future generations.”

Register to host a (private or public) party, and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win 1 of 5 signed copies of award-winning, conservation photographer Ian Shive‘s The National Parks: Our American Landscape.  This new, visually stunning photo journey highlights the beauty and majesty of our national parks from Alaska’s Denali to Florida’s Everglades.  RSVP’ed guests will also be entered in the drawing, and you, as the host, will get a bonus entry for every guest.  Woot! Continue reading →

Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Talk Like a Pirate

 Photo courtesy of
‘Skull and cross bones pirate flag’
courtesy of ‘baltine’

I just wanted to remind you all that tomorrow is Talk Like a Pirate Day. I realize that this isn’t strictly DC interest, but since it is an international holiday, it does apply to our fair city.  So, please, bust out the “yarrs” and “avasts” and enjoy this yearly excuse to call other people “wenches.”

Adventures, Entertainment, Fun & Games, People, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Male Soccer Models Needed ASAP

Photo courtesy of
‘Defiance’
courtesy of ‘artwork_rebel’

There’s a casting call  for some serious adult male soccer players for a video shoot next week.  The production company is having “auditions” – today, where all you have to do is show up in your hotness and show them your footie skillz.  It’s all for some sort of Gatorade-ish take-off spot, so envision sweat drops in slow-mo.  If you qualify,  contact Karen @ Carbone Entertainment.  Also, please forward your headshot to the ladies at WeLoveDC. ;)

Fun & Games, History, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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American Girl Series & Michael’s Craft Store Free Event

Photo courtesy of
‘American Girl Place Los Angeles’
courtesy of ‘Smart Destinations’
Local Michaels’ stores will be hosting FREE crafts event this Saturday, September 19, inspired by the American Girl series.  Participants will create three American Girl® projects that are focused on various periods of American history from the viewpoint of pre-teen girl characters.  It would also be a great time to check out the Halloween supplies they have for costumes.

Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The District, The Great Outdoors
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Sprint Four The Cure

Photo courtesy of
‘Running Against the Grain’
courtesy of ‘john w’

Interested in getting a little exercise this weekend, AND raising money for a good cause?  Then sign up ASAP (by Thursday, September 10) for the Sprint Four the Cure to benefit the Washington Hospital Center.

The 5k run starts near the Four Seasons Hotel and takes you along the scenic C&O Canal.  Your $25 registration not only goes to a fantastic DC-based cause, but also gets you a t-shirt, raffle ticket and Four Seasons breakfast. YUM!

Additionally, Georgetown Cupcake will be providing post-race sweets and a number of local Georgetown establishments have donated raffle prizes including: the Four Seasons Spa, Clyde’s, Peacock Cafe and  more. Grand Prize is two American Airlines tickets, two night stay at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale with Daily Breakfast and two 50 minute Spa Treatments.

So be sure to register by tomorrow either via Active.com or by calling  202.944.9163.

Adventures, Entertainment, Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The Great Outdoors
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Full Moon Bike Ride Tonight!

Photo courtesy of
‘and their (clothes are) off!’
courtesy of ‘m hoek’

Sorry for the semi-disturbing picture.  Avert your eyes! Avert your eyes! But I couldn’t help it. I mean the event’s title is the Full “Corn Moon” Bike Ride. So, you’re better blaming the Washington Area Bicyclists Association who will be leading this nighttime tour of the Capital Crescent/Georgetown Branch Trail.  The ride starts at 8:15pm  right next to Cycle Life under the Whitehurst Freeway at the Georgetown Waterfront by moonlight starting from the Georgetown Waterfront.  You’ll bike the non-hilly, cement paved trail all the way up to City Bikes in Chevy Chase, where you can feast on some BBQ before heading back.

Adventures, Entertainment, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Jurassic Park IV: Washington DC

Photo courtesy of
‘roar!’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’

Nope, Steven Speilberg and Jeff Goldblum are not in town. However,  “Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular” is starting this Wednesday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 20 at the Verizon Center.

The show takes the audience through the 200 million years that dinosaurs roamed the earth with key performances by Tyrannosaurus Rex, Plateosaurus,  Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Torosaurus and Utahraptor and a 36′ tall by 56′ long animatronic Brachiosaurus.  The entire production took one whole year to build, with a team of 50 animatronics’ experts solely dedicated to making the dinosaurs come to life.  Like John Hammond said, “We’ve made living biological attractions so astounding that they’ll capture the imagination of the entire planet.”

I believe Samuel L. also said, “Hold on to your butts!“

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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NMAI Gets Its Dance On

Photo courtesy of
‘38768-35’
courtesy of ‘furcafe’

If you feel the need to groove this Saturday, I remind you that the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is presenting the 6th annual Dance DC Festival. While there will be several free performances of folk and traditional dances held around town between Friday and Sunday, two of particular interest are being hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian at noon on Saturday:

CapoeiraDC is performing the art of capoeira, a unique blend of martial art, dance, and music that evolved from a vibrant Afro-Brazillian culture.

Hui O Ka Pua `Ilima is performing both traditional and contemporary dances of Hawai`i, Tahiti, and New Zealand in an informative and interactive format.

You don’t need to have a sense of rhythm to enjoy these performances, so get out and enjoy the groove! Call the Dance DC Festival for more information at 202.724.5613.

Farm Fresh, Food and Drink, Special Events, We Green DC
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Farm Fresh: Charlie Palmer Steak

Charlie Palmer

WeLoveDC authors Donna (greenie) and Katie (foodie) have paired up to bring you a double-hitting feature about local area restaurants that take on the challenge of being green. Donna will explain the logic behind the environmentally friendly trends and Katie will tell you if the food tastes any good. It’s a rough life, but someone has to do it, right?

Katie: Charlie Palmer Steak is situated on the bottom floor of the Carpenter’s Union building, facing the Capitol Reflecting Pool on the Senate side. I’d almost be tempted to call it DC stuffy, if I didn’t love it so much. And love it I do, Charlie Palmer Steak gets top marks in my foodie book. Not only is it gorgeous, the food is fantastic, and the service matches. The entire front of the restaurant is glass, and in the winter I’m sure it has a supurb view of the Capitol Building. An impressive walk-in wine cellar sits above a fountain and water pool full of stones. The servers are inconspicuously attentive. Candles flicker on the table. It is a quiet sort of posh, the perfect place for a business meeting, or a very impressive date. Honestly, it’s the type of place that you wouldn’t quite expect to do locovore meals. It’s a bit too conservative, too buttoned-up. But for all the month of August, through September 12, you can stop by Charlie Palmer to do an incredibly affordable “In the Loop” dinner – all food from within 150 miles of DC for $39 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Continue reading →