2019 Fall Event Guide

Fall into some cool weather fun with these local events filled with food, booze, art, and music!

**Fall event update**

Inheritance

by Imar Hutchins

Inheritance is Imar Hutchins’s solo exhibition showcasing his amazing talent as a printmaker and signature work as a collagist. Hutchins sources the integral pieces of his collages from an incredibly rich archive of historic reference documents- many with direct connection to his familial lineage. The exhibit features several mixed media portraits of substantial figures, some connected to Hutchins by blood and some through sacred affection.

Hutchins’s exhibition can be viewed through October 6th @ Pyramid Atlantic Art Center

For more information, visit pyramid-atlantic.org.

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center | 4318 Gallatin St. Hyattsville, MD

H Street Festival

H Street Corridor | September 19th | 12p- 7p

What better way to say to goodbye to summer and hello to Fall than enjoying 11 blocks and 14 staging areas of food, vendors, and live entertainment at the H Street Festival. In recent years, the over 12 year old event has drawn some of its largest crowds. Cancelled and rescheduled last year due to threats by Hurricane Florence, a sunny day in the forecast, is sure to draw large crowds and lots of fun. You can expect tons of local vendors, artists, and food. Want to enjoy the festival, but not a fan of crowds? H Street is lined with plenty of rooftop bars for your viewing (and drinking pleasure). Another perk, the festival is family friendly. Its 14 staging areas will include a variety of artistic performances, including music, fashion, youth performances, poetry, and more. Wondering how to get there? If the picture is any indication, driving is probably a bad idea. The Union Station metro stop is a few blocks away from the start of the festival (make sure to exit closest to H St).

Cannavote expo

Gateway Pavillion | September 28th | 1p-7p

GIRLAAA, a collective of women creatives fusing art and music to put women, especially those of color, at the forefront of conceptualization and representation in creative spaces, will be curating the entertainment for the first National CannaVote Expo. The ladies of GIRLAAA will be sure to keep you twerkin’ and tokin’ with their DJ line up and special guest performers. GIRLAAA will also be hosting its Podcast on site, with featured episode, “Buy Weed From Black People: Navigating the Cannabis- Industry as a Person of Color”.

CannaVote originated as a campaign to get the largest voting demographic, 18-35 year olds, to the polls. What better way to do that than to mobilize them toward total legalization of cannabis through support of the MORE Act? The Expo will bring together industry experts, vendors, music (GIRLAAA approved, of course), digital installations, food, and more!

Tickets are On Sale now.

crafty festival

Buzzard point | October 28th & 29th | 10a-5p

Are you a lover of one-of-a- kind arts, crafts, and rare finds? In its 16th year, Washington City Paper hosts the annual Crafty Festival connecting independent artists, visionaries, and their unique, ethically sourced goods to consumers. The two day festival will surely be your marketplace for that amazing holiday gift or the newest masterpiece to adorn your home. Make sure to find your creative eye and connect with artists, makers, and creatives of all types at this weekend gem.

Ready to get crafty? Tickets are On Sale and ridiculously affordable (ranging from $5- $13).

LAte Night African Market

the Wharf | October 1 | 8-12p

Kith/ Kin’s Award-winning Executive Chef, and former Top Chef contestant, Kwame Onwuachi, presents a late night African Market in celebration of its 2 year anniversary. The beautiful Kith/ Kin, located on the ground level of the InterContinental Hotel, will be transformed into an African night market- think West Africa meets the Potomac. You can expect the vibrant sights and sounds of West Africa through live dance and musical performances ranging from of-the- moment Afrobeats to traditional Djembe and Talking Drums. What’s a night market without the celebration of the flavorful and diverse food? The night market with also feature the creation of West African inspired dishes conceptualized by several local chefs hailing from current and up and coming concepts.

Tickets are On Sale through September 30.

Unite the District fest

Audi field | OCtober 4th, 7p-10p | October 5th, 2-5p |

Since its opening last summer, Audi Field has been DC United’s state-of-the-art new home. If you thought being a soccer fan was the only way you’d get to experience its expansive grounds and second to none views- worry no more! DC United will host its first two-day festival at Audi Field this Fall.

The Unite the District Fest boasts a one- of- a- kind fusion of some of DC’s best musical, culinary, and artistic talents- only the way DC can. From the homegrown musical genre affectionately known as Go-Go, to the Top 40 hits you can’t get enough of (and everything else in between), Black Alley, White Ford Bronco, DJ Domo, and other local artists will provide the soundtrack to your festival experience. Over 30 local restaurants and breweries will ensure your taste buds are moving (if you’re body isn’t), while interactive art installations and a curated art gallery visually remind you why Audi Field is the newest cultural playground you can’t get enough of.

To catch some Go-Go, courtesy of Black Alley, make sure you’re there by 7p and leave the kiddos at home for 21+, Friday night fun. For Saturday is the new Sunday Funday vibes, get there by 2:30p to hear chart-topping faves from White Ford Bronco and record spins by DJ Domo. Enjoy unlimited sips and bites with ticket purchase. Kids 2 & Under are free. Tickets for Ages 3-17 are $20 and Ages 18 and Up are $35.

the pop-up magazine

lincoln theatre | October 7th | 7p

Do you have a favorite magazine- online or print? Do you have a favorite issue you look forward to reading!? Is it their coverage of the Street Style seen at Fashion Weeks all over the world, its yearly highlight of up and coming rap & hip hop artists to watch, or capturing in print the roaring drumroll to the start of your favorite sports season?

Well whatever it is, imagine being able to see it live, on stage, and accompanied by graphics and an original score that make it all come alive! If just the thought has your senses salivating for more, pick up that napkin, because the Pop-Up Magazine is the live, storytelling meal you’ve been waiting for.

This year, Pop-Up Magazine’s Escape Issue will fuse art, music, and performance to take you on a storytelling journey through stories of escape. From physical feats to mental jujitsu; film-worthy plots to a one-step masterplan, each story- all true- will take you on a ride you won’t want to miss!

If you’re anything like me, your were sold at the words: music, art, storytelling, and live. But, if you still need a little more convincing, I’ve got that for you too. Pop-Up Magazine tours the country giving each audience a little something different and unique along the way. I had the amazing opportunity to take a deeper look into the production of DC’s Escape Issue, with DC-based Producer/Host, Marin Cogan. Check out my interview with her in the link below and make sure to get your tickets for a one-of- a- kind experience with Pop-Up Magazine: Escape Issue.

29 Rooms

DC Armory | October 18-27 | Multiple Times

“Sittin’ up in my room”- all 29 of them to be exact! 29 Rooms, the interactive art installation by Refinery 29 will be gracing DC with its artistic presence for the first time since the start of the franchise in 2015. The first 29 Rooms was unveiled during NY Fashion Week as a way to engage the masses who are often shut out of exclusive industry parties. Each room immerses you in a different world of art, culture, and technology sure to keep those insta-stories rolling.

DC’s installation will feature collaborations from local artists Jamea Richmond-Edwards and visual artist, illustrator, and animator; and GIRLAAA’s Creative Director, Trap Bob. Check out a preview of her installation (pictured left). If you’re ready to ‘Expand Your Reality’ and discover a realm of endless possibilities, get your tickets to 29 Rooms.

Tickets are On Sale and offer varying times throughout the day. If you’re riding solo tickets are $34 + fees.

If your friends are goals, Group Tickets are $29 + fees. Enjoy a $5 discount if you buy 3 or more Adult Tickets.

Tickets Sales end October 18th.

Food and Grooves

Union Market *Dock 5 | October 26th | 12p-9p

Sweets, and eats, and beats, Oh My! The masterminds behind the homegrown Broccoli City Festival have chopped and screwed it to bless us with Food and Grooves, a one day immersion of good food, good music, and cultural culinary convo @ Dock 5 at Union Market.

The day of bites and boogies will include representation from several local black-owned restaurants and concepts, musical performances from DC’s own Black Alley and GIRLAAA’s DJ Domo and DJ Mane Squeeze, annndd “Food Talks” panel discussions featuring several local culinary experts. Panelists will be scraping the plate with their takes on health, music, heritage, and tackling some of the biggest food issues affecting the industry today. You can also expect meet & greets, cooking demonstrations, book signings, free samples, and more!

For y’all in the back. Tickets on Sale Now.

GA Funky Grooves ticket is $49. If you’re the thirsty one in the crew, the $79 GA Grooves Bar Pass gets you 5 extra Sips.

DMV Black Restaurant Week

DC, MD, VA | November 3- 10 | various Locations

Black Restaurant Week will be back for its second year in the DMV during the first week of November. Born out of the need to celebrate, create space, and provide opportunities for collaboration and advancement for bar and culinary talent of color, DMV Black Restaurant Week (DMVBRW) will be filled with good food, innovative fare, and fellowship. Unlike the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) sponsored Restaurant Week, DMVBRW will include concepts of all types (carryouts, food trucks, full service restaurants and bars) and more- running the gauntlet of Black-owned establishments in the area. The week’s events will also include a Cocktail Competition, an Education Conference, and an Awards Brunch.

While the week will see a higher volume of events, the DMVBRW is a year round recognition, celebration, and source of collaboration for black culinary and bar talent in the city. Make sure to lookout for promotions and events throughout the year, and always support your favorite local Black-owned bars, restaurants, and carryouts. Better yet, do it for the culture and take the time to try somewhere new!

Emporiyum

Union Market * Dock 5 | Nov 9th, 10th | 10a-4p

Thanksgiving appetite training starts early and EmporiYUM is a foodie’s training camp. The food, beverage, and artisanal marketplace is back again this year. Prepare to feast your eyes (and your stomachs) on delicious treats from vendors across the country. You can also expect to shop some cool products and swoon-worthy gifts from a slate of artisans difficult to top.

The two day festival is kicked off with a Friday Night Preview Party that offers early access to ALL EmporiYUM vendors, including free drinks, samples, and interactive activities. If your Yum ( oops I meant tum ) can’t wait (especially in longer weekend lines), make sure to get your Friday tickets ASAP.

As always, your girl’s got you covered. Make sure to use the code ‘CANDACEGOTYOUIN’ at ticket purchase.