Urban Design

## **🛼** DC Alleycat Skate Bash **🛼** DC’s first ever (as far as we know!) inline alleycat race is here! Join us for the DC Alleycat Skate Bash, a one of a kind skate adventure through the city. This isn’t your typical group skate… it’s a checkpoint style race that will have you exploring DC in a whole new way, testing your navigation skills, endurance, and sense of fun. ### 📍 Meeting Details * **WHERE:** Franklin Park, SE Corner (1332 I St NW) * **MEET:** 11:00 AM for lace-ups and intros. ### ✨ What to expect: \* A choose your own route race across the city \* Clues, checkpoints, and surprises along the way \* A fun, supportive community vibe whether you’re racing or cruising \* FREE to join Whether you’re competitive or just in it for the experience, this is your chance to see DC on skates like never before. **[RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/6KY7q1kLpgLro87v7)** so we have an idea of how many participants to expect 👉 **[Be sure to check out the FAQ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16nj4SL8EIIGr6i_VEZmeA7D5M-arpLUCqPxbcSTXVPs/edit?tab=t.0)** for everything you need to know before rolling out! Hope to see you there on April 18th. Bring your skates and your sense of adventure! 🛼

Meet a Jones Point Park, walk into Old Town for lunch, walk back to the park. Get some steps in, meet new people, and eat some delicious food; hope to see you all there!:

Hello Social Sips and Bits group! We’re excited to take our next meetup to The Perch at Capital One Center- a rooftop destination that’s unlike any other. Perched high above Tysons, this beautiful spot combines scenic city views, a beer garden, lush green spaces, games, and more. Join us on the top floor to catch up over delicious bites and drinks, enjoy some lawn games, or just relax and take in the incredible skyline. Whether you’re here for the good conversation, the stunning views, or just a little break from the everyday, you won’t want to miss this event. So grab your friends and head up to The Perch with us—we can’t wait to see you there! https://www.capitalonecenter.com/the-perch

Calling all gamers, developers, and video game enthusiasts! Dive into the vibrant world of indie games and play unique creations by talented local developers. Whether you're a seasoned gamer, an aspiring developer, or just curious about the indie scene, this is your chance to connect, play, and celebrate DC’s gaming community. **PARKING INFO**: Parking around this area is expensive ($15-20) and a bit annoying. However the library is right outside Gallery Place metro station. I would highly recommend taking the metro, or driving to a metro station, parking there, and then take the metro in. Location: MLK Library Basement Floor

Learn about life in Cohousing at Eastern Village on our TOUR DAY Sunday April 19 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We'll provide an introduction to Eastern Village, a green co-housing community in the Downtown Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District. Members will discuss life in our community and do a Q&A. You will then tour our community’s extensive common facilities, including award-winning eco-features and several of our condo units. Please join the tour promptly by 10:45 AM for a 11:00 AM start. Light refreshments will be served PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS TOUR AT THE WASHINGTON DC AREA COHOUSING MEETUP. [https://www.meetup.com/washington-dc-area-cohousing/events/313688333/](https://www.meetup.com/washington-dc-area-cohousing/events/313688333/) If you are interested in living at Eastern Village, Montgomery County’s only cohousing community, we strongly encourage you to observe at least one of our monthly community meetings and attend one or more of our social activities. That way you will be able to see if cohousing and Eastern Village, in particular, is right for you. Eastern Village is just 4 blocks from the Silver Spring Metro station on the Red Line. Parking is available behind the building in the Montgomery County Kennett Street Garage (no payment needed on Sunday) or on the street. Eastern Village Cohousing 7981 Eastern Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910

Wisteria Walk is officially on the calendar. 📍 April 19th Georgetown & Dumbarton Oaks Gardens & Museum DC is at its most beautiful in April, and we're spending the day in it together. However you want to join us, there's a place for you 🌿 —————————— 🌸 Dumbarton Oaks Garden Visit at 2pm The full elevated experience. One of DC's most breathtaking gardens at peak bloom. Dressed in your best spring looks. Ticketed & limited availability. First to purchase are confirmed. ⚠️ Tickets sell out fast around peak bloom. Secure yours HERE 👇 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-timed-entry-tickets-dumbarton-oaks-gardens-tickets-1977388111070?aff=oddtdtcreator —————————— 🚶🏽‍♀️ Afterwards, a Georgetown stroll Free. Open to all. Wander through Georgetown as the wisterias bloom. No ticket needed, just show up and send us a message in the Ladies Lounge chat and we'll let you know where we are. —————————— 📚 Barnes & Noble Browse Wind down the afternoon together. Browse & enjoy the company. Optional small bites after! 🥂 —————————— You can join for one option or all three, entirely up to you 💛 Drop your emoji below for what you're most interested in! 🌸 — Dumbarton Oaks 🚶🏽‍♀️ — Georgetown Stroll 📚 — Barnes & Noble Join the Ladies Lounge here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H533SlZi8h70XjkN6iSEws?mode=gi_t

Join us on zoom call zoom from your phone free at 1929 436 2866; meeting id is 896 0197-4108 that's all, see you today 3rd Sunday at 12:45pm 2-15-26 ask for Howard!

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-04-19-sculpting-photos **Sculpting Photos** The sculptures in the west wing National Gallery of Art offers photographers a unique creative challenge: The art is already shaped by light, form, and intention. In this class we will explore how photography can re-imagine three-dimensional works through thoughtful observation and creative choices. By paying close attention to light, shadow, texture, and perspective, photographers can reveal new interpretations of sculptures, highlighting details, moods, and relationships that may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. Through guided looking and hands-on practice in the galleries, students will learn how camera position, framing, depth of field, and timing transform solid, static objects into dynamic photographic images. Whether isolating a gesture, emphasizing scale, or experimenting with abstraction, this class encourages photographers to move beyond documentation and toward personal expression, using sculpture as a powerful starting point for visual storytelling. Whether you’re new to photography or looking to deepen your practice, this class invites you to see the sculpture and your creative process in fresh ways. In this class you will learn to: 1. Develop observational skills by learning to analyze sculpture in terms of form, space, light, and texture, and translating those observations into intentional photographic choices. 2. Explore creative photographic techniques such as framing, perspective, and selective focus to reinterpret sculptures and create expressive, original images in an indoor museum setting. 3. Build visual storytelling skills by using photography to convey mood, movement, or meaning, helping students articulate a personal response to sculptural works. All cameras are welcome, from your smartphone to DSLR. However, we recommend the camera you use has multiple lenses or a zoom, and ability to adjust exposure. Lenses in the range of 28mm to 200mm would be appropriate. No flash or tripod since we'll be in a museum. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class limit: 8-9 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-04-19-sculpting-photos

**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

The heat wave ends on Sunday and showers should be finished by late morning. Let's meet at 2 pm for a hike across NW DC with a stop at the Cathedral. Since the hike will be on a Sunday, there should be free entrance into the Cathedral for folks who want to check out the glorious stained windows & other attractions. We will meet at 2 on by the Tenleytown metro station and walk down Nebraska to Foxhall Road and back up the Glover Archbold Trail. After the National Cathedral, we will wend our way back to Tenleytown. The starting point for the hike is a hop and a skip from a Whole Foods store with the best peanut butter cookies in the D.C. area. ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the meetup point we'll walk southeast along Wisconsin Ave NW, turn left at Nebraska Ave NW and follow it southwest to Foxhall Rd NW, * We will hook a left on Garfield Ave. and follow to the Glover-Archbold Trail through the woods back to Cathedral Ave. We will cross Wisconsin Ave and stop at the National Cathedral. We will then wend back to Tenleytown via 36th St., 37th St., and Van Ness. * Total distance is around 5 miles and should take about 2 hours, . The surface is paved and slightly downhill on the way out, and a slightly uphill mix of pavement and woodland trails on the way back. This is a fairly easy walk. * [map is for prior version of the hike; update pending] Google map: http://tinyurl.com/y9bthc7a ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro (recommended): The Tenleytown - AU Metro Station is on the Red Line. See the Metro Trip Planner at https://www.wmata.com/ * Driving: If you must drive, the Tenleytown - AU Metro Stationstreet address is 4501 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016. There is limited parallel parking in the area, but mind the street signs and leave plenty of time to find a spot! ❸ **What to bring:** Plenty of water, comfy shoes. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is cloudy with a high temperature of 63F. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/sw2ejvu8 ❺ **Advisory**: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. Dogs must be leashed at all times. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms near the meetup point at Whole Foods, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Target and at the Cathedral.

Julie B Booth is a fellow Creative Mind, and past teacher at Artistic Artifacts, excited to join us again for our annual Creative Minds Summit. Create a hand stitched landscape/cityscape that expresses the essence of a special-to-you place. Julie will guide you through the process of designing an abstracted version of your special place based on personal photos that you bring to class. Along the way, you’ll learn Julie’s approach to layered fabric collage, choosing interesting hand stitches to fill in the spaces of your scape (including needle lace and ruching), free style bead embroidery and attaching place-related natural objects using thread nets. Julie will also demo some finishing techniques. (This class is suitable for all levels, though some experience with hand-stitching is helpful.) Learn more about this class, your student supply kit fee & list via Artistic Artifacts’ secure online website: [https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-sensing-place-with-julie-booth](https://artisticartifacts.com/products/cms-sensing-place-with-julie-booth) \*\*\* Due to the size or other requirements of the class or concurrent scheduling, some classes are in our second-floor space: access is via stairs only. Registrations for all Artistic Artifacts classes MUST be paid for [through our website](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk), or via a visit to our shop at 4750 Eisenhower Avenue. We encourage you to RSVP here, but to ensure your seat you MUST follow through via our website. [View our complete class policies »](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/class-policies)

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

**TBA**

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **HAPPY HOUR**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/). **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.