Art Festivals; Openings; and Galleries

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Nightmares and Creativity,”** on the relationship between frightening dreams and real creative achievements, with Bernard Welt, emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University, former member of the board of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, and contributing editor of *DreamTime*. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at[ https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-nightmares-and-creativity]( https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-nightmares-and-creativity).] Nightmares are associated with creativity—but how, exactly? Why do so many famous accounts of genius in the arts and sciences originate with a frightening dream? Explore such questions with the help of Bernard Welt, who has taught courses on recalling dreams and dream journaling and written extensively on the relationship between dreaming and the arts. Using excerpts from texts, illustrations of artworks, and clips from classic films derived from nightmares, Professor Welt will look at the relationship between bad dreams and celebrated innovations and creative accomplishments. You’ll learn why psychologists consider the nightmare to be a key to understanding the creative power of the unconscious mind. We’ll consider sleep scientists’ definitions of the nightmare, asking why it still remains controversial, and explore contemporary theories about the relationship between nightmares and creativity from psychoanalysis, Jungian archetypal theory, evolutionary psychology, and other sources. Though dreams have special authority in many cultures, in the western world it’s only among the nineteenth-century Romantics that we began to see personal accounts of creativity inspired by dreams—curiously, preponderantly bad ones. We’ll look at how *Frankenstein* arose from Mary Shelley’s famous dream of a scientist confronted by his own fearful creation, and how art’s Surrealist movement taught us to value our nightmares. You’ll learn how dreams of all kinds can result in sudden inspiration because they relax inhibitions, transcend habitual trains of thought, and permit ideas that would be rejected by the thought processes of waking life. You’ll even come to see why we may welcome our nightmares as opportunities to expand our vision and our understanding. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From Francisco Goya’s 1799 etching “The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters” (public domain).

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

It's Indie Dev Night! Bring your games that you've made, your game idea, or just your passion for game development! This is an informal event to talk game development with like-minded folks. We'll be hosting this IN PERSON at the MLK Jr. Library in room 401-A Closing Time at the library: 8:30 PM

​**Due to the popularity of the event, registration for free lessons and the support table are required at [https://luma.com/dcmahjongg](https://luma.com/dcmahjongg).** We do not use the RSVP system on Meetup. **A drop-in game every Tuesday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Library, located at the corner of 9th and G Streets NW.** The Gallery Place Metro station (9th Street entrance) is located across the street. Street parking is available. We play in the Great Hall -- as you enter the library, we are on the right of the room. **All skill levels are encouraged to participate.** Lessons for new players (as needed) at 6:00pm. Please arrive on time. Games for all skill levels begin at 6:00. Games wrap up at 8:00. **If you own a mah jongg set, we encourage you to bring.** More resources (especially for new players) are available at http://linktr.ee/davidmahj

**When**: Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 pm **Where**: Pyramid Atlantic's Helen Frederick Gallery (2nd Floor) Pyramid Atlantic Art Center\* 4318 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Convenient cheap parking in several nearby municipal parking lots including the lot near Franklins. Only 0.50cents/hour until 8pm; please enter through the rear doors. **What**: Each Tuesday session begins with five 5-minute warm-up poses. We then draw from a sustained pose for the remainder of the session. Please bring your own art materials, paper and portable easel (if needed). Chairs and drawing boards provided. **Cost**: $20/session or $75/5-session punch card Walk-ins and late arrivals welcome, no experience necessary! **Etc**.: Age 18+ **Contact**: Milena- hyattsvillefiguredrawing@gmail.com \*Membership to Pyramid Atlantic, though not required, is enthusiastically encouraged! [Pyramid Atlantic Membership](https://pyramidatlanticartcenter.org/support/membership/) *We are not looking for new figure models at this time, no inquiries please. Thank you.*

Weekly Draft night in NW. We currently meet up at Franklin Hall near 14th and Florida. U Street Metro is the closest stop. I'll have packs but feel free to bring packs if you have them. Entry is $17 (you can bring Play Booster packs to lower the cost by $3.50). If it is a special set, it will be more.

Bonjour! Are you missing your French? Have you been wanting to practice your French in a day-to-day setting? Join the Alliance Française Library in-person during our Salon de Conversation every 2nd Tuesday of the month to practice your French in a fun and informal setting. This event is for all levels of French speakers. Please note that in May we will be meeting IN-PERSON in the AFDC Library from 6 PM to 7 PM.

Join us for a **fun, curious, and reflective evening walk** through four of DC’s most iconic war memorials — moving from daylight to twilight to full night as the monuments shift in mood and meaning. This is a **zero‑expertise, all‑welcome** adventure designed for adults who like learning, laughing, and noticing things together. We’ll explore how the U.S. remembers war — through architecture, symbolism, and the stories we choose to elevate — with **light, playful activities at each stop**. Perfect just before Memorial Day! **⭐ What to Expect** * **Total distance:** \~1.5 miles, slow pace * **Difficulty:** Easy, mostly flat * **Vibe:** Playful, thoughtful, welcoming * **Who’s welcome:** Everyone — solo attendees, friends, couples, locals, visitors * **Cost:** Free (tips optional, never expected) **⭐ Want to come along?** RSVP, bring water, and wear comfy shoes. This is one of the most beautiful times of day to see the memorials — and one of the best ways to experience how DC tells its stories. ***

JxJ, the DC Jewish Film and Music Festival does an excellent job of scheduling interesting films, conversations and receptions. This documentary film short looks particularly absorbing and very cool that Regina Spektor will be there to discuss. **The cost is $18 and includes a reception after. Tickets can be bought [here](https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/my-friend-sam/) and in person that night if it does not sell out.** Singer-songwriter Regina Spektor’s life changed forever when, as a child, she was taken under the wing of musicians Sonia Vargas and Samuel Marder. Blending frank interviews with powerful animation, Samuel walks through his childhood in Romania, the trials he faced as a Holocaust survivor, and the transformative impact that music had even during the darkest times. His endurance as a violinist and the lessons he shared with Regina charted the course of her own musical development for the decades that followed. **Q&A with producer Regina Spektor following the screening.** **A catered reception will follow the conclusion of the Q&A**.

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions EVERY Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm — join us! This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all our class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

Let's go to Glenstone! At Glenstone, the architecture and grounds are also part of the art. This beautiful art museum in Potomac, MD just reopened its full collection for public viewing. After we see the art, we'll gather in their cafe for lunch at 11:45 a.m. The grounds of the museum include a walking trail and outdoor sculptures. If you haven't been to Glenstone, this is a chance you don't want to miss. MEET AT: 9:45 a.m. just outside the Arrival Hall, which is near the parking lots ([map of the grounds is here](https://map.glenstone.org/?_gl=1%2A16qx4na%2A_ga%2AMTU2Mjk2NTQxNS4xNzc1NTI1NDUw%2A_ga_ZBWX9X6JP8%2AczE3NzU1MjU0NDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU1Mjg0MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw%2A_ga_C0CCS7S928%2AczE3NzU1MjU0NDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU1Mjg0MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw&floor=0&lang=en-GB#15/39.05915/-77.24977)). Look for Molly with the rainbow LAL sign. COST: FREE LUNCH: In the cafe at 11:45 a.m. (no picnicking on the grounds is allowed) ATTENDANCE CAP: 25 spots available (RSVP required) ACCESSIBILITY: Expect to walk! The museum does offer a cart service that runs throughout the day and takes people to the gallery and pavilions and the Woodland Trail. PARKING: Parking is available at the museum and FREE! ADDRESS: [12100 Glen Road, Potomac, MD 20854](https://www.google.com/maps/place/12100+Glen+Rd,+Potomac,+MD+20854/@39.0627176,-77.2533145,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b633a50bac863f:0xd10d42c51ce7b73e!8m2!3d39.0627135!4d-77.2507396!16s%2Fg%2F11gfh7k7lk?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) GETTING HERE: The best way to get to Glenstone is to drive. Please use the comment section of this event to ask for rides and arrange carpools. THE ART: The museum has two main exhibitions going on now: "Ties of our common kindred" includes the museum's collection of American art masterpieces from artists like Mark Rothko, Jasper Johns, Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, and Andy Warhol. There are also 40 works from the artist Andrea Bowers, whose work often focuses on issues of environmentalism and protecting bodily autonomy. And there's more: For the full list of what's available to see, visit: https://www.glenstone.org/exhibitions.

Come join us for a fun, relaxing day of hanging out, arts & crafts, and board games at the NoVA Prism Center! We will be providing supplies for various arts and crafts, but feel free to bring your own project or supplies as well! We will also have board games ready for use for anyone not artistically inclined (\*cough\*like Velvet\*cough\*) who still wants to join in and chill with friends. Be sure to bring some games from your own collection as well, as ours will be somewhat limited. In addition, this is a fursuit friendly event! This is a FREE event, and is all ages! Everyone is welcome. This will take place at the [NoVA Prism Center](https://novaprismcenter.gay/), a locally-run 501(c)(3) organization/community center for queer folks in Northern VA. The staff at the NoVA Prism Center have very generously allowed us to use their facilities for this event for free, so please have the utmost respect for your surroundings, and clean up after yourselves. The NoVA Prism Center is also kindly providing light snacks and beverages! ✨As a thank you to the NoVA Prism Center for letting us use their space, please consider [donating to the organization ](https://givebutter.com/3EJN5K)if you have the ability – even a few bucks here and there helps!✨ Looking forward to seeing you all there!

This has always been one of our nicest events - music, sunshine, fun friends. Starting this Friday, downtown Bethesda is hosting live outdoor concerts at the corner of St. Elmo Ave. and Norfolk Ave. every Friday. You're invited to bring your own food. Usually we're able to grab a table nearby Olazzo restaurant. The [Jill Fulton Band](https://www.google.com/search?q=Jill+Fulton+Band&rlz=1C1HKFL_enUS1197US1197&oq=what+is+the+jill+fulton+band%3F&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRifBTIHCAcQIRiPAjIHCAgQIRiPAtIBCTgzNjFqMGoxNagCCLACAfEFpf4BSnqR8bnxBaX-AUp6kfG5&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&mstk=AUtExfAhoqZxoQEGdwMyMCUjTq40c8n1XLQkooe1v9ZDvVeLqrqGJsp3Swol7xTgEj9q-Z1tEy8bSrjTkBJtsMdNpEZ3BWbISDodEAQycf5xCrvIfd3Dk6IgaKaLirTwAqAOHkaBlA-q67-NlewMiqTqDs3_vFF3kI3nGZPvB5UGRP5xAElCcHXcWtKlhlB2hKbbKmbx&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwi52qj8kbKUAxXxj4kEHfszH0cQgK4QegoIAggACAAIBxAB) is a Pennsylvania/Maryland-based, 5-7 piece powerhouse ensemble led by Nashville recording artist and award-winning singer-songwriter Jill Fulton. Known for a "Country-Blues" sound, they play a mix of original music and covers spanning classic rock, soul, and country blues. Join us any time in the evening.

THE TIME IS NOW. While we celebrate the 1500 beagles getting released from Ridglan, there is still work to be done! To gather more participants and momentum, we are transitioning the rally to May 23rd to fight for the approximately 23,000 dogs trapped in Marshall BioResources in NY. We are also targeting NIH who funds institutions who buy beagles for testing. **Attend the Rally: We will peacefully gather with signs, posters, and positive energy. Bring your friends and share widely!** **Location: Bethesda, MD on 355 near the NIH Metro, any changes will be noted. 1 pm-3 pm**

It’s hard to believe our group is 1 year old now! Let’s have another great meetup to enjoy the hobby with each other and have a IFP&P birthday celebration! Note: location may change.

Come and celebrate Filipino Independence with us as we make our first trip together to the Fil-Am Fest! With plenty of good food, crafts, apparel, and stage performances, there are enough good times to go around for everyone. The festival website: [https://filamfestinc.org/](https://filamfestinc.org/) We'll do our best to pick a good Meetup spot, but this is generally situated in an area of the Fair Oaks Mall parking lot near Macy's Furniture, so we'll likely have to post our location on the message board once we arrive. Be on the lookout for it! Extra tip: I don't know if they allow camping or other portable chairs, but it may not be a bad idea to have that and possibly a little rain gear in your vehicle just in case. Bring a friend to share! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Members of the public are invited to view the wonders of the universe through the telescopes of NOVAC volunteers at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. You do not need to be a member of the club or own any astronomical equipment to attend. Telescopes will be provided by the Smithsonian and pre-approved members of the NOVAC. No other personal telescopes are permitted at the event. The event will take place on the bus parking lot of the museum. **Please park your vehicle at the south end of the main visitors lot and follow signs and red lights to the observing site. As a reminder, parking during the event is free.** Have a cosmic question? One of NOVAC's astronomers or museum staff will be happy to help you. As the sky gets dark, be prepared to enjoy the wonders of the night sky! Don't forget to dress warmly. Please check the weather forecast. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated. Note: This outdoor event is weather-dependent and may be cancelled because of significant cloud cover or precipitation.

# Hopelessly Devoted to Murder Written and Directed by Terry Smith Produced by Jerri Wiseman Cast Members: Betsy Hansen, Ilan Komrad, and Russell Silber ***Greased hair, bobby socks, poodle skirts—and one shocking murder. At Rockway High, the drama is bigger than the school dance, and when a student turns up dead, the resident cool guy and his gang race to uncover the culprit before the last song plays. Dress to impress in your best ’50s style and join the party. It’s a night of dinner, dancing, and deadly fun you won’t want to miss.*** [Murder Meter™](https://www.stagecoachtc.com/murder-meter/) Saucy Suspects Performances will be held at area historic venues, restaurants, wineries, and breweries March – May 2026. ### May 16 at Oatlands in Leesburg Oatlands, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175 Doors and dinner buffet start at 6:30pm. Show at 7:15pm. Please arrive at 6:30pm. Tickets: $80 + sales tax + ticketing fee Includes the show, catered dinner and dessert by Pure Perfection Catering. (Menu: Mixed Green Salad with Tomato, Cucumber, Shredded Cheese, and Croutons with Ranch and Vinaigrette Dressings. Chicken a la King. Grilled Pork Chops with Pan Gravy. Sauteed Mixed Vegetables. Steamed Rice with Sauteed Onions and Garlic. Rolls with Butter. Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Coffee and Iced Tea Station.) Wine, beer, and mixed drinks will be available for separate purchase. ### [Click here to make reservations for Oatlands.](https://ci.ovationtix.com/36598/production/1265164) You must buy a ticket to attend. An RSVP here will not save you a seat.

**NOTICE: The park is open until 8:45 PM for Sunset Closing** [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-845pm-closing) **Sunset is 8:25 PM** Fees: $5 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $9 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y For dinner, after the field trip around 8:30 PM, we will head to Anita's New Mexico Style Restaurant, 521 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T7gw87tjvVuwDT96 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

May is a great month for Asian festivals in the DC area, so let's pay a visit to another local one that we enjoy! Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA) partners with local business owners and the City of Fairfax to bring you the 6th Annual Asian Festival on Main 2026! This special event was created to bring the community together and celebrate our cultural diversity through food, arts & crafts, entertainment, and education. 60+ Food Vendors and 60+ Non-Food vendors and exhibitions will also be showcased to highlight Asian food, culture, and traditions from local and out-of-state Asian business owners, as well as some business owners from Old Town Fairfax, Virginia. Here's the website for further info: [https://asianfestivalonmain.com/](https://asianfestivalonmain.com/) Let's meetup around 1:00 PM in front of Courtside Thai and then enter together. Try not to be late! Free parking is available in the ["Old Town Plaza Fairfax Public Parking"](https://goo.gl/maps/AxHiegd2r1MDGuwq9?coh=178571&entry=tt) garage (and maybe on the street if you get lucky). You don't necessarily need a ticket, but if you find a site for it and want to register for one, it'll help with their planning if you do. As always communicate through the message boards if you're trying to find us! We'll try to post up at certain times so you can catch up with us, but of course, being on time is highly advised! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!