Edinburgh

Please join members of the the Shirlington Running Group each Thursday night at 6:30 PM for our weekly Run 'n' Quaff at Astro Beer Hall located at 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington Virginia 22206 in the Shirlington neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. We are a laid back group of runners that enjoys running a 5-K (3.1 mile) course each week followed the quaffing of cold refreshing adult beverages. We have runners of all abilities from the beginning runner / walker up through marathoners and ultra runners. Our age group spans from early twenties through late seventies and all ages in between. There is someone your age range / someone your skill level at our weekly meetups. No check-ins, waiver forms, or administrivia. No rules, just right. Please join us each and every Thursday night, rain or shine, for the Shirlington Running Group!

Thursdays at 6:30pm Take 30 minutes at the end of your day to unwind and connect to your potential for inner peace. Suitable for everyone, these meditation classes offer guided meditations and practical advice for improving the quality of our mental peace. **Registration** Each class is available by drop in. **Standard:** $5 **\| [Member Pricing:](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) Free** [Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/thursday-night-rest-and-reflect/) Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Zorba's Cafe on Thursdays! We will be on the 2nd floor, or if the weather allows, we will be sitting outside at a table in the street. If you don't see anyone on the 2nd floor and the weather is favorable, it means we're sitting at the table in the street. Уважаемые участники группы! Информация для тех, кто еще не посещал наши встречи - обычно подписывается меньше людей, чем приходит на встречу, "старожилы" привыкли к тому, что записываться необязательно, и просто приходят в любое удобное для них время с 5:30 до 8 часов. Так что не стесняйтесь, записывайтесь на встречу! Welcome to the old venue! Old - since we used to get together at Zorba's Cafe for many years. Come to the 2nd floor. 1612 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 This is very close to Metro Dupont Circle station. This is the same place where we got together every Thursday evening for many years before 2015. Everyone is welcome, but please keep conversation in Russian only. For many of us, this is our only chance to practice our Russian. There are happy hour prices available. Timing: Someone is usually there by 5:30, but it sometimes takes the organizers till 5:45 or so. If you get there first, please wait - we will be there! And people are usually there till at least 8. So if you can't make it right at the beginning, that is perfectly fine to arrive late! RSVP's: I encourage you to RSVP. But please know that many people don't RSVP. So it may seem like only 3 people are planning to attend, but have no fear, we usually have a good-sized fun group! (And we almost always have newcomers. So if you are planning on coming for the first time, you most likely won't be the only one.) Also, when the weather is nice we are frequently sitting outdoors. So if nobody is on the second floor, just look for the group speaking Russian at tables out on the street. And to say again - we have often had only 3 or 4 people RSVP but have 15 or so show up. So don't worry about that. See you there! Questions? Check our FAQ (http://www.meetup.com/russki-razgovor-dc/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/) page.

Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. register: http://aolf.live/introSKY

To Attend, please register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154) Experience a wonderful concert from visiting Portuguese and Brazilian musicians. Including Portuguese food, drink, and more! EXCLUSIVE CONCERT BY A VISITING PORTUGUESE MUSICIAN: Voice and guitar duo with Mariana Arroja and Vinicius Gomes to celebrate World Portuguese Language Day! It is one of America’s closest friends in Europe, as well as one of the hottest tourist destinations for travelers. Portugal is a country that embraces a spirit of warmth, elegance, beauty, and adventure like no other. Tonight, H.E. Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes is opening up his magnificent residence for an exclusive visit for our members. It is a chance to meet him and the diplomats from the embassy, taste authentic Portuguese cuisine, experience Portuguese culture, enjoy a concert from visiting native celebrity Portuguese musicians, and marvel at the beauty of this unique residence! This event is organized in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal in Washington, DC, and the Embassy of Brazil. **FEATURING:** 1) **DIPLOMATIC GREETING**: H.E. Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes will personally welcome you to his home and offer remarks about his country. The embassy will also invite other diplomats from various departments to meet and greet you and answer any questions you may have. 2) **PORTUGUESE FOOD PREPARED BY THE AMBASSADOR'S CHEF:** As if we were in a popular restaurant in Lisbon, tonight’s dinner comes from the embassy’s hand-picked chef who cooks exclusively for the embassy’s events. Enjoy samples of exciting native Portuguese food. 3) **PORTUGUESE WINE & REFRESHMENTS:** A special array of Portuguese wines and other nonalcoholic drinks. 4) **EXCLUSIVE NATIVE PORTUGUESE MUSICAL CONCERT FROM VISITING CELEBRITY MUSICIANS!** **About the Artists**, bios and photos attached. * Mariana Arroja (PT) is a Portuguese singer, songwriter, and film producer known for her multidisciplinary and innovative approach to Fado. Trained in music composition with Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza and acclaimed composer Vardan Ovsepian, Mariana collaborates with world-class musicians to craft a contemporary Fado language rooted in emotional authenticity. * Vinicius Gomes (BRAZIL) explores the dialogue between modern jazz and Brazilian music, as registered on "Resiliência" (2017- Blackstream), "Changes" (2020-FreshSound - in collaboration with saxophonist Santi De la Rubia featuring drummer Jorge Rossy and bassist Doug Weiss), "Home" (2022- Greenleaf - in duo with singer Song Yi Jeon), and the most recent “Boundless Species” (2026-La Reserve - in collaboration with singer Jamile and bassist Joe Martin). His next solo album is scheduled for 2026 with special guest Toninho Horta, plus John Patitucci, Julian Shore, Rogerio Boccato and others. **About the World Portuguese Language Day:** The date of 5 May was officially established in 2009 by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) - an intergovernmental organization that has been in official partnership with UNESCO since 2000, and which brings together peoples with the Portuguese language as one of the foundations of their specific identity - to celebrate the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. In 2019, the 40th session of UNESCO's General Conference decided to proclaim 5 May of each year as "World Portuguese Language Day". The Portuguese language is not only one of the most widespread languages in the world, with more than 265 million speakers spread through all continents, but it is also the most widely spoken language in the southern hemisphere. Portuguese remains, today, a major language of international communication and a language with a strong geographical projection, destined to increase. Source: [unesco.org](http://unesco.org/ "http://unesco.org/") . 5) **PORTUGUESE ART**: Throughout this beautiful residence, we will experience Portuguese paintings and artifacts. Because of the nature of the event, we are limiting the number of people who attend. So, early registration is encouraged. Note: All funds collected are going to help with the expenses of the event. The embassy is not receiving any profit or funds towards this event. To Attend, please register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-residence-of-portugals-ambassador-tickets-1987082134154)

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Information is posted for your enjoyment: **ATTEND AND ENJOY ON YOUR OWN.** Sunday, May 3, 2026, 3:00 PM [Tregaron Conservancy](https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/venue/tregaron-conservancy/) **Tregaron Meadow Concert** Sunday, May 3, 2026 / 3:00 p.m. Tregaron Conservancy The city’s our stage! One of D.C.’s most scenic green spaces, Tregaron Conservancy, welcomes you for an afternoon jazz performances by Mars Arts D.C. artists. In the Meadow, the magic of live performances and the tranquility of nature come together for an unforgettable experience of sensory delights. Tregaron performances are free and great for all ages. Come early and bring your own chair/picnic basket to enjoy the music in this lovely outdoor setting. Artist details to be announced. Registration will be available in spring 2026.

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Saturday 10a, 5/2**. (*Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership*) I'm in the mood for a great French bistro-style dinner in DC. We are heading to **Amélie** in Logan Circle, known for its wine program and classic French fare in a relaxed, modern setting. **FOOD**: Modern French Bistro, well-executed. Amélie focuses on approachable French bistro cuisine with an emphasis on small plates and shareable dishes. Diners often highlight escargots, steak frites, and duck confit as reliable standouts, along with mussels prepared in classic broths. Cheese and charcuterie boards are frequently ordered to start, and lighter items like salads and tartines round out the menu for those looking for a less heavy meal. Executive Chef Anthony Lemortellec, a Parisian who has worked with the legendary chef Alain Ducasse in Paris, moved over from Boqueria where he was Chef. The wine program is a major draw, with a broad French-leaning selection and rotating options by the glass. Cocktails are quite good but the focus here is wine-driven, which pairs well with the menu structure. Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range depending on beverage participation. → **Explore Amélie's menu:** **[https://www.ameliedc.com/dinner](https://www.ameliedc.com/dinner)** **SPACE**: Cozy, stylish interior with a mix of bar seating and dining tables. Expect a lively, social atmosphere with moderate noise, especially on a Saturday evening → **Visit the restaurant site**: [https://www.ameliedc.com](https://www.ameliedc.com) - Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details). - Limited to 8 slots. See you there! JoeN **CLOSEST METRO**: - **U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo station** (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Walk south via 14th St NW or Vermont Ave NW. The walk is about 15–18 minutes. - **Dupont Circle station** (Red) is also nearby. Walk east toward 14th St NW, then south. The walk is about 16–20 minutes. - For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website ([click on your preferred Metro station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/index.cfm) then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip". **PARKING**: Street parking in this area can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid garages are located within a few blocks along 14th Street and nearby side streets. Plan accordingly. ***Attendance Notes:*** - **If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up***\*\*.\*\ *With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.* - ****New Members / 1st Timers:*** Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (*often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).* -****Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total.*** This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant. Looking forward to dining with you! JoeN

**Silent Saturday Retreat: Healing Meditations** *The Magical Practice of Taking & Giving w/Kadam Michelle* The practice of taking and giving is one of the most powerful methods for opening our hearts and healing our mental and physical illnesses. This ancient practice brings mental peace and happiness and is especially helpful in situations where we may otherwise feel powerless to directly help others or overcome adversity. Taking and giving is a well-known healing meditation practice. In this retreat, we will learn to heal our mind and enhance our love, compassion, and wisdom. The morning consists of three, thirty minute meditations, with thirty minutes of silence in between each session to enjoy quiet reflection and let your mind go deeper into an experience of meaning and peace. The last half hour of the morning will be a discussion and question and answer session to help you consolidate what you would like to bring with you from the retreat into your daily life. Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary. **Registration**: $30 \| $15 You can register at the door or [pre-register online](https://meditation-dc.org/event/silent-saturday-healing-meditations-the-magical-practice-of-taking-and-giving/). **Event Schedule** 10-10:30am: Guided Meditation 11-11:30am: Guided Meditation 12-12:30pm: Guided Meditation 12:30pm-1pm: Q&A

We haven't had the chance to catch Chaotic Blonde this year and I'm (Ann) so excited to see them again 😍🤩 🎶 Let's show them the NOVA Live Music Mingle LOVE 💕 CHAOTIC BLONDE is a high-voltage cover band that brings an electrifying fusion of rock, pop, and dance hits to every stage they hit. A powerhouse group of seasoned performers known for igniting dance floors and keeping crowds moving ALL NIGHT LONG!

Social Sips & Bites friends - we’re heading out for something fun, lively, and full of great vibes! Join us in Historic Downtown Manassas as the streets come alive for First Friday - a full-on block party experience you don’t want to miss Here’s what’s waiting for you: • Live music filling the streets • Local shops & restaurants with special deals • Outdoor vibes, energy, and great people everywhere • A perfect mix of social, fun, and discovery This is one of those nights where the whole town feels alive - and it’s even better with our SSB crew. Come out, bring your energy, and let’s take over Manassas together.

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Join us for our Sunday Meditation Service - !' Or join us on Facebook Live! Our Facebook Page is Golden Lotus Yoga for Spiritual Awareness

All levels of Meditators or welcome. In person or on Facebook Live! There will be instructions and inspiration for new inexperienced meditators. The hosts, meditators and Kriya Yoga initiates for over 50 years, are direct disciples of Yogacharya J. Oliver Black one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most advanced male disciples. He is the founder of Golden Lotus, Inc., which owns & operates 'Song of the Morning' an 800 acre Yoga Retreat Northest of Gaylord, MI on the Pigeon River. Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self Realization Fellowship, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is the author of the Spritual Classic, 'Autobiography of a Yogi.'

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet inside the theater lobby about 20 minutes before showtime. If the showtimes work out, we’ll try to get both groups together for a bite before the shows! Complete details and showtime will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan