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First event! Get to know people over Italian food. Hope to see you there! :)

Artistic Artifacts hosts **Open Stitch sessions on the first and third 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 other class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

Come by anytime for the work from home happy hour.

Join us for the next Baltimore Silent Book Club meeting! Feel free to bring a book to swap! The same "rules" and format apply: Bring a book, grab a bite/food and enjoy reading your book in the company of fellow book lovers! The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with introductions and eating/drinking. The silent reading hour will run 7:30-8:30 p.m. Afterward, feel free to stick around for mingling or more reading.

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

Join us for the Graduation of the latest Penn West Founder Institute Cohort, where you can see an inspiring talk by a Keynote Speaker and great pitches from the new Alumni. Learn about some of the companies that will go onto seed-accelerators, raise funding, and build the next great Penn West startups in DC. Hear brilliant founders in EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, PropTech, LegalTech, Blockchain, AI and more... There will also be an opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and celebrate the new Graduates. **❯ Featuring:** * Vikram Dhawan (Founder & CEO, KnoetiK Solutions Inc.) * Kuzeyhan Ozdemir (Lean Startup Mentor, Founder Institute) * Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC) * Andres Jordan (Founder, Factor6, LLC) * Elena Sterlin (Founder, Live Long Life) * Ufuk Demirci (Global Head, Venture Funds, IFC) **❯ Who Should Attend?** This is an essential event for investors, policy makers, economic development leaders, and anyone interested in the thriving startup ecosystem in Washington, D.C. Whether you are looking to discover new investment opportunities, engage with top entrepreneurs, or connect with industry leaders, the *Land & Launch* graduation is the perfect place to network and gain insights into the future of innovation and business in the region. **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **About Penn West and the Accelerator** The *Penn West Land & Launch Accelerator* was designed in partnership with Founder Institute to support high-potential companies from both tech and non-tech sectors. Over the course of the 14-week accelerator, these companies have received specialized support in venture-building, business development, legal and regulatory preparation, and market entry strategies. The accelerator culminates in a dynamic showcase of these startups ready to expand their operations and make their mark on the D.C. market. **About Founder Institute:** The [Founder Institute](https://fi.co/) is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 8,900 entrepreneurs raise over 2BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup](https://fi.co/e/388245/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.**

Social Sips & Bites Friends - Looking for a calm and scenic way to spend the day? Join us for a refreshing walk through the U.S. National Arboretum, one of DC’s most beautiful hidden gems. After exploring the peaceful trails and stunning gardens, we’ll head to a nearby restaurant for a relaxed group lunch.

Social Sips & Bites Presents: A Monthly Culinary Experience **Small Group • Big Flavor • Great Company** We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly food series designed for those who truly appreciate great food and even better company. Each month, a small group of just 10 food lovers will gather at one handpicked spot in the DMV area, chosen for its vibrant flavors, cozy vibe, and overall wow factor. Think hidden gems, chef-driven menus, and memorable bites. This isn’t just about eating out. It’s about sharing a beautiful meal, great conversation, and unrushed time together. Reservations will be made in advance, so you can relax, savor the moment, and connect. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just someone who loves a well-plated dish, this is your table.

SSB family, we’re heading out for a high-energy night of live music, dancing, and nonstop throwback vibes. On stage: Quantum Leap - a professional 80s tribute band bringing the best of pop, rock, dance, and R&B hits from the decade that knew how to party.

🎤✨ Karaoke Night at Crafthouse – Fairfax! ✨🍻 Get ready for a fun night of music, food, and drinks at Crafthouse in Fairfax! Whether you’re a shower singer or a stage superstar, grab the mic and sing your heart out, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. 🍔 Great food 🍹 Awesome drinks 🎶 Karaoke vibes 👯‍♀️ Good company Karaoke Starts at 8PM, but Happy Hour ends at 7:00 PM, so make sure to arrive before 7 PM if you want discounted drinks! Come hungry, thirsty, and come ready to sing. Let’s make it a night to remember! 🎵 See you there! Menu: https://mhme.nu/lp/fdc79f82-322b-404e-b905-6ce3342abf31 Please note: if you are unable to make it please remove your RSVP at least 24 hours before the event. Organizer reserves the right to remove no-shows from the group.

**Blind Dating Night – Ages 20s–30s – Main Singles Event** **We promote across multiple platforms** — so the actual turnout is always bigger than just Meetup! 📣 Ready to meet singles face‑to‑face? 😊 **[🎟️ Get Your Ticket Here:](http://www.datemap.net/dc)** **[www.datemap.net/dc](http://www.datemap.net/dc)** ❗Tickets usually sell out about 1 week early. 💰 Full refund available up to 24 hours before the event. **💖 WHY JOIN OUR SPEED DATING EVENTS 💖** – ✅ **Balanced 50/50 gender ratio** — carefully managed through limited tickets ⚖️ – ✅ **Professional host runs the event** — you can simply enjoy the experience 😌 – ✅ **Warm, welcoming, and low‑pressure atmosphere 🙂** – ✅ **Afterparty included** — another opportunity to reconnect and continue conversations 🎉 **👥 FIRST TIME? HERE’S HOW IT WORKS 👥** – You’ll chat with each person for **5 minutes** at your table. – A bell rings 🔔 – **Men rotate to the next table.** – You meet someone new and continue the process. 📍 **LOCATION** The private venue details are emailed to you immediately after ticket purchase. 📍 **🔥 WHY PEOPLE LOVE SPEED DATING 🔥** – 👋 **Meet real people instantly** — no apps, no endless messaging – ⚡ **Feel real chemistry quickly** — know your connection in minutes – ⏱️ **Simple, guided format** — no awkward approaches needed – 🎯 **Meet many quality singles in one evening** — efficient and exciting **[🎟️ Get Your Ticket Here:](http://www.datemap.net/dc)** **[www.datemap.net/dc](http://www.datemap.net/dc)** ❗Tickets usually sell out about 1 week early. 💰 Full refund available up to 24 hours before the event. **Questions?** Send me a message anytime 💌 **Looking forward to meeting you there!** 😊

Friday nights are better with friends. Come sip, mingle, and explore one of Dupont’s hidden gems: Nero DC. The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for casual mingling, hanging with friends, and meeting a new fun and welcoming crowd. **What to Expect** * Private floor access meaning only our group is up there * Cash Bar with an optional wine tasting card (I.e. can sample Nero’s handpicked selection of wines) * Welcoming and friendly crowd **Where to find us** We have the entire third floor booked for us **MOST IMPORTANT RULE**
 Be Respectful. No tolerance for inappropriate behavior. Can and will ban people as needed. 
⸻
 ✅ Come early, fly solo, bring friends - this is your type of social

I hope you'll join me at [Carfagna's](https://carfagnas.com/) AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. *Live, local acoustic music during dinner.* Come by early for happy hour til 6pm. Or, join us for dinner; show time is 6-9PM, Thursday. No Cover. Reservation at 6pm for 12 under Michele Z (overflow can linger near the bar). Each Thursday they host live music in their beautiful upscale bar at **Carfagna's Ristorante**; but you need to check out everything this place has to offer Italian under one roof!!

Let's mix and boogie! We'll start with social time over dinner/appetizers/drinks from 7:30-8:45pm. Then we'll get down with a great live old School 80s & 90s hip-hop, R&B band, [Old Skool](https://www.facebook.com/OldSkoolCleveland). **Cover Charge**: $10.00 cash at door. **Attire**: Dressy casual **Parking**: public parking lot in front of club. First time here? Lazy Chameleon is in a shopping center off Sawmill Pkwy. They offer good seafood dishes and typical bar food, too. [Lazy Chameleon](http://www.lazychameleon.com)

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message **Chris (the organizer)** with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. 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)

Join us for our February Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *A Master of Djinn* by P. Djèlí Clark in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.