Festivals

We are happy to announce this month’s Happy Hour and Production Meeting on 3/24/26. **This event was rescheduled to 3/24/26 (previously on 3/26/26, but we lost the space that night due to a wedding, you can't argue with love.)** * Happy Hour from 5-7pm * Production Meeting from 7-9pm Please see below for more details. Register on Eventbrite at [https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com](https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com). If you have any questions, please email us at info@wheatonfilmfestival.com. See you there! **Happy Hour from 5-7pm** This Happy Hour is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 5pm-7pm for a HAPPY HOUR at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. We upgraded to the private room at Silver Branch Brewing Co. So head toward the back left corner behind the curtains, past the restrooms. Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com](https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com). Check out our DC Filmmakers T-shirts on Amazon at [https://a.co/d/gXACa1Y](https://wheatonfilmfestival.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=48e39cf91900d582bd5be1305&id=663d43db76&e=1e31927cfc) to help support the group. **Production Meeting 7-9pm** Join us for a production meeting to launch a short film project to be completed within 30 days. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build new connections, and collaborate on a creative project. The theme for this Make a Movie in a Month initiative is "Signal Film Festival.” Participants will create a short film up to 5 minutes in length, eligible for submission to the Signal Film Festival, benefiting the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter. Films may be narrative, documentary, or any genre of your choosing. The entry fee for this Make a Movie in a Month is $15.00 per team. If you have an idea for a 5-minute short film, please come prepared to pitch it. We will review production logistics and discuss potential group-sponsored projects, so be ready to contribute and collaborate. The meeting and subsequent Happy Hour are open to filmmakers, editors, directors, producers, service professionals, actors, writers, hair/makeup artists, investors, students, etc. Don't forget your business cards. We look forward to seeing you there. See you there on 3/24/26! Please register on Eventbrite at [https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com](https://happyhour3-24-26.eventbrite.com). This event is produced [DC Filmmakers Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) in partnership with [TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC), [WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video), [Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/), [ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash), [Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by [Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/), [Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership), and Adobe Software. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the Silver Branch Brewing Company's menu at [https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/)

Welcome to Casual Dining Out, the event series where we explore counterserve establishments, food halls, and other venues for quick bites of Asian, "fusion", and other fare! As in the past, the field for these events will typically be limited, so please RSVP quickly if you know you're coming (or drop out quickly if you can't make it to give others a chance). RSVPs will close at 4 PM the day of the event and anyone who drops afterwards may be subject to the dreaded "no show" designation. This edition: Japanese soupless ramen ..... or with soup if desired. [https://www.kajiken-usa.com/](https://www.kajiken-usa.com/) As always, a bonus activity could follow if the mood is right. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we want YOU to join us! New players are always welcome - all you need is a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Also, bring a water bottle, a mouth guard, and cleats (if you have them - they're not necessary right away). Our experienced coaches will teach you everything you need to know! Bring your energy, your enthusiasm, and most importantly, your love for the game. Let's make this practice a blast and get ready to rock the upcoming season!

Brisk 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Solace Outpost near Nationals Park. We will hike along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to the Navy Yard, and cross the river and hike the other side of the Anacostia Trail before heading back across the river to Solace for drinks and food. Closest Metro Navy Yard.

It’s that time of year again and we outside! Join Conscious Blacks in the DMV for a fun, festive day at National Mall for the Cherry Blossom and Kite Festival on Sat., Mar. 28th at 12pm. We will explore National Mall as we will chat, engage on a variety of things going on in the DMV. We will also take a moment to visit the MLK Monument. Since we will be at National Mall, we should also visit Dr. King right? LOL Bring a kite since this is also a kite festival. You will see creative kites flying in the sky all day long. Purchasing a kite prior to the event is recommended. We will look into dining at a nice restaurant after the festival. Let’s play it by ear!

Let’s welcome spring together on the National Mall! Join us for one of DC’s most vibrant and colorful spring traditions — the Blossom Kite Festival! Thousands of kites fill the sky as we gather for a relaxed, picnic-style community afternoon. This is a laid-back, outdoor meetup perfect for couples, families, and anyone who just wants to enjoy good company and spring vibes. ⸻ 📍 Location National Mall, Washington, DC (Exact meet-up pin and instructions will be shared closer to the event.) 🧺 What to Bring • A picnic blanket • Snacks or a light lunch • Water • A kite (optional but highly encouraged!) • Sunglasses + sunscreen • Good energy ✨ There are also kite-making activities on site if you’d like to participate! We’ll gather, spread out picnic blankets, fly kites, and just enjoy a wholesome spring afternoon together. More details coming soon — but go ahead and RSVP to save your spot! Please find event link [here](https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/blossom-kite-festival/) for more details!!

Come enjoy a free outdoor kite festival at the Washington Monument as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This is a perfect chance to soak up the spring air, watch colorful kites fill the sky, and spend a Saturday together. Bring a picnic and feel free to bring your own kite. The festival starts at 10:00 AM but let's plan to meet up around 1:00 PM. Will post exact location on the day of [https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/blossom-kite-festival/](https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/blossom-kite-festival/)

This is a unique event. More than 20 embassies from countries that have French speakers will have booths with incredible home-made food and interesting wines and beer. The catch is that it's always packed, but there is always plenty of food. So if you like to sample all kinds of foods, enjoy dancing, and don't mind the crowds and the splurge (around $60 including food, and drinks for the first two hours), it is a yummy, fun-filled party with a distinct French accent! I waited a couple days to post to make sure tickets are still available. It usually sells out pretty quickly. **\*\*Here is [the link](https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/2026lgf?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MAR26eMLaGrandeFete3.2.26&utm_content=version_A&promo=287221) to buy the tickets.\*\*** Also it's not a walk-around-with-the-group kind of event, though we will try to meet up later in the evening when the live musical entertainment starts. Just too crowded. The key is to get in line outside as early as possible - by 6 pm if you can. That will give you about 30 minutes of access to all the food booths before it gets nuts. The annual month-long Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine, and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe. One of the celebration’s highlights, La Grande Fête is always *magnifique*, and this year’s bash is no exception. The don’t-miss event is your passport for a world tour of francophone cultures. Starting at 7 p.m., sample food and drink from more than 20 embassies as you explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. Participating organizations and countries include France, Belgium, Guinea, Canada, Gabon, Kosovo, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, French-American Chamber of Commerce, Tunisia, Québec, Central African Republic, Alliance Française of Washington, DC, Democratic Republic of the Congo—and that’s just the start of the growing list. This year’s live entertainment features TBD.

🌈✨ Come One, Come All to the 18th Annual Holi Hungama! ✨🌈 Join us as we celebrate the Festival of Holi with vibrant gulal (colored powder), delicious food & drinks, and LOTS of fun at this family-friendly event! 📅 March 29th ⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Quincy Park (Picnic Area), Arlington Wear your best whites and get ready to get colorful! Bring your friends, bring your kids — the more the merrier! 🎉 🚗 Ample street & park lot parking available 🚇 Just a few blocks from Virginia Square Metro (Orange Line) What to Bring: 🌸 Gulal (colored powder) — available at Indian grocery stores or Amazon 🥗 A food or non-alcoholic drink item (per park rules) 🪑 Picnic blankets/lawn chairs 🎯 Outdoor games 📸 Cameras (keep them in a plastic bag!) 🧴 Towel + change of clothes 💧 Water balloons & water guns 💡 Pro Tip: Apply baby oil or Vaseline on your skin beforehand to make color removal easier. Nail polish helps prevent staining on nails! Want to Help? We’d love extra hands with: • Event setup (moving benches, tablecloths) • Keeping the park clean during the event • Cleanup & packing up afterward Let’s make this Holi brighter than ever! 🌈✨ See you there!

. 🎬 Movie Night You, Me & Tuscany Join us for a cinematic escape to the sun-drenched vineyards and romantic landscapes of Italy as we gather to watch You, Me & Tuscany, the new feel-good romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page. Set against the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany, the film follows a spirited young woman whose impulsive decision to stay in a Tuscan villa leads to unexpected adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance she never saw coming. Expect an evening filled with: 🍿 A beautiful cinematic escape to Italy 🍷 Relaxed social vibes and great conversation ✨ A feel-good romantic story perfect for movie lovers Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, stunning travel settings, or simply enjoy experiencing great films with great people, this will be a perfect night to unwind and connect. Come ready to relax, laugh, and be transported to Tuscany for the evening. Follow Black Love & Friends on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/17oXQtZz36/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackloveandfriends?igsh=djVrYnhqeG5nMjBx) to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming dimnets, social gatherings, and other exciting member-only events.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Enjoy a bit of Columbus culinary history at Carfagna's market, wine bar and ristorante. We will gather for a glass of wine or two in the wine bar at 6:30 with dinner at 7pm. Arrive early if you like, shop and place your items in a cooler in your car. This is a pay-on-your-own event. I will have a reservation for eight, and you are encouraged to get your own reservation at 7pm. Message me if you want to be on my table. Keep your reservation up to date as the Attendance and Release of Liability provisions are enforced, including the 48 hour No-Show Rule. See the first page of Group Page for details. Read about the history of Carfagna's here and also see their weekly specials. https://carfagnas.com/about-carfagnas/