Festivals

Join us for some cheffy Vietnamese Street food from Moon Rabbit's chef, Kevin Tien, at his new conept - ***Chao Ban*** in Tysons Galleria! ***Washingtonian:*** At his upscale restaurant Moon Rabbit, chef Kevin Tien and his team reimagine Vietnamese food with modern dishes like mochi beignets with fresh eel or green-curry sponge cake. But at his new fast-casual spot, Chao Ban, in Tysons Galleria, Tien is focusing on more familiar staples like pho and banh mi—albeit with some of his usual cheffy twists. “If you want super traditional Vietnamese food, definitely go check out the original mom and pop places,” says Tien, citing Eden Center and standbys like Pho 75. “We’re just trying to do what our version is.” At Chao Ban—meaning “hello, friend”—Tien has teamed up with Alan Vo, his partner in Hot Lola’s fried chicken joint and a longtime friend from his early restaurant days in Louisiana. One of the banh mi at Chao Bun features Hot Lola’s Sichuan-chili-oil-spiked Nashville hot chicken. Other sandwiches come stuffed with salt and pepper shrimp—a nod to the chef’s late nights at New Big Wong in Chinatown—or crispy pork belly rubbed in pho spices. All of them come on bread that arrives par-baked from Leidenheimer Baking Company in New Orleans. “When you take a bite, there’s like a million crumbs everywhere, with a super soft interior,” Tien says. The toasted bread also accompanies a couple bowls, such as a lemongrass beef short rib stew or a lemongrass chicken coconut curry. Other snackier dishes include fried spring rolls, nuoc cham chicken wings, and honey pecan shrimp (a riff on honey walnut shrimp) with yuzu kosho mixed into the condensed milk drizzle. Tien expects a sleeper hit to be the shrimp chips and dip with a Vietnamese “salsa” made from charred tomatoes, chipotles, shallots, lime, and fish sauce. On the more traditional end of the menu is pho, including a beef version with 12-hour brisket and another with halal lemongrass chicken. (All the chicken on the menu is halal, and Tien is hoping to expand the offerings soon.) “We’re toasting all our spices by hand for the pho, so it’s like the freshest all our spices could be,” Tien says. Check out Chao Ban menu [here](https://www.eatchaoban.com/menu) **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. To enhance the opportunity for great conversation, we would like to keep the group small. Please feel free to sign-up to meet us along with up to 2 friends. In the future, we will vary the days of the week, geography and the cost of restaurants so that we can attract many different types of diners. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMMITTED TO GO WHEN YOU RSVP FOR THIS EVENT. In the event our group incurs a fee for no-shows / late cancellations, your ability to RSVP for future events will be restricted. Thank you in advance for your understanding.Feel free to make suggestions for future meet locations. All diners will have their own tab to avoid any confusion. \*\* The small non-refundable registration fee helps us share the cost associated with Meetup platform ($360/year) and reduces the likelihood of no-shows, allowing us to better plan our events and accommodate attendees. Thank you in advance for your understanding!\*\* If you are unable to join us in May, we hope you'll stay interested and join us for a meal in the future. Looking forward to seeing you at Chao Ban in Tysons Galleria!

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-washington-online-tickets-1972272305558?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - [+971504724873](http://wa.me/971504724873) ( WhatsApp Only)

Join us at Crafthouse in Reston Town Center for Libertarian Happy Hour! Connect with fellow Libertarians in Northern Virginia and the wider DC area for good conversation, drinks, and food! We will have a reserved table at Crafthouse. Look for the LPNOVA sign. The Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia is your local affiliate of the national Libertarian Party. Since 1971, the Libertarian Party has been fighting for personal freedom, economic freedom, and peaceful foreign policy. We run candidates for office, advocate for liberty in our community through our presence at local fairs and festivals, and connect fellow DC area libertarians through events like these.

An evening of wit, wine, and a little friendly competition. Join us for **Trivia Night at Divino**, where Northern Italian flavors set the stage for a lively night of questions, laughter, and prizes. Bring your sharpest friends, enjoy housemade pasta and curated wines, and see who leaves crowned champion. FREE PARKING GARAGE

**West Coast Swing with Lara Deni** **Where:** Deni Danzco Studio - 3408 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA ​ \*Max 10 people per cllass **Thursday** **7:00pm - Level 1 (no experience/beginner)** **Cost: *$74/month*** \- Three classes per month in any one level **Explanation of Levels** * Level 1 (No Experience/Beginner) - 6 count Rhythm, Left and Right Side passes ), Starter Step, Connection, and a few other basics ###### Q&A * Classes are 45min * Exchange of another series or transfer to another person offered, but Only 72 hours before the first class of the series starts and No refunds offered

Pull up to the Pike for a night you actually don’t want to miss — we’re bringing the vibes, the laughs, and yes… FREE APPS 🌮🔥 We’re turning Los Chamacos into trivia central for the night. Come with your crew or roll solo and we’ll plug you into a team, either way, you’re walking into a room full of good energy and new people. Think fun, not stressful. Think random questions, inside jokes, and a little friendly competition 👀 🧠 Trivia rounds (Pike history, pop culture, and some chaotic ones in the mix) 🌮 Free appetizers — come early because they WILL go fast 🍹 Happy hour drink deals 🎉 Prizes and ultimate bragging rights Whether you’re here to win or just here for the apps and vibes… you’re in the right place 😌 [RSVP Here for your free appetizers! ](https://columbiapikepartnership.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F33002) Bring a friend, bring your appetite, or just bring yourself, just don’t miss it!

To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460) 3. * **The Majesty of Mexico City** * **The Charm of Acapulco** * **The Excitement of Cancun** * **The Mysteries of Guadalajara** On Saturday Night, April 12th, be transported into a world filled with the wonders of the Mayan legends and the beauty of Cancun’s beaches as we invite you to step onto Mexican soil for an upscale cultural evening. Put on your best dresses and tuxedos as we spend a royal evening in this multi-roomed, multi-leveled Mexican Cultural palace filled with rich art, history, music, dance, food, and much more! The Embassy’s Cultural Center is a unique and beautiful building, one of the best of its kind in the world. It contains several large floors, each displaying the charms of the different regions of our neighbor to the south. Beautiful gardens, city nightclubs, historic palaces, art galleries, and much more await you inside! **Featuring:** **LIVE MEXICAN DANCE SHOW AND MARIACHI BAND:** Experience a live costumed Mariachi troupe with music and dancing. Its members have origins from all over Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The traditional mariachi ensemble emerged in the 1800s in several western states of Mexico, including Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, and Michoacán. It is found at weddings, birthdays, Saint’s Day celebrations, rural dances, and many other social occasions. The spirit of celebration is recreated through its music and dancing. Special dancers will be on hand to perform and teach traditional Mexican dancing, in addition to performing an amazing, authentic Mariachi dance performance with traditional costumes! **DJ AND LATE-NIGHT DANCING:** One of Washington, D.C.’s best D.J.s will rival the best nightclubs in Cancun with both American and Mexican pop music and dancing. Includes modern high energy, Retro, Salsa, today’s top 40 hits, and much more! **MEXICAN BUFFET:** Challenge your taste buds with an authentic Mexican buffet. Featuring: crispy and soft tacos; Mexican rice refried beans; pico de gallo; chips and salsa; spinach quesadillas; cheese quesadillas; enchiladas; flan and tres leches; and chile con queso dip. (Menu subject to change to equal or more substantial-quality). **OPEN BAR:** Enjoy an open bar featuring a wide array of Mexican beers, wines, and, of course, Tequila! **GREETING:** Meet members of the Institute and learn more about our neighbors to the south during a special welcome. **QUESTIONS – PLEASE CONTACT US (Not the Embassy)**: Although this event is taking place at the Mexican Cultural Institute (the cultural arm of the Embassy of Mexico), if you have questions about the event, please email events@thingstodoDC.com or call 301 519 8030. This event is not being organized by the embassy itself and the people who work there are not in a position to answer questions. Thanks. ## Suggested Attire Black Tie Optional. Minimum of a suit & Tie for Men, Cocktail Dresses for women. Casual wear, jeans, or sneakers are prohibited. To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460)

**Please read entire post!** Let's go to Europe Together! 🇫🇷🇩🇪🇮🇹🇪🇸 Join us for one of DC’s most exciting cultural events—Embassy Day. On May 9th, the European embassies open their doors to the public! Experience food, culture, music, and architecture from across Europe—all in one day. ⚠️ Important: You MUST Choose a Team Please use this sign up sheet to sign up for your TEAM: [https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/uukcb3](https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/uukcb3) To make the most of the day (and avoid long wait times), we’re organizing into four breakout teams, each starting at one of the most popular—and more distant—embassies: 🅰️ TEAM A **(arrive at 9:30am)** – France 🇫🇷 (Start your day here) Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🅱️ TEAM B **(arrive at 9:30am)**– Italy 🇮🇹 (Start your day here) Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🅲 TEAM C **(arrive at 9:30am)**– Germany 🇩🇪 (Germany will be hosted inside the embassy of France). Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🅳 TEAM D **(arrive at 9:30am)** – Spain 🇪🇸 (Start your day here) Then continue to: Croatia 🇭🇷 Greece 🇬🇷 Estonia 🇪🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Portugal 🇵🇹 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 Cyprus 🇨🇾 🕘 Game Plan Each team will start in the morning at their starting embassy to beat the crowds. Its important that you arrive around 9:30 AM, because lines will start to form. After your starting location, you’ll follow your team route and explore the other embassies listed above. 🚗 Transportation Note Please Note: The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain embassies are farther away from the main cluster of embassies. We made them our starting embassies, because they usually have the longest lines, so if we start our day there, we can possibly avoid the lines, if we get there early enough. 🚕 We strongly recommend taking an Uber/Lyft to get from your starting embassy to the other embassies. 🚗 You can all share an Uber ride from the starting embassies and split the cost among each other. 📢For Example if you're starting off at the French embassy and you finish, then you will need to uber to downtown DC to visit all the other embassies on the list. ✅️These four embassies (France, Germany, Spain and Italy) are some of the most popular stops of the day. Starting early helps us avoid long lines and cover more ground. Let’s explore Europe right here in DC 💗

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegan-dinner-and-social-tickets-157258248655). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT. DUE TO COVID. ABOUT THE EVENT Join us at our laid-back Sunday night shindig. Ticket price includes a Berlin style Veggiewurst served with sauerkraut and in-house made sauce on a pretzel bun AND One Eastern European Beer. Cash Bar afterwards (which means you pay as you go). As per DC Government guidelines this is a sit down dinning event. Maximum of six people will be seated per table. We have super limited spots! Get your tickets soon and in advance. So that we reserve your seat. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED. After dinner, we will rotate dinners from table to table. So that everyone meets everyone. You would get to meet your future friends/acquaintances/buddies/pals /partner-in-crimes or may be more:) To hang out/go out or do things together. Also, this is an ideal event if you are new in town or not! DOUBLE MASK IS THE NEW MASK! LET US NOT DROP DOWN OUR GUARD. EVEN THOUGH, WE ARE VACCINATED. THE VIRUS IS STILL AROUND WITH DIFFERENT VARIANTS. * Come one, come all, YOU CAN FLY SOLO TOO; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us * Event is 21+ We are at 50% capacity. So, please drink for two:) As we all know, the hospitality industry is badly hit by the crisis and be generous to your bartenders and waitresses. Due to the pandemic the entire set up of this event is changed: * We will be complying with all CDC, state, and local guidelines. * Occupancy never exceeds 50%. * Temperature check for staff and patrons. Payment Instructions : 1. You should login from a PC to see the 'Pay Now' button, after RSVPing. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. If you don't have a Paypal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to those who RSVPed 'YES' advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. METRO & PARKING INFO : Street Parking might be a challenge. Also, the event involves drinking and we highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**

This event is cross-posted with Bethesda Social Club—please RSVP to only one event. Join us for an evening of cross-cultural music with SilkBeat—a unique duo blending Peruvian and Chinese influences in a way you don’t hear every day. Featuring JChris (vocals/piano) and Qi Yu on the Chinese zither (guzheng), SilkBeat performs with a full band, weaving together sounds from Latin America and East Asia. The repertoire includes new arrangements of traditional music alongside original compositions in Spanish and Chinese, shaped by pentatonic melodies, Eastern timbres, Afro-Peruvian grooves, cajón rhythms, and elements of modern composition. It’s the kind of performance that feels both grounded in tradition and refreshingly new. 📍 **Venue** : Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center 🎟️ **Details & tickets:** The concert is FREE BUT TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. You may get up to four free tickets online. Here's the link to get your tickets online: [https://www.strathmore.org/events-tickets/bloom-community-events/bloom-at-good-hope-silkbeat/](https://www.strathmore.org/events-tickets/bloom-community-events/bloom-at-good-hope-silkbeat/)

We’re looking for volunteers to help at the Community Art Fair during the AANHPI Heritage Festival on May 9, from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Mason District Park. If you’re available and would like to be part of this community event, please register to join us. Your support helps bring art and connection to the community!

Join us at Hilliard's Station Park for an evening of fun, froth and frenzy, and best of all...FREE live music!! Grab a cool drink and some eats and plan to be social. (DORA event so folks can carry open adult beverage cups) CENTER STREET MARKET & [CROOKED CAN](https://crookedcanohio.com/) \- for eats and drinks AMPHITHEATER SEATING but bring a lawn chair if you plan to sit a bit. PARKING: lots all around the block. BAND: [TPN](https://trailerparkninjas.com/) is a Midwest staple, playing a continually evolving mix of Top 40, Hip-Hop, and singalongs. Most every song is danceable! RAIN?: We'll meet inside Crooked Can's huge market seating area instead. Celebration at the Station summer concert series runs June through August every Thursday evening. All concerts feature live bands from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dine at one of the Old Hilliard restaurants. Adults 21+ can enjoy adult beverages outdoors in the designated outdoor refreshment area from 12 - 9 p.m. daily.

Now in its 26th year, [The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/), in Gahanna, gathers world famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. *SATURDAY NIGHT features: The Urban Jazz Coalition with Special Guest Brian Simpson, North Mississippi Allstars, The Deal Breakers & More.* The three-day cultural celebration features musicians on 3 stages, local food trucks and beverage stations, treats, artisans, and more. **Tickets are $15 for adults online.** Link to purchase tickets: [Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Tickets](https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2026-creekside-blues-jazz-festival). $20 at the door. Military are free. WHAT: Here's the festival [EVENT MAP](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Event-Map/). Also, here's the [SCHEDULE](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Schedule/) map to help you determine who to see. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Parking -** The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. **Event parking rate is $5 and collected at entrance to garage. Cash ONLY is accepted at garage entrance for parking.** Although off street parking in the Creekside District is permitted, it is very limited and not recommended. **Shuttle Service** pickup will be at the following location: [AEP Ohio 700 Morrison Rd., Gahanna, OH](https://goo.gl/maps/K9GgvgEdxCHaXsKDA) **Shuttle Service Hours:** Saturday: 1 PM - 12 AM **BRING**: *Be sure to bring a **chair** since there is limited available seating. Also $ or paycard for food and drink.*

Join us for the best **fireworks** show in the Columbus area, [Dublin Independence Day Celebration](https://www.visitdublinohio.com/event/independence-day-celebration/203/)! **7pm**: *We'll gather at **Urban's Pint House*** to meet n greet for a bit and grab some drinks and eats. **8:30pm**: *Head over the* **Bridge to Old Dublin** and **Getaway Brewing** (*second meetup spot*). **9:30pm**: *walk across the street to secure space on the* **top level of the Library Parking Garage.** **9:50pm**: **FIREWORKS SHOW!** **AFTERPARTY**: traffic is bad for a while so either get in line to exit the parking garage OR hang out at **PINS** (or Roosevelt Room) open til late back at Bridge Park. **PARKING**: the garages all around Bridge Park are free!

Westerville Pride Festival Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information! Location and other info will be announced soon :)

***High Bank Distillery tours*** walk you through our story, our process, and a tasting of our spirits (and maybe a few in the works). We end in the Barrel Room for a wonderful tasting of their best sellers! **The tours *cost $10/person* and we ask that you *arrive 10 minutes prior* to the start of the tour.** **4:30pm TOUR** **5:30pm DRINKS & DINNER**: We'll try a drink made with your favorite spirit you tasted on tour. We'll grab a bite to eat there, too. **PARKING**: Street parking and Ohio Power Tool parking lot nearby. **[High Bank Distillery](https://www.highbankco.com/)** is your destination for great food, cold drinks, and fun times in Columbus, OH. We pride ourselves in the quality and flavors of our spirits, distilled and prepared in house, and perfect for any occasion. Pair our creative cocktails with some traditional pub food, and you have the recipe for a perfect night out.