Great Dane Socialization

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Danceintime runs Cuban Salsa Classes & Social Dancing Every Saturday, all year-long. Come at 1:15 pm to sign in. Stay till 4 pm. Some of us go out for coffee or a bite to eat afterwards and everyone is welcome! $15/person. Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Card accepted. Chevy Chase Baptist Church; 5671 Western Ave. NW; Washington DC 20015. NOTE: Enter through back corner door of the church. Danceintime classes are great fun. The dance moves are beautiful, fun, and our class creates a bonded community... Check it out! Class will be held every Saturday in December....celebrate the holidays with dance! For more info: danceintime.com/classes Questions? Contact Barbbernsteintalks@gmail.com

Hey everyone, Pugs, Puggles, and all pug-loving four-legged siblings are welcome! The Meetup is in the front "Puppy" area which is fenced off as you walk into the dog park from the Shirlington side. Pug Hugs, CB

Please join the [Veg Society of DC](vsdc.org) Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group for another great discussion. The next event will be the third and final event in our series on Theories of Change in the Animal Rights movement. We will apply theory to practice and discuss the campaign to prohibit the sale of foie gras in DC through a ballot initiative. We are excited to welcome a speaker who is on the forefront of this effort and to hear from them firsthand how this initiative fits into their organization’s theory of change! Afterwards, we hope you’ll join us for dinner at DC Vegan. **What is the Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group?* If you’ve been looking for a way to educate yourself on animal rights and issues affecting animals in our world today with the support of a like-minded community, then this group is for you. The VSDC Animal Rights Discussion and Education Group will discuss thoughts, questions, concerns, and news related to animal rights. It seeks to provide a safe space for discussions around issues affecting captive animals, farmed animals, animals used in research, wild animals, companion animals, and more. All are welcome, from those well-versed in animal rights philosophy and issues to those who are just starting off on their journey and are curious to learn more. Please come with an open mind, an open heart, and a willingness to engage with diverse opinions with curiosity and respect. The plan is for the group to meet every month, alternating between Zoom and in person. The topic of each meeting and any accompanying materials will be planned in advance and posted in event announcements via this VSDC meetup group. Participants are encouraged to offer topic ideas and materials for discussion at subsequent meetings. **Date / Time:** Saturday, February 7th, at 4:15 pm. **Location:** Pea Street Yoga Studio (right above DC Vegan, where we will eat dinner afterwards!) *Email 'ARdiscuss@vsdc.org' for further information.* **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

Details TBD - We will be the main group at puppy bowl. We will have a section for corgis reserved for puppybowl and game watching. Games, prizes etc details to be announced when available.

***Colvin Run 1st Saturday Social Ballroom Dance.*** **"DANCE CANCELED"** 1st Saturday Social Ballroom Dance, February 7, 2026 As much as I look forward to and enjoy the First Saturday Ballroom Dances at Colvin Run, with safety being my primary concern, I felt it is better to error on the side of caution. The weather forecast is for temperatures between 10 & 12 degrees and with northwest winds predicted at 15-25 mph the wind chill temperatures could be near 0 degrees. **IN THE MEANTIME, WE WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!** ON THE BRIGHT SIDE! Our Third Saturday Ballroom dance is only two weeks away. Let's look forward to a "Welcome Back" to Colvin Run Dance Hall on Saturday February 21st. REMEMBER! AT COLVIN RUN, "IT'S ALWAYS FUN, FUN, FUN, FOR EVERYONE" WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME AND EVERYONE IS GLAD YOU CAME Our Calendar: Information for all events held at Colvin Run Dance Hall Our website: [http://www.colvinrun.org](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.colvinrun.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUkFpUk5PUWtxU1U5cTM2T3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5dthhX6QR_1A3TVldACsB1QUqahp2y14NB7h1E_a2uuaH_M2VUN7CYGDM9Qw_aem_GQ1JEwjti-ZryTonY8JuyA&h=AT02veZaaUHAy-E5xtdmZcXB2DzEOP6FpIQWfh1WCTHzcTzaWTLl3bc6wpZhvCgAcJ764kyG1lDNIZz9yHtHdwCG7WZoikf6pe4L2AB1MXWBOMaPdT3abS_RH1FdC_cDqKccM0xw1_u6Hg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3rWEPhZMQuFp1xMYBZ4jFgoCl2IQJJAMWVwK-x6VMruRbPb43f_Lzqj9wSDUyeSxU0k7ol9Pd4Ny9VnpezYkT5Ght1MdZRCHb_pEaFUMELVH0RynS_BclhDS8kAR7SYvhvYbVt2HndcZqzr9fQYBnOcyXGlD1cx1VLPtniDg) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/colvinrundancehall](https://www.facebook.com/ColvinRunDanceHall?__cft__[0]=AZZXqL7fNSFK--s5GFtUAmgxIAvvDIh6Fd-KxgvDiycUpyzmvRqtdpF-VNWm_hQ8g7CM_kLpTxOpIEk_pnFmyRO5g49XR2gG0Px8d5B9w6c0RxY3bULpooofin1sRh5QmSKGrPsvBEFsGfAuWSO2T1ey&__tn__=-]K-R) Meet Up: [http://www.meetup.com/colvinrun-org/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.meetup.com%2Fcolvinrun-org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUkFpUk5PUWtxU1U5cTM2T3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5jHke7PCqB6kYkXOJVvpa8fRW6jKPFRTGum_xjJd3-TMP4f9BZL-GHd41ZNg_aem_NlWYfwd48oK2-eptpIkhKA&h=AT0KS6nEacAHu-Ckva-2G72fiF5AYnoDvPa7o5WJpbHmoyzUjb8sGQQAjzj6CxmILE8HoVFuFb31cGw4YA3SsfNbbQOcm25v55aeYLfjjWvUWvX9z1kCrhOPFVGwl0esaHQNgLsL41dOdg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3rWEPhZMQuFp1xMYBZ4jFgoCl2IQJJAMWVwK-x6VMruRbPb43f_Lzqj9wSDUyeSxU0k7ol9Pd4Ny9VnpezYkT5Ght1MdZRCHb_pEaFUMELVH0RynS_BclhDS8kAR7SYvhvYbVt2HndcZqzr9fQYBnOcyXGlD1cx1VLPtniDg) Contact: Conrad.Heer@ColvinRun.org, or 703-795-2003

Note: Running late? More than welcome to still come! Looking to meet new people in a relaxed, low-pressure setting? Join us for a casual Saturday coffee social at a cozy Japanese café in Rockville. This is a laid-back hangout for conversation, good coffee, and making new friends—no agenda, no awkward icebreakers, no pressure. Come solo or with a friend, grab a drink, and jump into organic conversations with people from different backgrounds.

**Drop-ins are allowed (you don't have to attend every week) but an RSVP is required so you receive the Zoom link. It's the same link for every class!** **Sign up here:** **[https://harringtonmatchmaking.as.me/constellations10](https://harringtonmatchmaking.as.me/constellations10)** Join a virtual group that meets on Wednesdays + Sundays and focuses on conversational skills, building early friendship and dating confidence, and so much more for neurodivergent adults. All are welcome, but this group is designed especially for autistic adults with little to no relationship experience and those who struggle with holding conversations or making new friends. The group is currently open at no cost to Neurodivergent District members but is part of the [Constellations program by Harrington Matchmaking](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership). Currently, most participants are between ages 20 and 45 and are members of Constellations so they've signed up through the website. Many live with family, in supported or semi-independent housing, College Living Experience programs, or similar settings, and are looking for a safe, low-pressure place to practice conversation. Sessions are coach-led and structured. This is not a free-form discussion group. Each meeting includes guided practice, clear coaching, optional weekly sharing, and supportive feedback. The majority of the sessions are virtual, with occasional in-person meetups once a month on weekends in the Washington, DC area. **Drop-ins are allowed (you don't have to attend every week) but an RSVP is required so you receive the Zoom link. It's the same link for every class!** **Sign up here:** **[https://harringtonmatchmaking.as.me/constellations10](https://harringtonmatchmaking.as.me/constellations10)** Feel free to message me with questions. \- Kate Inez Harrington kate@neurodivergentdistrict.com 202-925-0001 \*This group is part of Constellations by Harrington Matchmaking, which offers year-round access to coached programs, social opportunities, and dating support. When possible, members are matched with other members for friends and/or dating. Learn more [here](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership). FAQ at end of web page.\*

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Gf89PPYe3RMAK6Z7SGf5or)]] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Washington.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Ever thought *“I want to try something new”*? Square dancing in Montgomery County is social, active, and surprisingly easy — even if you’ve never danced before. Join us for the **first night of our beginner series of lessons** on **Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026**, and see if it clicks. 🕺 **What to Expect** * Beginner-friendly instruction — **no experience needed** * Gentle, fun movement that keeps your brain and body engaged * Friendly, welcoming group — no partner required * Plenty of laughs and small victories * Dancing to a variety of familiar music styles * Meet new friends — people from all walks of life come to dance. 👥 **Who This Is Perfect For** * Absolute beginners curious about square dancing * Anyone seeking a social, low-pressure activity * People looking for a fresh, fun hobby * Solo attendees — most people come alone 🤍 **For Nervous First-Timers** You **don’t need to be coordinated or confident**. The first night is low-pressure, paced for beginners, and designed to be fun from the start. Many who felt nervous walked out smiling — ready for the next week. 💬 **What First-Timers Say** *"I thought I’d feel awkward, but I laughed the whole time and actually learned something!"* *"I came alone, but everyone was so friendly — I can’t wait for the next week."* 📅 Event Details * Date: Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 * Time: 7–8:30 PM * Location: North Chevy Chase Christian Church * Cost: Free for the first night ⚠️ Only 40 spots for new dancers! 👉 Reserve your spot now! Eventbrite tickets here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980202151942](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980202151942) Note: Space is limited to 40 new dancers! RSVP NOW on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1905892177809) before this event fills up. Your RSVP via Eventbrite guarantees your spot on the dance floor! Meet-up will only allow 10 RSVPs. There is no need to RSVP on meet-up in order to attend! This event is cross-posted, open to the public and well attended.

**Information to be updated!** **7:30 - 8:30 PM: Waltz Dance lesson by** **Guest Instructor TeRay Bingam of Crown Dance Studio** **8:30 - 11:00 PM: Ballroom Dance music by DJ TeRay Bingam of Crown Dance Studio** $15 (cash or check) includes the lesson plus the dance, cold water and scrumptious snacks Dress is "ballroom casual." Please no cutoffs, T-shirts or jeans. Dress to Impress! No experience, reservations or partner needed. All Singles Welcome!! 1,850 sq. ft. beautiful oak dance floor. Plenty of free, safe parking

**\*\*\*This group is filled. Check out our next departure on Feb 20, 2026:** **https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/\*\*\*** Gaze at the Northern Lights, enjoy a sleigh ride, be a reindeer herder for a day, learn about the Sámi culture, visit an ice hotel, catch a fish (or two) through a hole in the ice, taste some good Scandinavian delicacies, visit the ABBA museum...My, oh my! These are just some of the fun activities we are planning to do during this once-in-a-life time adventure! Like all our adventures, this one is crafted from the ground up with the true spirit of Meetup in mind. We handle every little detail before and during the trip, accompany and guide the group, creating a stress-free journey with a laid-back, friendly vibe. No big tour operators, no inflated prices — we work directly with locals to give you authentic experiences and unbeatable value. Come as strangers, leave as lifelong friends — and make memories that stick forever! ***We visit:*** * Stockholm * Kiruna (Lapland) * Helsinki * Copenhagen (optional extension) ***The trip includes:*** \* 2 nights in Stockholm \* A night train from Stockholm to Lapland in a private sleeping compartment \* 4 nights in Kiruna \* 3 nights in Helsinki \* Airfare from Kiruna to Helsinki \* Arrival and departure transfers \* Sightseeing tours in Stockholm and Helsinki \* Boat ride in Stockholm \* Food tasting in Helsinki \* Breakfast daily \* 2 dinners and 3 lunches \* Northern Lights Tour \* Jukkasjärvi Icehotel Half-Day Tour \* Full-Day Reindeer Tour \* Ice Fishing or Husky Sleigh Ride **Price per person, double occupancy: $4770** (we match roommates for those wishing to share) **Price for single room: $6320** ***Not Included:*** x Transatlantic Airfare (we can help you arrange that) x Meals not listed above x Tips and any personal and incidental expenses x Optional extension to Copenhagen The only way to secure your spot is a $500 deposit **\*\*\*Deposit link removed as this date is sold out. You can reserve your spot for our next departure on Feb 20, 2026 [HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/310787716/) \*\*\*** Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).\*\*\* Final payment due 60 days before departure\*\*\* ***[Click Here](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37)***[ and Fill out this Form if you are making a Deposit](https://forms.gle/MqXy8zWAB6pv2dW37) For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) Limited capacity of 14 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. \*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included\*\*\* **OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO COPENHAGEN offered at $590 per person/double or $785 solo occupancy (air from Helsinki to Copenhagen not included)** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna with any questions including airfare quotes.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events) SOT 2000318-10

Join us for the sweetest winter event of the season. Our Critters and Cookies event is a family-friendly experience filled with hands on fun, animal encounters, and plenty of treats to enjoy together. Your admission ticket includes access to all activities during the event. **What to Expect** • Valentine themed cookie decorating with fun toppings • Valentine card making station for kids to create something special • Indoor play area open for climbing, exploring, and burning off energy • Meet and greet animal experiences including – Bunnies in a basket – Rosie the porcupine with her Valentine flair • A fan favorite activity Name a Cockroach where kids can name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after someone they love or someone who bugs them Animal participation may vary depending on the animals’ comfort and mood. Our team always puts animal wellbeing first. This event is perfect for families looking for a fun winter outing, Valentine themed activities without pressure, and memorable moments with animals and cookies all in one place. Space is limited. Advance tickets are recommended.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at [BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com.](http://BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com./) Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at [BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com](mailto:BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com) so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.