Mediterranean

***THIS IS NOT AN AWG EVENT - BUT SOME OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE ATTENDED IN THE PAST.*** Super Early Bird Registration ($389) ends on 12/31. **WASHINGTON'S PREMIERE LITERARY EVENT!** The Washington Independent Review of Books presents the 13th annual Washington Writers Conference. Please join us for the premiere writers’ event in the DC area to network with fellow writers, learn from panels and workshops, and, most importantly, pitch directly to agents! [Find out more at our conference website.](https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/page/the-2026-washington-writers-conference) Join us at the [Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PA52HAjf3qyMeMmF9) (one block from the North Bethesda/White Flint Metro). Free parking with validation.

Let us speak Italian and grab a drink or two. GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well. We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!

• What we'll do Inter-faith praying, meditation, singing, discussion, and exploration of universal spiritual themes. This is not a "sermon". We will connect and support each other to increase our understanding of spiritual concepts such as "Love", "Forgiveness", "Spiritual Growth", "Service", "Truthfulness", "The Nature of the Soul", "Oneness Of Mankind", "Love Thy Neighbor", "Charity", "Justice", etc. • What to bring Participants are encouraged BUT NOT REQIUIRED to bring excerpts from the authoritative text, music, guided meditations from any religion or spiritual teachings that can illuminate the spiritual concept that we are exploring • Important to know Free. Inter-faith. Spiritual Fellowship. #TheDaley

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Please note that Geek Nite Out is a Meetup Group attending these events. We are not the organizers of The Unofficial Star Wars Weekend on Barracks Row. Click here for more information: [https://www.barracksrow.org/brms-star-wars-weekend-2026](https://www.barracksrow.org/brms-star-wars-weekend-2026) Friday, May 1st, is the first night of The Unofficial Star Wars Weekend on Barracks Row! There will be a lot of activities going on, including: ## Barracks Row's Star Wars Nighttime Spectacular Experience an epic lightsaber battle set to music and lights in the heart of DC. Join us on Barracks Row for a thrilling nighttime performance you won’t want to miss. ​ 📍 701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003 🕗 Show at 7:30 PM \-\-\- ## "Sith Happens", A Star Wars Pop Up Bar Step into a galaxy far, far away with out-of-this-world cocktails, dramatic Star Wars décor, and a fully immersive atmosphere that will transport you straight into the saga. Whether you’re a Jedi Master, Rebel pilot, or Sith Lord, this is the ultimate destination for fans 21+ ready to celebrate the Force in style. Expect: 🍸 Galactic-Themed Drinks – Crafted cocktails worthy of the Cantina📸 Star Wars-Inspired Photo Ops – Snap selfies with props and backdrops from across the galaxy🎶 Music, Cosplay & Surprises – DJs, costumed fans, and galactic mischief all night long. ✨ Costumes encouraged. Good times guaranteed, don’t miss your chance to drink like a Rebel… or a Sith. Lola's Bar 711 8th Street SE, Barracks Row – Washington, D.C. \-\-\- ## Dinner from a Galaxy Far, Far Away Star Wars Food Specials - Ted's Bulletin - 505 8th Street SE \-\-\- ## Schedule We will begin to meet at 5:30 pm at Ted's Bulletin - 505 8th Street SE. I will be wearing a black cap with "geek" on the front. We'll eat, drink, chat and try not to have our arms chopped off by a Jedi. At 7:00 pm, we'll ride our speeders to 701 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC to watch Jedi and Sith duel at the Star Wars Nighttime Spectacular. If we survive that, we'll head over to Sith Hapens at Lola's for some drinks that are out of this world. ## Communication A #starwarsnight channel will be created on the GNO Discord server before the event. It's to be used to help everyone communicate and find the group. You can join the Discord server here: [https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP](https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP) (link should be permanent. Please let me know if it stops working) I will let you know how to find me on the day of the event. ## Metro It's about a 7-minute walk from the Eastern Market Metro Station (along the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines). I'm looking forward to seeing you! May The Force Be With You!

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.

Start with a Pisco Sour, a signature cocktail or mocktail. Enjoy ceviche just like you get in Peru, a choripan sandwich, some Lomo Saltado, Peruvian Chicken or many more delicious choices! [Check out their menu here](https://autenticoperu.com/menu/) Auténtico is born from years of dreams, sharing the rich diversity of Peruvian cuisine with Northern Virginia. Their menu celebrates variety and creativity, where traditional recipes meet subtle touches of innovation. It’s more than food, it’s a fusion of authentic flavors crafted with care, turning every plate into a story worth savoring.

**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

Join me for a relaxed and delicious Italian lunch at **Gregorio's Trattoria**. Gregorio's Trattoria brings that *“from our family to yours”* vibe—serving up authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Expect comforting classics like pasta, pizza, and hearty entrées in a warm, welcoming setting. This is a perfect mid-day break to enjoy great food, good conversation, and meet some awesome people. Here's the menu: https://gregoriostrattoria.com/menus/ * **📍 Location:** Park Potomac Spots are limited—RSVP early and come hungry 😄 • If the event fills up, join the waitlist—spots often open as the date approaches. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍷

**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

**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

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

We’re kicking off something new… and you’re invited Join us as we start our Sunday Walk Series with Mellisa - the perfect way to ease into your Sunday with fresh air, great company, and relaxed vibes. We’ll take on a 2–3 mile walk along the beautiful Capital Crescent Trail, enjoying nature, conversation, and that signature SSB energy. And because we know how to reward ourselves… There might be an ice cream stop after. (Okay, there probably will be.) Come walk, connect, and start your Sunday right. Let’s make this a new favorite tradition. Meeting point: In front of Uncle Julio 4870 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 Parking: Montgomery County Parking 4846 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 (free on Sunday) Metro: Bethesda Metro (0.5 miles from meeting point)

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!

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR - FLIGHTS N TACOS!!! Join us for a fun and relaxed Over 50 Happy Hour on Friday, May 1st from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Giant Eagle Grandview Yard Event Center! (upper level) **Plenty of free parking**. The event center is huge! Pics are in the comments. Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR!! – Flights n Tacos Let’s join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) • Taco Bar • Margarita and Beer tasting • Complementary chips and salsa • Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase • Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: Optional - For $15.00 per person you can also get 4 Margarita or beer) Get ready for a fun evening filled with live music, great conversation, and a lively crowd of 50+ singles and friends looking to mix, mingle, and enjoy the night. Whether you come solo or with friends, you’ll quickly feel the welcoming, social vibe. Enjoy happy hour at the bar until 6 PM, or take part in the special Cinco de Mayo experience featuring margarita flights and delicious Mexican bites. It’s the perfect setting to relax, meet new people, and celebrate in style. Our private upstairs space gives us plenty of room to connect, laugh, and enjoy the energy of the night. Come when you can, stay as long as you like — the best conversations (and the most fun!) tend to build as the evening goes on. No agenda — just great people, live music, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration you won’t want to miss!