National Politics

Let's dive into the world of the Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and its impacts. Join us for an exciting **in-person** event at the **Laurel Library branch, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD 20707,** where we'll dive into the complexities of geopolitics and its impact on the world order. This **foreign policy discussion series** will bring together experts and enthusiasts to explore history, politics, and future prospects. Mark your calendars and get ready for an enlightening event! **A Foreign Policy Discussion Series has been held at the Laurel Library branch for more than 3 years and hosted by Bear Afkhami to encourage civil discourse and expert-led learning on foreign policy topics.** More information can be found on the Laurel Library website here: https://pgcmls.info/events?l=Laurel&t=%255B%2522Speaker%2520or%2520Panel%2522%255D&r=range&start=2026-02-26&end=2026-12-31 Bear Afkhami has a combination of education, training and experience in homeland security, emergency management, foreign policy, intelligence, data and AI. He has a BA in Intelligence, MS in Analytics and numerous other credentials. He is a homeland security consultant, a Professor of Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems, sits on sector-related boards and has received Gubernatorial and County Executive appointments. He is also a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Education Ambassador and has published and become a regular speaker at national/state emergency management/homeland security conferences on the topics of risk mitigation, AI, disinformation and cybersecurity.

Talk For Change (Club 1059567) is a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member can develop communication and leadership skills, which, in turn, foster self-confidence and personal growth. We meet the first and third Wednesday of every month at 6:45 pm with online and in-person meetings. If you want to attend in person, we meet at Madhatters Restaurant, 1319 Connecticut Avenue, 1 block south of Dupont Circle, in Washington, DC. Contact us for more information (and to get the Zoom link for online attendance): contactusform-1059567@toastmastersclubs.org. http://talkforchange.toastmastersclubs.org/agenda-739269.html

**Advance ticket purchase required at:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=1BF42D8A-8ECD-4E44-8873-38F6571662A5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=1BF42D8A-8ECD-4E44-8873-38F6571662A5) Join us on your own or with friends to enjoy an evening of champagne and Argentine Tango dancing with lessons at the Gallery at the Ven at Embassy Row, in the heart of DuPont Circle. Experience the Tango, one of the most passionate dances that brings to life the romance of 1930s Buenos Aires as you make new friends. A dance partner or prior dance experience are not needed to attend. Dance lesson tickets also includes a complimentary glass of champagne\* with additional drinks available for purchase at the bar. You are welcome to attend on your own or with friends. We’ll have you dancing the Argentine Tango as it is danced in Buenos Aires, even if you have never danced before! The Argentine Tango is known around the world for its romance and bold flair and this is your rare opportunity to learn the Argentine tango from an expert instructor as you meet ICDC members in a friendly and relaxed setting. During the lesson you may learn the proper Argentinean Tango embrace, as we may delve into the Caminata, Salida, Baldosa, and Resolution -- elements of the dance. After the lesson, enjoy an elegant tango performance high in color and elegance, commemorating the glamorous years of 1930s Argentina that will transport you to a magical tango soiree in Buenos Aires to practice your newly learned tango skills. After the lesson, dance the evening away with a practice tango dance party at one of DuPont Circle's most fashionable venues, as you meet and socialize with other friendly ICDC members. Space is limited and we expect this event to sell out well in advance, so please make your reservations early. Event details are subject to change. All online ticket sales are final and we are unable to offer refunds on any ticket purchases. \* The champagne served will be a sparkling white wine or Cava. **Advance ticket purchase required at:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=1BF42D8A-8ECD-4E44-8873-38F6571662A5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=1BF42D8A-8ECD-4E44-8873-38F6571662A5) **Attend on Your own or with Friends** You are welcome to attend on your own and new members are especially welcome! The event presents a wonderful opportunity to meet, network and socialize with other internationally minded professionals in town. If you are new to our organization or Washington DC this is a great opportunity to meet other like minded professionals in a friendly and relaxed setting. **Advance ticket purchase required at:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=1BF42D8A-8ECD-4E44-8873-38F6571662A5](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=1BF42D8A-8ECD-4E44-8873-38F6571662A5)

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Please join VSDC, Friends of the Earth, and its partner organizations for the **2026 Stop Financing Factory Farming [Global Day of Action](https://actionnetwork.org/events/global-day-of-action-tell-the-world-bank-to-stop-financing-factory-farming/)** on **Wednesday, April 15**. The goal is to send a message to the World Bank Group that a livable planet is not one built on factory farming. **When**: 12pm-1pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, **Where**: East corner of the triangle of South Murrow Park (Edward R. Murrow Park (south triangle, across from World Bank entrance at 1818 H St NW)• 19TH ST & PENN AVE &, H St NW sb, Washington, DC 20431 US) **Who:** On-site VSDC host is Max Broad (202-926-5739) You can also sign up directly with the organizing groups [here](https://actionnetwork.org/events/global-day-of-action-tell-the-world-bank-to-stop-financing-factory-farming/), **What**: The organizers will meet with representatives from the World Bank Group and deliver a booklet highlighting solutions to factory farming and the need for the Bank to support sustainable, community-based food systems instead. (The organizers will provide signs and shirts for attendees, and capture the attention of people attending World Bank meetings.) **Why**: The World Bank cannot fulfill its mission to “end poverty on a livable planet” while continuing to use taxpayer dollars to finance the expansion of industrial animal agriculture. **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 all of our events. **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.**

FREE Agricultural Research Center Toastmasters is conducting a 5-session Public Speaking Workshop. The sessions will be in-person on Wednesdays April 15 through May 13, 2026 at 5:00-7:00 pm. This workshop will (1) help you overcome nervousness, (2) boost your self-confidence, (3) make you a more organized speaker, and (4) teach you 'secrets' of public speaking. Email contact-3039@toastmastersclubs.org for more information. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ARE YOU READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING, CAREER-ENHANCING EXPERIENCE? The Agricultural Research Center Toastmasters in Beltsville, Maryland meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month to practice our communication and leadership skills. We follow the educational program of Toastmasters International. We have great success individually and as a group. Our members are from different cultures and backgrounds. Several of us are scientists for the US Department of Agriculture. Others work at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Our members also are tax preparers, translators, and teachers. Each year in the spring we hold a beginners class. The next class will be in March 2026. Visit our webpage at http://arc.toastmastersclubs.org/ .

On 161st Anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre, VSDC Life Member Max Broad has invited us join him on a very special walking tour. See Downtown DC as the conspirators behind the Lincoln assassination knew it--where they scouted out their targets, their hangouts, and their three main attack sites. See familiar sites in unfamiliar ways; take steps around the sites of the Lincoln Assassination. The walking tour is about 90 minutes, outdoors. FREE We will meet in front of St. John's Episcopal Church at 1525 H Street, NW at 6:30pm. After the tour, attendees are invited to an optional dinner at dinner at Wok & Roll--a family style restaurant serving Chinese cuisine that offers ample plant-based dishes. (It would be helpful if you indicate if you are joining the group for dinner when you RSVP.) **About Tour Guide and VSDC Member Max Broad** When not leading environmental and animal advocacy with DC Voters for Animals, Max moonlights as a professional walking tour guide. He started this in 2015, giving his first tour to his family on the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln Assassination, and working with DC Tours by Foot since 2017. Originally from California, he fell in love with Civil War history upon moving to DC and seeing the rich history of the battlefields, Gettysburg, Antietam, Appomattox Court House, and others. Every year he likes to do a free "friends and family tour" on the anniversary of the assassination and has invited VSDCers to join him. **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 all of our events. **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.**

AfropolitanDC Presents: The Borderless Black Diaspora Experience \| Thursday April 16th \| World Bank Spring Meetings Editions RSVP Now At: [AfropolitanDC](https://AFPDC2604.eventbrite.com/?aff=MU) Get ready for another amazing night of connections and culture over cocktails Join us for AfropolitanDC: Industry Night—a premier cultural mixer and one of the most anticipated social experiences on the sidelines of the Worldbank Spring Meetings DMV’s largest cultural mixer returns with The Borderless Black Diaspora Experience—a celebration of global Black unity, identity, and culture. From New York to Accra, Kingston to Lagos, and Washington D.C., the Black experience knows no borders—only shared rhythms, roots, and brilliance. This is the spring meetings social social where global leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and policymakers converge to network, celebrate, and reimagine the future of a borderless Black diaspora. Designed to harness the convergence of global and local influence during spring meetings week, this evening fosters collaboration and partnership across the diaspora while showcasing its vibrant culture. What to Expect Power Networking with global leaders, professionals, and innovators Afro-Caribbean Social & Party with top DJs and vibrant diaspora sounds Red Carpet Experience to capture your spring meeting's night in style Cocktails & Culture featuring Afro-Caribbean bites and curated drinks Borderless Connections Mixer with interactive networking and idea-sharing

Iran is on fire, Trump is on a crusade against the Pope, Orban is gone, the Epstein files are still not released, and it feels like every day is ending up in a history book. If you're a frustrated Trump supporter, former MAGA, former conservative, or just a curious liberal observer, we invite you all to have some drinks and food with us. No matter where you are/were on the political spectrum, even if you still support Trump, you are welcome to vent your frustrations with us.

**Mark your calendar for every third Friday of the month!** Come hang out with fellow freedom-lovers, get the inside scoop on the Liberty Movement in Northern Virginia, and hear what’s brewing with local festivals and upcoming election support. Whether you’ve been part of the cause for years or are just curious about Libertarian ideas, you’re welcome to drop by for food, fun, and lively conversations that keep the spirit of liberty alive!

It’s been a while… but we’re back for Third Thursday 🎉 Join us on Thursday, April 16, 2026 for a fun evening of good vibes, great company, and a chance to reconnect! 📍 Sports & Social 1314 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 🕕 6–9 PM Bring your friends, meet new faces, and let’s make it a night to remember. See you there! ✨ And yes, we will be having events on Third Thursdays of the remaining months in 2026! Save the dates!

**Location:** Crimson Whiskey Bar (Either the downstairs whiskey bar, or main floor bar, TBD) The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. \*\*\* **Topic: The Future of DC** DC is set to undergo a lot of changes over the next 5 years. There are changes to the local political structure, massive real estate projects in the works, and the federal plans to "beautify the city." We want to hear your opinions on these and what direction you would want to DC move toward. **Local Politics** DC will be implementing ranked choice voting in it's upcoming primaries this June for the first time in it's history.[ (Ben from Ben's Chili Bowl Explains this)](https://www.opportunity-dc.org/post/rank-your-vote-dc-launches-first-ads-to-educate-voters-featuring-ben-ali-owner-of-ben-s-chili-bow). This includes elections for mayor, attorney general, and city council, which could have a huge impact on the city's future. **Beautifying the City** Trump issued an executive order in March 2025 titled "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful," and has since gone much further, announcing plans to spend $2 billion within a three-mile radius of the White House, repaving streets and replacing infrastructure he called emblematic of a ["hellhole.](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/aug/22/trump-says-hes-asking-congress-billions-beautify-dc-streets/)" His latest budget takes it even further, proposing a $10 billion ["Presidential Capital Stewardship Program](https://rollcall.com/2026/04/06/trumps-budget-proposal-for-interior-seeks-to-make-dc-beautiful-again/)" for construction and beautification projects in and around DC. **New Developments** It would be impossible to talk about the future of DC without talking about how the landscape has and is changing. Neighborhoods that were previously "Places where you only go to get drugs," like NOMA have become prime examples of gentrified neighborhoods with bustling restaurants and bars. With billions of dollars' worth of residential projects popping up all over the city, other neighborhoods are set to experience similar transformations, especially with developments like the new RFK Stadium.

Let's play monopoly in the open area called "The Landing" at the Crystal City Shops. The Landing is right at the Crystal City metro stop and, if you're driving, there is free parking [on weekdays after 4pm and weekends] in the garage. See below for more details. With many tables for games and nearby eateries in the mall, it is a fantastic location for playing board games. We'll be starting at 3:00 pm, but feel free to wander in whenever you'd like.Please RSVP to play. If you'd like to start earlier, feel free to mention that in the comment section. If everyone is already in the middle of games when you arrive, please don't hesitate to pull up a chair and watch a game in progress. We will play a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people at each table. This is a friendly group of competitive and non competitive players and our different backgrounds and different experiences of Monopoly make for interesting conversation during the games. If you're taking the metro, exit at Crystal City and you can walk to The Landing without having to go outside. When you come up the first set of escalators, turn right to enter the underground shops and then turn right at Rite Aide. Continue straight and The Landing will be the large open seating area on your right, next to San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway. If you're driving, parking is free in the garage. Enter the garage for 1750 Crystal Drive on 18th Street and take a ticket. (You'll need this to exit, but there's no charge). Take the elevators up to Level S. The Landing is the large open seating area next to San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway. If that parking garage is full, exit the garage and turn left on 18th and left again on Crystal Drive. A second parking garage is located on Crystal Drive between 18th Street and 15th Street. This is a link to a map of the Crystal City Shops: http://www.thecrystalcityshops.com/ The Landing is in the yellow section on the map near the San Antonio Bar & Grill and Subway.

Join the group for *1776* at Ford's Theatre on Saturday, April 18 at 1PM! I’ve sold my ticket block. TodayTix does not have any more pairs of seats available, but Right Orchestra N16 is behind our block in M 16 - 20. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a ticket directly from Ford's Theatre ([https://my.fords.org/12242/12404](https://my.fords.org/12242/12404)). This popular American musical is an insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation. As members of the Second Continental Congress struggle to reach consensus, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson argue for independence from the British monarchy. The ensuing debates defined our country. As we explore this historical moment through the evolving identity of America today, this robust, award-winning musical boldly brings our country’s beginnings to blazing life.

Please go to your Meetup account and make sure you have elected to receive "EVENT UPDATES FROM ORGANIZERS" so that we may e-mail you additional information on this and other events. Thank you! Here's how... Go to "Settings" Then go to "Email updates" Scroll down to "Updates about your groups" Then go to the name of the group and click "Edit" Then select "Event updates from organizers"

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Spring Social** **Community, Connections, and Coffee** **Wednesday\, April 22 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a special **1 Million Cups Loudoun Spring Social** — a morning dedicated to what makes this community so powerful: **connection**. ## **About the Event** This gathering is all about slowing down, stepping away from presentations, and creating space for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, this is your opportunity to: * Build new relationships * Reconnect with familiar faces * Share ideas and experiences * Strengthen your network in a relaxed, welcoming environment No presentations. No pressure. Just community, connection, and coffee. ## **What to Expect** * Open networking with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals * Intentional conversations that go beyond surface-level connections * A welcoming environment for both new and returning attendees * A chance to continue relationships beyond the meeting Enjoy a **light breakfast sponsored by E.L. Strategic** as you connect with others who are building, growing, and navigating business alongside you. ## **Why Attend?** At 1 Million Cups, we believe businesses grow through relationships. This Spring Social is designed to strengthen those connections and create space for collaboration, support, and shared momentum. ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **April 22** for a morning that reminds us why showing up matters. We look forward to seeing you there.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

**Polska Dyskoteka: May Madness is coming to Vienna! 🇵🇱💃** **(Scroll down for English version ⬇️)** **BILETY:** **https://tinyurl.com/PolskaDyskoteka** **Maj to najbardziej radosny miesiąc w Polsce, a my przenosimy tę niesamowitą energię Majówki prosto do Northern Virginia!** **Od świętowania Konstytucji 3 Maja po wyjątkowy klimat Dnia Zwycięstwa, który przypada właśnie 8 maja – nie ma lepszej daty, aby zjednoczyć Polonię i wspólnie ruszyć na parkiet.** **Dołącz do PLAC SOCIAL CLUB, aby wspólnie uczcić nasze dziedzictwo i wolność do radosnej zabawy! 🥂✨** **Szczegóły wydarzenia:** ***** **📅 Kiedy: Piątek, 8 maja 2026 (Dzień Zwycięstwa!)** ***** **⏰ Godzina: 18:30 – 22:30** ***** **📍 Gdzie: The O Lounge, 2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA** ***** **🎧 Zagra dla Was: DJ KAAT** **Niezależnie od tego, czy świętujesz przedłużony weekend majowy, czy historyczną wagę tego dnia, May Madness to miejsce, w którym musisz być. Spodziewaj się najlepszych polskich hitów, ogromnej dawki energii i morza biało-czerwonych barw!** **Zapiszcie tę datę i do zobaczenia na parkiecie! 🔴⚪️** **IN ENGLISH:** **May is the most festive month of the year in Poland, and we are bringing that Majówka energy straight to Northern Virginia!** **TICKETS:** **https://tinyurl.com/PolskaDyskoteka** **From celebrating the Constitution on May 3rd to the spirit of Victory Day (Dzień Zwycięstwa) on May 8th, there is no better day to gather the community and dance. Join PLAC SOCIAL CLUB as we honor our heritage and celebrate the freedom to party! 🥂✨** **Event Details:** ***** **📅 When: Friday, May 8, 2026 (Victory Day!)** ***** **⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM** ***** **📍 Where: The O Lounge, 2070 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA** ***** **🎧 Featuring: DJ KAAT** **Whether you're celebrating the "Long May Weekend" or the historical significance of the day, May Madness is the place to be. Expect the best Polish hits, high energy, and a sea of white and red!** **COME JOIN US! 🔴⚪️**

**As a proud sponsor of the Fairfax Vegfest,** the [Veg Society of DC ](https://vsdc.org/)(VSDC) encourages our members to attend this free, outdoor, all-vegan event with great speakers and delicious food! It is happening on Sunday, April 19, from 11 am to 5 pm, in Herndon, Virginia. VSDC has scheduled this meetup event to: 1\. publicize the Fairfax Vegfest so more people will attend\. For details, go to the [Vegfest event page here](https://marketspread.com/market/35820/fairfax-vegfest/events/84760/) 2\. encourage volunteers to sign\-up for shifts at the VSDC Table\. RSVP on this page and select which shift you would prefer. 3\. refer people to the Fairfax Vegfest organizers to volunteer with them\. Go to the [Fairfax Vegfest volunteer page here](https://forms.gle/HfNd2WYAbgKAtVVk8) ***We do need volunteers at the VSDC table so PLEASE do sign up. When you RSVP, please provide your first and last name, email, and shift preference (10am-12:30pm, 12-230pm, 2-430pm, 4-6pm, or ANY shift). Only the VSDC organizers will see this info.*** Confirmed speakers include: Neal Barnard MD Gene Baur Milton Mills, MD (many more to come!) **Why you don’t want to miss Fairfax Vegfest:** * **A full day of vegan food, shopping & discovery** Enjoy incredible plant-based eats, local makers, wellness brands, and eco-friendly businesses—all in one place. * **Something for everyone** Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just love good food and good vibes, Fairfax Vegfest is welcoming and inclusive. * **Family-friendly & community-focused** A fun, positive atmosphere with activities, education, and space to connect with like-minded people. * **Meet the makers behind the brands** Talk directly with chefs, founders, and creators who are passionate about what they do. * **Support small & mission-driven businesses** Every purchase helps support ethical, sustainable, and compassionate businesses. * **Feel-good vibes all day long** Come hungry. Leave inspired. 💚 **Location** Northwest Federal Credit Union (parking lot in the back) 200 Spring St. Herndon VA 20170 A $5 donation per person is requested to help the organizers offset the costs for the event. Parking in the adjacent garage / lot is $5 per car. Join many of your friends from VSDC and our vegan meetup group who will be attending this fun and educational event! **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.**

🥩 **DTs Thursday Night Dinner at Outback – Let’s Go Down Under! 🇦🇺** Craving a **steakhouse classic** with your DTs family? **Skip the kitchen and join us for a hearty meal at [Outback Steakhouse!](https://locations.outback.com/virginia/herndon/365-elden-street?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=local_search&utm_campaign=website_cta&y_source=1_MTU1MDIwNjktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D)**[ ](https://locations.outback.com/virginia/herndon/365-elden-street?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=local_search&utm_campaign=website_cta&y_source=1_MTU1MDIwNjktNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D)🥩🍷 After our **Thursday Night Happy Hour**, let’s gather for **juicy steaks, bold flavors, and legendary Bloomin’ Onions** at **365 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170**. 🔥 **This dinner is a DTs favorite and always fills up fast!** We usually have **16-20 people, and seating is limited, so RSVPs are essential!** **Please RSVP on Facebook and Meetup as soon as possible** to secure your spot. We’ll do our best to accommodate last-minute guests, but reserving helps us ensure everyone gets a seat. Whether you’re in the mood for a **perfectly grilled steak, tender ribs, fresh seafood, or classic Aussie-inspired eats**, **there’s something for everyone at Outback!** 🦘🔥 🌟 **We’re always exploring new dinner spots, so stay tuned for next week’s location—because every Thursday brings something new to the table! 🍽️**

Come join us atthe Pickle & International Food Festival in Sterling, VA. There will be pickle inspired foods, international cuisine, craft beer, and live music. THIS IS NOT A TICKET: Tickets can be found on the link below and general admission is $5 + credit card fee Buy ticket here: https://www.crookedrunfermentation.com/pickle-international-food-festival-2026