Sci-Fi/Fantasy

TICKET LINK: [https://artsclubofwashington.org/events/details/?event_id=6722928](https://artsclubofwashington.org/events/details/?event_id=6722928) TIME: Doors 6:30 PM \| Show: 7:30 PM We invite you to Parlor Varieté: A Burlesque Salon, an evening that examines burlesque as an important American art form with a long, complicated, and interesting history – and provides ample demonstration of it! Performer and burlesque historian Bebe Bardeaux, ranked #19 on the Burlesque Top 50 in 2024, will deliver a brief lecture on the history and culture of burlesque from its beginnings in the 19th century up to today. A full show will follow, featuring some of the most engaging burlesque and variety performers in the DC area. After the show, attendees can participate in a talk-back conversation with Bebe Bardeaux, along with the show’s producers, award-winning performer Delilah Dentata and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey alum Jim Dandy.

This event has been requested for a bit because it is super exciting! Sandbox VR hosts several gaming rooms where, with the help of head and body gear, will plunge you into a TRUE virtual reality. Did you LOVE watching Stranger Things or Squid Games?! Well Sandbox VR has a variety of virtual reality scenarios including both of those themes. I have actually done the Squid Game and Zombie scenarios in an LA location and it was amazing! If you've always wanted to play but didn't have enough, or the right people, this is your chance to see whatcha got if you were immersed in the scene! Groups must have 2-6 people for a room; If we end up with an odd number of attendees, there will be room to allow in additional individual players. The cost per person is $50 for a fully immersive experience. Please RSVP as soon as possible to determine how many room to reserve! [](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=38.959557%2C%20-77.025688) 5731 9th St NW 5731 9th Street Northwest · Washington, DC We will wait in the lobby for about 30 mins. Message us in this events chat if you are running late. ##

## Blood on the Clocktower SECTS & VIOLETS SECTS & VIOLETS is the craziest of the three editions included in the base set. Good characters get amazing information each and every night. However, the evil team is extremely varied and threatening and can throw massive confusion into the mix. .... **Intermediate.** **Tickets**:[ https://3gearstudios.com/products/blood-on-the-clocktower](https://3gearstudios.com/products/blood-on-the-clocktower) **\*\* Please purchase your tickets using the link above to ensure your spot!** * **Dates**: Friday, June 26th (SECTS & VIOLETS) * **Time**: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm * **GM**: Megan A. (They/She) * **Spots**: 15 * **Characters:** Chosen during the game * **Rating:** T ( Beginner - Friendly) * **Cost:** $10 per session (Free for Gold Tier Patreons) * **Place**: In Person at 3 Gear Games (25 C Street, Laurel, MD 20707) --**Game Room Code Of Conduct**--[https://www.3gearstudios.com/service/code-of-conduct/](https://www.3gearstudios.com/service/code-of-conduct/?fbclid=IwAR054LDLzN5OeBImBfQpND1a_83AGAxPeFHwMO303UD3Z7rggbPn-TRYH64)

Equality Prince William is proud to serve as a Cosmos Sponsor and vendor for Safe Space NOVA’s 2026 Pride Prom: STARRY NIGHT! We are excited to support this affirming and inclusive event for LGBTQ+ youth and community members. EPW is currently seeking volunteers to help staff our table during the event. Event details and rules: [https://safespacenova.org/pride-prom/](https://safespacenova.org/pride-prom/) Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Pride, creativity, and community. #EqualityPrinceWilliam #EPW #PrideProm #SafeSpaceNOVA #LGBTQYouth #Volunteer

**THE POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS OVER YOU** You are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early for refreshments! At the lecture "The Power of the Subconscious", the speaker will clearly and understandably explain topics such as: What is the exact definition of the Subconscious Mind? How does it inflict unwanted feelings and anxiety in you? What determines how much pressure it exerts on a person? What exactly is the goal of the subconscious? This is not just a lecture where you sit quietly and listen. It's interactive and LIVE, so you can ask questions at any time. And the most important topic: **HOW DO YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SUBCOUNSCIOUS!** This group is sponsored by the Dianetics Life Improvement Center.

This is our second meeting to discuss **Jules Verne’s** timeless adventure, **Journey to the Centre of the Earth.** We'll be discussing chapters 16-31. We'll always keep a relaxed pace of about 70–100 pages per week so there is plenty of time to enjoy the story before we gather over coffee, tea, or wine. **Location:** Busboys and Poets, 235 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park **RSVP Deadline:** Wednesday, June 17th (so we can give the venue an accurate headcount) Logistics for the Meetup **Venue courtesy:** Please start a tab at the bar for any food or refreshments. We kindly ask that everyone purchase at least one beverage (coffee, smoothie, wine, etc.) to thank our hosts for providing the meeting space. **The Book Edition:** Warning: Because there are many heavily altered translations of this book, we highly recommend purchasing the Oxford World's Classics edition. It features the complete 45 chapters so we can all stay on the same page! You can order the book from our host Busboys and Poets [at this link.](https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-extraordinary-journeys-journey-to-the-centre-of-the-earth-jules-verne/1aafdcac17641bfe?ean=9780199538072&next=t) RSVP to reserve your spot, and feel free to ask questions. Your RSVP helps our host plan for space to accommodate everyone. Can't wait to read with you!

Ever wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons but have no idea what a "Bonus Action" is? Been curious about D&D but could never find a group to play with? Well, now's your chance! Community Builders will be hosting a D&D 101 Night to teach folks of all skill levels how to play D&D \*and\* tips for being a good Dungeon Master (DM)! Already know how to play D&D? You can still come and mingle to find a group! Please RSVP on [Action Network](https://actionnetwork.org/events/dd-101-night) to receive further updates on this event. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Dune and Messiahs,”** on word of saviors in religion and science fiction, with Peter Herman, former lecturer in theology and religious studies at Marymount University and scholar of religious and social themes in sci fi. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/northern-virginia-dune-messiahs) .] *Dune: Part Three* is scheduled for release in December, and trailers for the epic space opera film have fans of the *Dune* franchise longing for it like visitors to its desert planet Arrakis long for water. Based on the second volume of renowned science fiction novelist Frank Herbert's *Dune* saga, the movie depicts the internal and external conflicts of protagonist Paul Atreides, an emperor treated by others as a messiah while being depicted as an antihero. The film will raise intriguing questions related to the presence of redeeming figures, or messiahs, throughout both science fiction and religious texts. Among them: What exactly do we mean by the term “messiah”? Why have many religious traditions looked for a redeemer to emerge? What happens if the messiah gets it all wrong? Explore such questions—and prepare yourself to enjoy the upcoming *Dune* film at a much deeper level—with Dr. Peter Herman, who has given several excellent, thought-provoking Profs and Pints talks on the *Dune* franchise. To center *Dune* in the discussion, we’ll look at the character of Paul Atriedes as a ruler who has launched a jihad across known space to reconquer it. His prescient visions show him that although the spread of religious war is not optimal, neither is it the worst potential future for humanity, and he allows excess and violence to continue in his name out of a conviction that it’s for the greater good. Throughout the book on which the upcoming film is based, Atriedes struggles with his followers' desire to view him as a divine figure. Dr. Herman, a trained theologian, will set such themes in the broader context of religious studies by discussing messianic figures across various religious traditions. Among them, Christianity names Jesus of Nazareth as the messiah, but he is hardly the first person in the canonical Bible given that title. Mainstream Judaism does not anticipate any similar, deified figure descending from heaven, but messianic strains of Judaism have looked for the arrival of a political liberator. Islam, from which Frank Herbert borrowed terms applied to Paul Atriedes, contains reference to someone serving not as a redeemer but as a heavenly guide. All branches of Buddhism situate within each new age of their cyclical cosmology a Buddha-yet-to-come. We’ll look at the human tendency in confusing times to seek out direct, uncomplicated answers and to embrace messianism as part of apocalypticism, which foretells a straightforward sorting process in which believers, as good people, see reward while their enemies, as bad people, see punishment. *Dune* fans will feel rewarded for coming to this talk. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

We love a chill, laid back party. It’s about building real community - bringing blerds together in a space where we can connect, unwind, and actually be in the room with each other. If you’ve been wanting more in-person energy, this is that. What’s going down: * Games on deck (PS5 + Nintendo Switch available) * Bring your own favorites! * Board games, cards, controllers, whatever you’re into. * DJ’ing by our very own MC Brooks! * Good people. Good energy. Good vibes. Food & Drinks: * Hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs provided * Bring snacks or something to share if you want * BYOB (come prepared) but we’ll provide ice and mixers. Details: 📍 Waldorf, MD (exact address provided after RSVP) * Saturday, June 27th * 4PM until * Hosted by Tyler May * (friendly, sweet dog lives on premises) Parking: * First come, first served * Additional street parking available!

The country’s best pitmasters will descend on DC to show off their unique flavors and cooking techniques for discerning judges. With 100+ free food samples, music, and endless entertainment, you’ll discover all your new favorite flavors. **NEW THIS YEAR!** **Giant Corks to Caps 21+ Oasis** – A true oasis for those 21 and over with sampling and drinks for sale from Paradise Cove, Corona Beach, and the Mom Water She Shed. **Pepsi Art to Go-Go Tent** – The **top** Go-Go acts, live art experiences, and special performances. **BIGGEST BBQ COMPETITIONS YET** – More pitmasters, **$50,000+ in prizes**, and the fiercest showdown in BBQ history! Click here for more information: [https://bbqindc.com/](https://bbqindc.com/) **Groupon Tickets:** [https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle](https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle) **Please Note:** If you purchase your tickets through Groupon, you will need to follow the instructions on your voucher to get your ticket. The Promo Code is listed as the redemption code. More detailed instructions are at the bottom. **Regular and Corks to Caps tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle-the-ultimate-dc-summer-food-and-music-event-tickets-1981166192413](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/34th-annual-giant-bbq-battle-the-ultimate-dc-summer-food-and-music-event-tickets-1981166192413) **Please Note:** We are not the organizers of the festival. Geek Nite Out is a Meetup group that is attending the festival. **--MEETUP INFORMATION--** **MEETING:** We will start to gather outside the entrance at Pennsylvania Ave and 7th St. at 10:45 am. I will be wearing a Geek cap. We'll head into the festival when it opens. Don't worry if you miss us when we're outside the festival. Just message us on Discord when you arrive, and I will post our location along with a what3words link. Learn more about what3words: [https://youtu.be/DLG6WFx3XHQ?si=dRjkpGBNWkIBA1f5](https://youtu.be/DLG6WFx3XHQ?si=dRjkpGBNWkIBA1f5) A **#bbq** channel will be created on the GNO Discord server on the day of 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)[ ](https://discord.gg/d4e9MKScVP)(link should be permanent. Please let me know if it stops working) **METRO:** The Street Festival is next to the Archives Metro Station, along the Green and Yellow Lines. **Groupon Ticket Instructions (This is through desktop. It may be a little different on mobile):** 1. Purchase your ticket through Groupon 2. Select your profile from the top right of the screen and select "My Groupons" 3. Find the "34th Annual Giant BBQ Battle Washington, DC" and select "redeem now" 4. Select "view voucher" 5. Look for the How To Use section on the left side 6. Open the URL listed under step two of that section 7. The Eventbrite page will open in a new tab (you may have to log in) 8. Select "get tickets" on the top right 9. Select the tab containing the Groupon voucher 10. Copy the redemption code from the top left 11. Open the Eventbrite tab 12. Paste the redemption code into the promo code box and select "apply" 13. Check out of Eventbrite normally

This game has it all... Cylons, Opera Houses, ambiguous endings...

Let's go see the Maiden of Steel in a solo adventure. Quick update, the movie starts at 2 PM, so I have updated the meet time to 1:30. See you soon.

I don't know why I bother, you all are signed up for this group, but no one seems to want to do anything, Anyway, I'm going to see the Supergirl movie on Saturday, if anyone wants to join me.... Mike T

In the aftermath of the Starfinder Society’s last trip to the frozen moon of Luvoth, in *[Starfinder Society Scenario #1-02: Mystery of the Frozen Moon](https://store.paizo.com/starfinder-society-scenario-1-02-mystery-of-the-frozen-moon)*, the lu-venon citizens of Luvoth have been liberated and reunited with friends and family. In the months since, they’ve attempted to reclaim their world and rebuild their crumbling society. To temper the danger of initial explorations, lu-venon leadership decided to reach out to the Starfinder Society, requesting their assistance with exploration efforts. Your first task? Explore a mysterious ice cave overflowing with psychic activity while accompanied by lu-venon researcher and Starfinder ally, Uloa Su-Tae. A Starfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 2nd-level characters, playable in 2-3 hours. Written by Thomas Pugh.

Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending. *Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

It’s time for the groups first social event, Game Day! We will be playing a mix of board games, card games, possibly Jackbox TV games, and beyond. The games will be more relaxed & beginner friendly, this is a time to have fun and get to know each other! I’ll be providing pizza, let know if you’d like to contribute any snacks or refreshments ◡̈ Also feel free to message me if you’d like to suggest any games. If you’ve been thinking about attending book club this is the perfect time to join in. This is not the monthly Book Club meeting where we discuss the voted on book, that is on July 25th. Please reach out to me here or on instagram ( LitterallyEmily ) with any questions.

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!