Midterms are looming, but there’s still a little light in the horizon – it’s the weekend. There will always be studying to do, but these events don’t come around every day. Besides, isn’t going out in D.C. considered part of your education here at AU?
West Coast Swing
Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to get down this Friday night. Dance Jam Productions hosts a weekly night of west coast swing dancing on a spacious ballroom floor. Participants of all experience levels are welcome and two 45-minute lessons are offered before the floor is opened up at 9 p.m. Whether you’re an expert or a first-timer, it’s a great way to loosen up, let your hair down and release all that pent-up stress. Bring your AU ID because students get a discounted ticket price of $8, which also includes snacks and drinks.
When: Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center, 2126 Industrial Parkway, Silver Spring, MD
Metro Stop: Silver Spring Metro Station, Red Line; take Metro Bus Z6 to Industrial PW & Old Columbia Pl
Oktoberfest at the Capitol City Brewing Company
It’s officially October, so join in on one of the largest Oktoberfest beer festivals in the area. The Capitol City Brewing Company is holding its fifth annual Oktoberfest event this Saturday. More than 65 breweries will be serving beer, accompanied by local vendors serving up authentic German fare and music. Tickets are $30 for students 21 or older. It’s a little out of the way, but still a great setting to unwind and simply have a good time.
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Capital City Brewing Company, 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA
Metro Stop: Pentagon, Blue Line; then take Metro bus 25A to Shirlington Station Bus Bay B
Memorial Dedication Ceremony
Monuments and memorials are a core part of D.C.‘s landscape, and this weekend a new memorial is opening to the public. The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorials is a tribute to the nation’s disabled veterans, both living and dead. The memorial’s dedication ceremony is taking place this Sunday and President Barack Obama, Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Sloan Gibson and other prominent politicians and officials will be there. The ceremony is free and open to the public, and tickets can be found here.
When: Sunday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m.
Where: 150 Washington Ave., SW
Metro Stop: Courthouse Metro, Orange and Silver Lines
Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival
One of the biggest comedy events of the year is here, and it’s running all throughout this weekend. More than 30 out-of-town comedians and 20 local comedians are performing 11 shows at various venues throughout the city. Some of the big names include Reggie Watts, Rob Corddry and Tig Notaro, but the event’s organizers promise a weekend full of surprises. Tickets range between $15 and $30, and a full schedule can be found at the event website. Read a full preview of the event here.
When: Oct. 1-5
Where: A range of venues throughout the city
Palestinian Film and Arts Festival
Educate yourself in Palestinian culture this weekend through a collection of films produced by Palestinian filmmakers and artists. Eleven films are being screened throughout the weekend as part of the fourth annual D.C. Palestinian Film and Arts Festival (DC-PFAF), a non-profit volunteer-run project. The festival is also hosting a closing reception at 8 p.m. on Sunday, featuring Lena Seikaly, a local jazz singer, and her band. A full schedule can be found at the event website and tickets are available ahead of time for a student-discount price of $8.
When: Oct. 2-5
Where: Goethe Institut, 812 7th St NW
Metro Stop: Gallery Place/Chinatown, Red Line
