Updated weekly—your window into the DC area.
If you have a gathering you would like publicized, kindly reach out to Sharon Groves at sharon@festivalcenter.org.
HAPPENING TODAY, THIS WEEK, AND LATER
FLAGGING
Application Open Until Friday, January 30, 2026
Comedy Catalyst Course
Location: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road, NW
Hosted by: Grassroots Comedy and Rising Organizers
About: The Comedy Catalyst Course is the flagship offering of Grassroots Comedy’s new Comedy Catalyst Program—a bold initiative to turn humor into a force for civic engagement and social impact. This 5-week, hands-on training blends comedy craft (joke-writing, performance, and comedic voice) with advocacy and organizing fundamentals (strategy, relationship-building, and taking action), empowering participants to create original comedic work rooted in urgent issues like climate justice, immigrant rights, reproductive freedom, and democracy. Designed for stand-up comedians and anyone ready to use humor for impact—including sketch writers, improvisers, and storytellers—each cohort is guided by professional comedians, advocacy trainers, and community organizers. Participants will leave with a refined “comedy catalyst product” and a professionally recorded video of their final performance, ready to mobilize audiences through laughter and purpose.
THIS WEEK
Saturday, January 24| 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Local Business Canvass: H Street, NE
Location: NE Neighborhood Library, Mezzanine 2, Washington, DC
RSVP
Hosted by: Free DC
About: Economic boycotts are a time-tested tool communities can use to hold powerful entities accountable. Just as importantly, communities can also redirect money toward businesses that share their values. Local Business for a Free DC is a new program to build support for and among local businesses that support DC Home Rule and oppose federal attacks on DC communities. Join Free DC to canvass businesses on H Street Northeast and invite them to participate in this program. The event will start with an interactive training for newcomers and a short zine-folding/thank-you kit session for experienced canvassers. Attendees will receive materials and support before heading out. For those who haven’t yet attended a Free DC orientation, Free DC organizers will pair you with someone who has attended.
Local Business Canvass: H Street, NE
Location: NE Neighborhood Library, Mezzanine 2, Washington, DC
RSVP
Hosted by: Free DC
About: Economic boycotts are a time-tested tool communities can use to hold powerful entities accountable. Just as importantly, communities can also redirect money toward businesses that share their values. Local Business for a Free DC is a new program to build support for and among local businesses that support DC Home Rule and oppose federal attacks on DC communities. Join Free DC to canvass businesses on H Street Northeast and invite them to participate in this program. The event will start with an interactive training for newcomers and a short zine-folding/thank-you kit session for experienced canvassers. Attendees will receive materials and support before heading out. For those who haven’t yet attended a Free DC orientation, Free DC organizers will pair you with someone who has attended.
ONGOING CAMPAIGN
Ongoing Now
Ward 1 Mutual Aid Food Drive
Location: The Festival Center
About: Support Ward 1 Mutual Aid by bringing nonperishable foods to the Festival Center throughout the season.
Ward 1 Mutual Aid Food Drive
Location: The Festival Center
About: Support Ward 1 Mutual Aid by bringing nonperishable foods to the Festival Center throughout the season.
EVERY NIGHT UNDER OCCUPATION
At 7:00 PM for 5 minutes
Get Loud: DC Noise Action
Location: Across DC and the DMV (wherever you are)
About: Every night at 7 PM, stop what you’re doing, go outside, and bang pots and pans for five minutes as a peaceful cacerolazo to resist the occupation and affirm DC’s freedom. From France to Latin America to Puerto Rico and now DC, this joyful noise is a time-tested tactic of nonviolent protest.
Get Loud: DC Noise Action
Location: Across DC and the DMV (wherever you are)
About: Every night at 7 PM, stop what you’re doing, go outside, and bang pots and pans for five minutes as a peaceful cacerolazo to resist the occupation and affirm DC’s freedom. From France to Latin America to Puerto Rico and now DC, this joyful noise is a time-tested tactic of nonviolent protest.
EVERY SATURDAY
Saturday, Weekly
Boycott Target DMV Picket
Location: 14th Street Target (Washington, DC)
Hosted by: Boycott Target DMV / Shut Down DC
About: Local activists with Boycott Target DMV hold weekly Saturday pickets outside the 14th Street Target to protest corporate exploitation and community harm. The ongoing action is supported by Shut Down DC and encourages participants to show up, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity—especially during extreme heat, when mutual care and safety are prioritized.
Boycott Target DMV Picket
Location: 14th Street Target (Washington, DC)
Hosted by: Boycott Target DMV / Shut Down DC
About: Local activists with Boycott Target DMV hold weekly Saturday pickets outside the 14th Street Target to protest corporate exploitation and community harm. The ongoing action is supported by Shut Down DC and encourages participants to show up, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity—especially during extreme heat, when mutual care and safety are prioritized.
LATER HAPPENINGS
Sunday, January 25, 1:00 PM
Ward 4 Social
Location: Mita Cafe, 703 Kennedy Street NW
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 4 Team
RSVP
About: Join neighbors and Free DC supporters for the first Ward 4 Monthly Social of 2026 — an informal opportunity to connect, build community, and get to know others who are organizing and showing up across Ward 4. This event is designed for both longtime participants and folks who are curious about getting involved. Come share stories, meet allies, and deepen your connections with people working together to protect DC Home Rule and community dignity. (Description based on typical Ward 4 Social listings from Free DC and event context.)
Ward 4 Social
Location: Mita Cafe, 703 Kennedy Street NW
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 4 Team
RSVP
About: Join neighbors and Free DC supporters for the first Ward 4 Monthly Social of 2026 — an informal opportunity to connect, build community, and get to know others who are organizing and showing up across Ward 4. This event is designed for both longtime participants and folks who are curious about getting involved. Come share stories, meet allies, and deepen your connections with people working together to protect DC Home Rule and community dignity. (Description based on typical Ward 4 Social listings from Free DC and event context.)
Sunday, January 25, 1:00 PM
Know Your Rights Training
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Auditorium), 901 G Street NW
Hosted by: Free DC and Amica Center
RSVP
About: Join Free DC and the Amica Center for a Know Your Rights training focused on empowering participants to protect themselves, their families, and their communities amid increased federal enforcement. This interactive session will cover practical legal rights, key information for interactions with law enforcement or federal agents, and strategies to stay informed and safe. The presentation will be offered in both English and Spanish, creating an inclusive environment for all attendees. Questions about the event can be directed to events@amicacenter.org or (202) 899-3987.
Know Your Rights Training
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Auditorium), 901 G Street NW
Hosted by: Free DC and Amica Center
RSVP
About: Join Free DC and the Amica Center for a Know Your Rights training focused on empowering participants to protect themselves, their families, and their communities amid increased federal enforcement. This interactive session will cover practical legal rights, key information for interactions with law enforcement or federal agents, and strategies to stay informed and safe. The presentation will be offered in both English and Spanish, creating an inclusive environment for all attendees. Questions about the event can be directed to events@amicacenter.org or (202) 899-3987.
Monday, January 26, 6:00 PM
Ward 3 Team Meeting, January
Location: Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Avenue NW
RSVP
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 3 Team
About: Meet your neighbors in Ward 3 and help build a strong organizing base to advance Free DC’s work protecting Home Rule and winning dignity for DC residents. The first Ward 3 Team meeting of the year centers on reflection and strategy — “Year in Review, Forging Forward” — offering attendees a chance to reflect on past wins, identify opportunities ahead, and coordinate outreach and action plans. New participants are encouraged to attend a Free DC Campaign Orientation before joining Ward Team meetings.
Ward 3 Team Meeting, January
Location: Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Avenue NW
RSVP
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 3 Team
About: Meet your neighbors in Ward 3 and help build a strong organizing base to advance Free DC’s work protecting Home Rule and winning dignity for DC residents. The first Ward 3 Team meeting of the year centers on reflection and strategy — “Year in Review, Forging Forward” — offering attendees a chance to reflect on past wins, identify opportunities ahead, and coordinate outreach and action plans. New participants are encouraged to attend a Free DC Campaign Orientation before joining Ward Team meetings.
Monday, January 26, 7:00 PM
DC Local Government Working Group Meeting, January
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Rm. 401-A), 901 G Street NW
RSVP
Hosted by: Free DC – DC Local Government Working Group
About: Free DC’s Local Government Working Group develops strategy and response plans for issues facing DC’s elected leaders and local agencies, particularly around autonomy and Home Rule. Join this monthly meeting to learn how the group identifies priorities, works with campaign partners, and shapes campaign strategy. Participation in working group meetings requires prior attendance at a Free DC Campaign Orientation.
DC Local Government Working Group Meeting, January
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Rm. 401-A), 901 G Street NW
RSVP
Hosted by: Free DC – DC Local Government Working Group
About: Free DC’s Local Government Working Group develops strategy and response plans for issues facing DC’s elected leaders and local agencies, particularly around autonomy and Home Rule. Join this monthly meeting to learn how the group identifies priorities, works with campaign partners, and shapes campaign strategy. Participation in working group meetings requires prior attendance at a Free DC Campaign Orientation.
Monday, January 26, 7:00 PM
Arts + Culture Working Group Meeting, January (Virtual)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Hosted by: Free DC – Arts & Culture Working Group
RSVP
About: The Arts & Culture Working Group brings together creative organizers and supporters to integrate the arts into broader campaign work — including music, visual art, performance, dance, and storytelling — as tools for building narrative power and community connection. This virtual meeting invites participants to explore opportunities to collaborate on cultural programming and strategy that strengthens Free DC’s movement. Working group meetings are open to those who have previously attended a Free DC Campaign Orientation. (Meeting schedule shifted this month due to MLK Day observance.)
Arts + Culture Working Group Meeting, January (Virtual)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Hosted by: Free DC – Arts & Culture Working Group
RSVP
About: The Arts & Culture Working Group brings together creative organizers and supporters to integrate the arts into broader campaign work — including music, visual art, performance, dance, and storytelling — as tools for building narrative power and community connection. This virtual meeting invites participants to explore opportunities to collaborate on cultural programming and strategy that strengthens Free DC’s movement. Working group meetings are open to those who have previously attended a Free DC Campaign Orientation. (Meeting schedule shifted this month due to MLK Day observance.)
Tuesday, January 27, 6:00 PM
Ward 4 Team Meeting, January
Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 5101 16th Street NW
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 4 Team
RSVP
About: The Ward 4 Team gathers for its January monthly meeting to organize neighbors around local action, share updates on campaign work, and build collective power in service of DC Home Rule and community dignity. The meeting is a space to strategize outreach, plan upcoming activities, and strengthen relationships among supporters and Ward 4 residents. Those new to Free DC are encouraged to attend a Campaign Orientation before joining a Ward Team meeting, and accessibility accommodations can be requested by emailing ward4@freedcproject.org.
Ward 4 Team Meeting, January
Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 5101 16th Street NW
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 4 Team
RSVP
About: The Ward 4 Team gathers for its January monthly meeting to organize neighbors around local action, share updates on campaign work, and build collective power in service of DC Home Rule and community dignity. The meeting is a space to strategize outreach, plan upcoming activities, and strengthen relationships among supporters and Ward 4 residents. Those new to Free DC are encouraged to attend a Campaign Orientation before joining a Ward Team meeting, and accessibility accommodations can be requested by emailing ward4@freedcproject.org.
Wednesday, January 28, 7:30 PM
How to Host a One-on-One Conversation
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Hosted by: Free DC
RSVP
About: Hosting one-on-one conversations is a foundational organizing skill that helps new supporters connect their interests, skills, and availability with meaningful roles in the movement. In this training, veteran organizer Chris Schwartz (Ward 1 Team) will share the structure of effective one-on-one conversations, tips for guiding these discussions, and resources to help you support others in finding the right way to engage with Free DC. Participation requires prior attendance at a Free DC Campaign Orientation.
How to Host a One-on-One Conversation
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Hosted by: Free DC
RSVP
About: Hosting one-on-one conversations is a foundational organizing skill that helps new supporters connect their interests, skills, and availability with meaningful roles in the movement. In this training, veteran organizer Chris Schwartz (Ward 1 Team) will share the structure of effective one-on-one conversations, tips for guiding these discussions, and resources to help you support others in finding the right way to engage with Free DC. Participation requires prior attendance at a Free DC Campaign Orientation.
Thursday, January 29, 6:00 PM
Ward 5 Team Meeting, January
Location: Metrobar, 640 Rhode Island Avenue NE
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 5 Team
RSVP
About: Join the Ward 5 Team for its January meeting — this time with a “Welcome to 2026” social component. The first 30 minutes will include a brief team meeting followed by time to socialize, connect with neighbors, and learn about how to plug into Free DC’s work. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend this session, which offers an accessible entry point into organizing. Metrobar is approximately a five-minute walk from the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station; youth under 21 are welcome with a parent or guardian, and accommodations are available upon request.
Ward 5 Team Meeting, January
Location: Metrobar, 640 Rhode Island Avenue NE
Hosted by: Free DC – Ward 5 Team
RSVP
About: Join the Ward 5 Team for its January meeting — this time with a “Welcome to 2026” social component. The first 30 minutes will include a brief team meeting followed by time to socialize, connect with neighbors, and learn about how to plug into Free DC’s work. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend this session, which offers an accessible entry point into organizing. Metrobar is approximately a five-minute walk from the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station; youth under 21 are welcome with a parent or guardian, and accommodations are available upon request.
Thursday, January 29, 7:00 PM
Digital Security Workshop with Free DC and No Tech for Apartheid (Virtual)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Hosted by: Free DC & No Tech for Apartheid
RSVP
About: Strong digital security practices are essential for safe and resilient organizing. This practical workshop — part of Free DC’s Safety Series — focuses on strategies for securing digital spaces, protecting personal data, and safeguarding communication channels while organizing. Facilitated in partnership with No Tech for Apartheid, this session offers tools and steps participants can take immediately to enhance their digital safety and the security of their communities.
Digital Security Workshop with Free DC and No Tech for Apartheid (Virtual)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Hosted by: Free DC & No Tech for Apartheid
RSVP
About: Strong digital security practices are essential for safe and resilient organizing. This practical workshop — part of Free DC’s Safety Series — focuses on strategies for securing digital spaces, protecting personal data, and safeguarding communication channels while organizing. Facilitated in partnership with No Tech for Apartheid, this session offers tools and steps participants can take immediately to enhance their digital safety and the security of their communities.