Things to do in the DC area: Veterans Day events, Capital Food Fight … and more!

On November 8, 2024By Littum

Here’s a rundown of upcoming local events, including Veterans Day celebrations, the Capital Food Fight, film festivals, concerts and Christmas markets.

Veterans Day returns Monday, with many businesses celebrating the holiday with special events. Here is a list of Veterans Day events going on in the region.

Veterans Day events to consider

With Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, an annual ceremony is planned that is free and open to the public and will include formal military honors, a keynote address, veterans’ remarks and wreath-laying. The event is on Monday.

The National Museum of American Jewish Military History is also hosting an event on Monday to invite the public to put together care packages for hospitalized veterans. Can’t you bring anything? Just bring yourself to make cards, thank you notes and care packages from already donated materials.

The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs is planning a Veterans Day ceremony Sunday at DC War Memorial in the Southwest to recognize those who have served and sacrificed for their country. The event is free.

Check back every Thursday for an overview of things to do in the DC area.

Enjoy a special Veterans Day concert on Monday at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with a performance by the Navy Band Cruiser’s Vocal Ensemble and the Navy Brass Band. The event is free.

Take a tour of Washington Canal Park in the southeast Off the Mall Tours to learn about the oldest African church in DC, the Capital Turnaround itself, and the Navy Yard (although the tour does not go inside the Navy Yard, as it is a working military base). The tour on Monday costs $30 per adult and $20 per child.

The The Library of Congress is hosting a Family Day event Saturday that focuses on teaching the public how Americans on the home front contributed to the war effort during the two world wars and supported the troops overseas. With the event held in the Thomas Jefferson Building’s Great Hall, guests can also decorate a planter and pick up seeds for their own herb harvest. The event is free, but a pass is required.

Here’s what else is happening in the DC area:

DC

The capital’s food fight
One of the most significant food events in the DC area is back this Thursday at The Anthem. The 20th annual The capital’s food fight brings together more than 70 restaurants for tastings as four top local chefs compete in a live culinary battle. The event serves as DC Central Kitchen’s largest annual fundraiser, with tickets starting at $350.

Side yards
At the Navy Yard, an “immersive carnival extravaganza” is coming on Friday. Side Yards will feature magicians, contortionists, jugglers and sword swallowers along with an interactive bubble artist and a live DJ. Admission is free and children of all ages are welcome to participate.

Etch a sketch
On Tuesday, go to The DC Arts Center for Etch A Sketcha fast-paced, sketch comedy event. Tickets start at $10.

Maryland

Maryland Irish Festival
Friday to Sunday, the Irish festival returns to the Maryland State Fairgrounds to celebrate Irish culture with music, food and vendors. Ticket prices vary.

Premiere of the film The Black Smile
Local artists Olivia Eddings and Shartoya Jn.Baptiste present the dance film “The black smile” at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland, on Saturday. The film is “a joyful story” that “celebrates the healing and collaboration of black women.” The dress code is creative black tie. Tickets cost $23.18.

Artist in Residence Class of 2025 Preview Concert
Strathmore supports the careers of local musicians through their Artist in Residence Program. On Wednesday, these musicians will perform live as part of a preview concert. Tickets start at $15 for students and $35 for general admission.

Virginia

“Vibrant Matter: Works from Wood”
This group exhibition shows a different printing techniques. The opening reception is next week, Thursday November 14, but the gallery’s exhibition opens to the public this Thursday.

Alexandria Film Festival
From Thursday to Sunday the 18th annual Alexandria Film Festival highlights local, national and international filmmakers. One of the notable films is called “District of Second Chances,” which features a quest for redemption in DC for three men who were sentenced to life in prison in their youth and have the chance to plead for release. Find the entire film program here.

Northern Virginia Christmas Market
Get your shopping done early at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The 31st annual Northern Virginia Christmas Market features 225 artisans from more than 30 states. The event runs from Friday to Sunday with tickets costing $10.58.

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