Ukranian ensemble Kurbasy performs tonight at the Hill Center
Happy almost Halloween everyone! This is one of my most favorite Capitol Hill times of the year. Our neighborhood really shines in the fall. Hill-o-ween, Literary Feast and the chaotic mayhem and joy that is trick-or-treating on East Capitol Street bring out so much of what makes this the greatest place to live. If you cannot make one of these events this year mark your calendar for next year.
Tonight, start the weekend hanging out in an underpass! The NoMa Parks Foundation and the NoMa BID present Rain, a new art installation in the M Street NE underpass. When the switch is flipped 4,000 hanging polycarbonate rods will illuminate the sidewalk with a piece that evokes the sensation of falling rain. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with some remarks and the switch-flip, and will be followed by light refreshments. Free.
The Ukranian musical group Kurbasy performs at the Hill Center as part of the Global Sounds on the Hill Series. The three actress-singers perform traditional songs with a multimedia visual accompaniment. Tickets are $15 and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
It is another opportunity for you to learn to make your own kombucha. Craft Kombucha hosts Kombucha 101 at Union Market 6 to 8 p.m. If you don’t know what it is you may not want to keep reading, but if you are already a fungus punch fiend, you might be interested. For $50 ($80 for a couple) you will learn the process and leave with the gear to make your own probiotic elixir. Register here.
Friday, Curbside Cookoff returns. The District’s original food truck festival returns with food trucks, a full bar, live music, local artisans, games and more. Ten trucks are set to compete. They will all offer their full menus plus one special bite. Attendees can vote on a number of categories. The event is free and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas met when they were young abolitionists and had a 45 year friendship which grew and was tested along the way. The relationship is given dramatic form in The Agitators by Mat Smart at the Atlas Performing Arts Center by Mosaic Theater Company. Though the icons have long since passed away, the play touches on issues which continue to have relevance. Tickets are $20- $35 and the show runs through November 25.
Hill-o-ween takes place once again on 7th Street SE by Eastern Market. Toddlers and their parents will flood the street engainging in all sorts of fall-themed merriment. The wee ones get their fun in early, so get there between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. to catch any tiny Elsas and superheroes before they turn into pumpkins.
Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m. celebrate Day of the Dead on Pearl Street at The Wharf. There will be live music and mural painting as well as opportunities to pain sugar skulls and get your own face painted. The events is free.
It is never too early to get kids into Shakespeare, IMHO. The company Shakespeare for the Young at the Atlas agrees. The Tiniest Tempest takes on part of the play and tells the story using live actors, puppets and an original score. Tickets are $12 and the show is best for kids ages 4 to 10.
For the dog owners and lovers, Howl to the Chief’s Howl-o-ween is happening at the steps of Lincoln Park, starting at 2 p.m. If you want to register your pet, make sure to show up by 1 p.m. More details here.
Sunday is Pumpkinfest at Union Market in the Suburbia area and you can leave your gourd on display until the 31st for the chance to for glory! You will have to pay for your pumpkin, but the carving supplies are free. Grown ups can get started Thursday and Friday evenings with a cocktail accompanied version which costs $25 plus cocktails.
The Northeast Library hosts a Halloween-themed afternoon for kids from 2 to 4 p.m. Swing by the front of the library for a free children’s book, library swag, and a puzzle swap. Little ones can paint or decorate a miniature pumpkin to take home.
Monday, head to Ivy City Smoke House, 1356 Okie St NE for the Awesome Foundation’s 8th Anniversary and live pitch. The foundation is a collective of donors who giveaway money each month to a variety of causes. Five applicants will make their pitch a la Shark Tank and one will leave with $1000 to make it happen. The evening starts at 7 p.m. Register here.