This week, the DMV is buzzing with exciting events, engaging opportunities to connect, and places to explore.
Plus, to learn about more fun events around the DMV, remember to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Monday, May 18
Arts in Action: Afro Zumba Class
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Kenhill Center | 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie, MD, 20715
Get ready to move with rhythm, energy, and joy as the City of Bowie’s โLet’s Gather: Arts in Actionโ presents an exciting Afro Zumba class, led by local organization Fitness with Femininity. This high-energy experience combines Afro-inspired music and dance with fun, easy-to-follow fitness moves designed for all skill levels.
Profs & Pints DC: How AI Alters Thinking
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | $17
Penn Social | 801 E St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Profs and Pints DC presents: โHow AI Alters Thinking,โ discussing artificial intelligenceโs capacity to change and undermine humansโ thought processes, with Eli Alshanetsky, assistant professor of philosophy at Temple University.
Alshanetsky,ย a principal investigator at Templeโs Cognitive Integrity Lab and author of an upcoming book on AI and freedom of thought, will lay out a practical framework, which he calls โthe interaction layer,โ for using artificial intelligence without letting it replace the thinking itโs supposed to support. Heโll also talk about what AI-related concerns should be the focus of parents and educators.ย
Tuesday, May 19
10 a.m. – Noon
Kentlands Mansion | 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878
Celebrate Americaโs 250th birthday at Kentlands Mansion for a fun, creative activity, decorating fabric squares that will be sewn into a memory quilt. Participants are encouraged to come ready to tap into their creativity, in this free event with all materials provided.
The City Speaks: A D.C. Native Poetry Set
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Strand DC | 5131 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE, Washington, D.C., 20019
In a city often spoken to โ or at! โ join acclaimed D.C. poets as they speak for themselves.
Presented by The 51st and Black.Native.Creative. and hosted by Dwayne Lawson-Brown, this event is for anyone looking for community, connection, and conversations about the city โ whether a D.C. native, transplant, or somewhere in between.
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $65
Union Market | 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Dive into the heart of Chinese culinary tradition in this hands-on dumpling-making workshop! Perfect for beginners and food lovers alike, this interactive two-hour class will teach participants how to make jiaozi (้ฅบๅญ)โthe beloved Chinese dumplingsโcompletely from scratch, just as theyโve been crafted in home kitchens for generations.
Led by Chef Dobbie, attendees begin with a brief look at the cultural history and symbolism of jiaozi, especially their special role in Lunar New Year celebrations. Then, itโs time to get cookingโ mixing and kneading dough, hand-rolling dumpling wrappers, and creating two types of flavorful fillings: ground pork and scallion & veggie (vegetarian options available). Learn essential knife skills and master a variety of folding techniques, from simple triangles to pleated crescents.
Wednesday, May 20
7 p.m. | $44
John F. Kennedy Center | 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
โTop Gun: Maverick in Concertโ features the NSO performing the original music score composed by Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, and Hans Zimmer and produced by Lorne Balfe.
Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Pete โMaverickโ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.
This film is rated PG-13.
DC’s Best Free Standup Comedy Showcase: The Comedy Bluff
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Aura Bar & Lounge | 5247 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20015
The Comedy Bluff offers a weekly stand-up comedy showcase produced by Wildcard Laughs at Aura Bar & Lounge. Located in the heart of Friendship Heights, the venue brings the energy of a downtown comedy club to an intimate, upscale lounge setting.