Columbia Heights Day Saturday
Hurricane Irene forced organizers to cancel last year’s Columbia Heights Day, so this year’s event is extra special.
“There’s a lot of excitement mainly because there was a sense of disappointment,” said Liz Bartolomeo, one of the organizers.
Columbia Heights Day is an all-day festival featuring local businesses, a number of area bands, morning yoga and a cupcake eating contest.
‘We really pride ourselves on what we have for kids and families,” Bartolomeo said.
In conjunction with Columbia Heights Day, Meridian Pint is hosting an Oktoberfest, complete with a German Biergarten, from noon to 6 p.m.
According to Bartolomeo, the idea of a Columbia Heights Day started seven years ago, before the Target opened. Organizers recognized that other neighborhoods such as Adams Morgan threw celebrations to showcase their neighborhoods. Bartolomeo said the event drew 12,000 people in 2010.
Bartolomeo added that the way people define Columbia Heights has evolved, widening its geographic boundaries. She also said that Columbia Heights has gained attention from national press,
“It has changed in the terms of the number of people,” Bartolomeo said. “It’s a neighborhood that has become really popular.”
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Info: Free; at Harriet Tubman Elementary; columbiaheightsday.org
Taste of D.C., Saturday through Monday
More than 50 area eateries will set up shop on Pennsylvania Avenue to provide tastings of their unique offerings. Taste of D.C. will also feature specialty beers, live entertainment and a Ben’s Chili Bowl’s 2nd Annual World Chili Eating Championship.
When: 12 to 7 p.m. Saturday through Monday
Info: $8.99 per day online, $10 at the door; thetasteofdc.org.
Virgin Mobile FreeFest at Merriweather Post Pavilion Saturday
The free tickets are long gone, but “freemium” packages still remain. The freemium package includes one general admission pass, a donation to a homeless youth shelter, a T-shirt, a cup with free fountain drink refills, and early admission. All for 50 bucks, which isn’t free, but isn’t a bad price to see Jack White, Skrillex, ZZ Top, Nas, Santigold, Ben Folds Five, the Dismemberment Plan and more.
When: 11 a.m. doors Saturday
Info: Freemium tickets are $49.50; virginmobilelive.com
Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest in Shirlington, Saturday
One of the best annual beer events this area has to offer once again sets up shop in the streets of Shirlington. Hosted by the Capitol City Brewing Company, this 13th annual event will feature 75 breweries, live music and plenty of eats.
When: Noon to 7 p.m., on Saturday (taps close at 6 p.m.)
Info: $25 admission includes wristband, tasting glass and 10 drink tickets, additional drink tickets $1, free for non-drinkers; capcitybrew.com
O’Reilly Vs. Stewart 2012 Debate Viewing Party at the Dunes, Saturday
Bill O’Reilly and Jon Stewart will engage in a debate at Lisner Auditorium on Saturday. Tickets are long gone, but the Dunes is showcasing the event, complete with comedy before the airing and voter registration after. Purchase drinks at the full bar and check out the empanadas.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. (debate is 8 to 9:30 p.m.), Saturday
Info: $5, or free if you register through Facebook; thedunesdc.com
