34th Annual Giant Barbecue Battle Photo Recap - Day One

Buzz Lightyear & friend at the 34th annual Giant BBQ Battle

Summer officially began a week ago today, but DC Outlook doesn't recognize summer until the return of the Giant Barbecue Battle. That was yesterday, and even Mother Nature agreed to lend a helping hand, defying local projections of rain and (shudder) thunderstorms. She even managed to keep the Sun under wraps clouds, which for those of us who love to attend, makes a big, BIG difference. With the weather in check, the kind folks at Giant Food took care of everything else, delighting a huge crowd with great food, giveaways and music. If you're keeping score at home, those are probably the three best things in the world. Here's our annual recap of happy faces and memories; and in case you missed Saturday's non-stop fun, the BBQ Battle returns today along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Tickets cost only $21.20 (including tax) and can be purchased online or in person. Gates open at 11 AM and don't close until 7 PM tonight.

Giant Barbecue Battle Marks Memorial Day and America 250 by Honoring Veterans

From our friends at Giant Food...

Giant Barbecue Battle Marks Memorial Day and America 250 by Honoring Veterans

As the nation gathers over Memorial Day weekend and prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, America’s Food & Music Festival, will honor service members and spotlight veteran initiatives and businesses during its 34th annual edition on June 27-28 on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC.

33rd Annual Giant Barbecue Battle Photo Recap

Heatstroke sizzles on the Pepsi Summer Grilling Stage

Is there such a thing as too hot? Yesterday's official temperature topped out at (just) 88* but it felt much hotter. I admit, it slowed me down a bit, but the Giant Barbecue Battle (celebrating its 33rd edition) is the type of event that draws really big crowds, no matter what the thermostat says. This year was/is no exception. I go to all sorts of events throughout the year, but the Barbecue Battle holds a special place in my heart. Great food, giveaways and music? Sold! Just in case you missed Saturday's non-stop fun, the BBQ Battle returns today along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 7th Streets. Tickets cost only $20 and can be purchased online or in person. Gates open at 11 AM and don't close until 7 PM tonight.

Filmfest DC Returns for 39th Year!

The Marching Band opens this year's Filmfest DC

From our friends at Filmfest DC...

Filmfest DC Returns for 39th Year!

Washington, DC’s longest-running film festival is back with exciting features, timely documentaries, and poignant local films

From April 24 through May 4, Filmfest DC returns for its 39th year with a vast array of new and exciting films. Over 11 movie-packed days, the festival spans a variety of categories with 63 films from 36 countries, including World View (international cinema), The Lighter Side (comedies), Trust No One (thrillers), Global Rhythms (international music), Justice Matters (social issues), and Shorts.

The Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge Returns October 13th

From our friends at the Embassy Chef Challenge...

The Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge is a gathering of embassy chefs from around the world, showcasing the unique flavors of their home countries in a friendly, delicious culinary competition. With 30+ embassies participating from across the globe, the 2022 challenge offers an international and immersive foodie experience only possible in Washington, DC.

ADIFF DC Film Festival Line-Up Announced

Dancing the Twist in Bamako by Robert Guédiguian

From our friends at the African Diaspora International Film Festival...

DC African Diaspora International Film Festival, August 5-7, 2022

The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF), in collaboration with the Africa World Now Project, will host its 15th annual film festival in Washington, DC from Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 7. This year’s festival will take place entirely in person at George Washington University (GWU) University Student Center (800 21st Street, NW). with a selection of 16 fiction films and documentaries in the context of ADIFF DC. ADIFF DC will also offer a film selection online. Ticket prices will range from $10 for one student/senior ticket to $120 for an all-access festival pass. Mask required.

Capital Fringe Festival Starts This Week July 14-17 & 21-24 in Georgetown DC

From our friends at Capital Fringe...

Capital Fringe Festival Starts This Week July 14-17 & 21-24 in Georgetown DC

The Fringe Festival is back! Fringe has partnered with the Georgetown BID, Jamestown LP, and Citizen M to host a culturally valued event in the Georgetown neighborhood that is accessible, fun, and delivers attainable space and unjuried earning opportunities for performing artists. Tickets for the Capital Fringe Festival are on sale and are $15 for each performance!

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle 2022 Photo Recap

DC Mayoral candidate Red Grant performs on Sunday

After two years of virtual celebration, the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle returned to its familiar setting along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to commemorate its 30th anniversary in person. Mother Nature supplied beautiful weather. and Giant Food took care of the rest, welcoming crowds of barbecue lovers with great giveaways, music and succulent food. What more could you ask for (besides a whole week of activities?) Cue our countdown to next year already!

Capital Fringe Festival Returns July 14-17 & 21-24 in Georgetown DC

From our friends at Capital Fringe...

Capital Fringe Festival Returns July 14-17 & 21-24 in Georgetown DC

Eight Days of Performances, 30 Theatre Productions and 140 Individual performances

The Capital Fringe Festival is returning to one of DC's most historic neighborhoods after two years. You will find Fringe performances at Georgetown Park, a dynamic retail environment in the heart of Georgetown. Georgetown Park underwent an $80 million redevelopment from an inward-facing enclosed mall into an outward-facing collection of premier retailers and home to the largest parking garage in Georgetown with 668 spaces.

Alliance for New Music-Theatre Kicks Off First Season as Theatre-in-Residence at Dupont Underground

From our friends at Alliance for New Music-Theatre...

In Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, Alliance for New Music-Theatre Announces The Václav Havel Project in a Double Bill, Protest and Vaněk Unleashed

First season as Theatre-in-Residence at Dupont Underground, October 29 - November 17, 2019

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, Alliance for New Music-Theatre kicks off its first season as the Theatre-in-Residence at Dupont Underground with The Havel Project - a double bill of Václav Havel’s Protest and its own original music-theatre production Vaněk Unleashed. Directed by Artistic Director Susan Galbraith, the production is in partnership with the Embassy of the Czech Republic’s Mutual Inspirations Festival and runs from October 29 thru November 17 at the Dupont Underground, Washington DC.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum to Participate in “Death Becomes Us” True Crime Festival

From our friends at Alcatraz East Crime Museum...

Alcatraz East Crime Museum to Participate in “Death Becomes Us” True Crime Festival in Washington, DC

Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, will be participating in the annual True Crime Festival in Washington, DC

True crime fans are gearing up to flock to Washington, DC for the second annual “Death Becomes Us” True Crime Festival. This year attendees will once again have the opportunity to check some special items from Alcatraz East Crime Museum with a pop-up version of their spring temporary exhibit “Passion for Life: Nicole Brown Simpson.”

DC Jazz Festival Launches Tomorrow

From our friends at DC Jazz Festival...

DC Jazz Festival Set to Officially Launch Friday

15th Anniversary Celebration - June 7-16

The DC Jazz Festival is just a day away from welcoming a cornucopia of locally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed artists into a vast array of venues around the nation's capital, for the 15th anniversary of the DC JazzFest presented by Events DC, June 7-16. The Festival hit the ground running this past weekend at its hugely popular unofficial kickoff event: Jazz 'n Families Fun Days at The Phillips Collection.

Library of Congress Hosts 3rd Annual Outdoor Summer Film Festival on Capitol Hill

From our friends at the Library of Congress...

3rd Annual Outdoor Summer Film Festival on Capitol Hill

Female and technology changemakers in cinema

The Library of Congress will host the third annual “LOC Summer Movies on the Lawn” outdoor film festival this summer. The six-film series - which showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry - will be presented on Thursday evenings at sundown from July 11 through August 15 on the north lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, across the street from the U.S. Capitol.

Taste of Rockville 2019 Photo Recap

Bowlero Bethesda at the Taste of Rockville

As far as local "Taste ofs" go, the Taste of Rockville might be our new favorite. Yesterday marked my first visit (at and around Rockville Town Square.) Nestled amongst the Montgomery County courthouses, the two-day celebration (pretty much) dodged a weather bullet, which left plenty of time for me to explore all four music stages of the Hometown Holidays Music Festival, and the delectable row of restaurants offering tasty bites for 1-5 tickets ($1.25 per.) Our favorite? Saffron Indian Cuisine's Vegetable Samosa, a two-ticket bargain with a crispy exterior and incredibly moist filling. Pinstripes placed a close second with its equally affordable Barbecue Pulled-Pork Slider (great flavor.) Best value went to California Tortilla, which offered not one, but two Classic Chicken Tacos for a mere single ticket. Here's some of our favorite memories (and morsels) of the day...

JxJ, a New Multidisciplinary Jewish Arts Festival, Unveils 2019 Slate

From our friends at JxJ...

JxJ, a New Multidisciplinary Jewish Arts Festival, Unveils 2019 Slate

The largest Jewish cultural event of its kind, JxJ presents the best in international film, music and art over its three-week run, May 8-26

Today JxJ, a new multidisciplinary arts festival that encompasses the Washington Jewish Film Festival and the Washington Jewish Music Festival, alongside original cutting-edge hybrid arts programming, announced the slate for its inaugural event. The Festival, a program of the Edlavitch DCJCC, runs from May 8-26, in venues throughout the Washington, DC area, includes 53 feature-length and 21 short films from 22 countries, as well as musical performances, art, food, and more. The Opening Night film, REDEMPTION is the deeply moving and exuberant tale of a single father - having left behind his rocker past for a religious life - returning to his musical roots to help fund his daughter’s medical treatment. Closing out the Festival is THE TOBACCONIST, the last film shot with legendary actor Bruno Ganz before he passed away in February. The film is a tender, heart-breaking work about a young man’s friendship with Sigmund Freud during the Nazi occupation of Vienna.

Smithsonian Announces Changes to 2019 Folklife Festival Event

From our friends at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival...

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival will present a two-day event this summer - a weekend program held Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30. The weekend will feature two concerts and family activities exploring the social power of music in the Washington, DC metro area.

5 Questions with Shirin Ghareeb

Arabian Sights Film Festival Director Shirin Ghareeb

The Arabian Sights Film Festival (October 18-28) opened last week, with a screening of Yasir Al-Yasiri's On Borrowed Time (UAE) and an Opening Night reception at AMC Mazza Gallerie. This is the 23rd anniversary of Arabian Sights, which showcases the very best in Arab cinema to the nation's capital. We had a chance to ask the festival's founder & director Shirin Ghareeb 5 Questions about film selection, raising money, and the state of Arab film in the United States. Here's what she had to say...

Arabian Sights Film Festival Announces Guest Filmmakers

On Borrowed Time opens the 23rd annual Arabian Sights Film Festival

From our friends at Filmfest DC...

Who Are the Guest Filmmakers at the Arabian Sights Film Festival?

The 23rd annual Arabian Sights Film Festival kicks off Thursday, October 18 to present 10 new and exciting films plus a shorts program by and about women from the Arab world. Running through Sunday, October 28, the Festival features films from numerous Arab countries including Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and the UAE, plus other European, Canadian and Arab co-productions.

One Million-Light Festival Coming to One Loudoun

From our friends at LightUP Fest...

One Million-Light Festival Coming to One Loudoun

Featured in USA TODAY's list of Over-The-Top Christmas Light Displays

LightUP Fest, a culture-rich lights exhibit that combines traditional Chinese lanterns with modern lighting technology, will debut in the Washington Metro area on November 8, 2018 at One Loudoun in Ashburn, Va. Spanning 20 acres of land, the eight-week long exhibition, featuring more than one million lights will be one of the largest displays on the East Coast and will marry the old and the new to present a wondrous and delightful experience for all. Attendees to the event will be able to enjoy the displays, as well as partake in entertainment, food, interactive craft activities and much more!

Drink Company and Brightest Young Things Partner for Death Becomes Us PUB

The "Covered in Honey" cocktail (Photo: Karlin Villondo Photography)

From our friends at Drink Company...

True Crime + Halloween Vibes + Original Cocktails = Your New Favorite Pop-Up Bar

Drink Company’s signature Pop-Up Bar (PUB) experience returns for fall with the Death Becomes Us PUB, hosted in partnership with Brightest Young Things.