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

Veterans Day returns on Monday and many companies are celebrating the holiday with special events. Here is a list of Veterans Day events in the area.

Veterans Day events to consider

An annual ceremony is planned at the Military Women's Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, which is free and open to the public and will include formal military honors, a keynote address, speeches by veterans and a wreath-laying ceremony. The event is Monday.

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

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

Check back every Thursday for a recap of what's happening in the DC area.

Enjoy a special Veterans Day concert at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Monday, featuring a performance by the Navy Band Cruisers vocal ensemble and the Navy Brass Band. The event is free.

Take a tour of Washington Canal Park in the Southeast with Off the Mall Tours and learn about the oldest African church in DC, the Capital Turnaround, and Navy Yard itself (although the tour does not enter the Navy Yard as it is a functioning military base). Monday's tour costs $30 per adult and $20 per child.

The Library of Congress is hosting a Family Day event Saturday to educate the public about how Americans contributed to the war efforts on the home front during both world wars and supported troops abroad. Since the event takes place in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building, guests will also be able to decorate a flower pot and collect seeds for their own herb harvest. The event is free, but IDs are required.

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

Direct current

Capital Food Fight
One of the DC area's premier food events is happening this Thursday at The Anthem. The 20th annual Capital Food Fight brings together more than 70 restaurants for tastings as four top local chefs compete in a live culinary battle. The event is DC Central Kitchen's largest annual fundraiser with tickets starting at $350.

Side yards
An “immersive carnival spectacular” will take place at the Navy Yard on Friday. Side Yards features magicians, contortionists, jugglers and sword swallowers, as well as an interactive bubble artist and a live DJ. Admission is free and children of all ages are welcome.

Etch a sketch
Head to the DC Arts Center on Tuesday for Etch A Sketch, a fast-paced sketch comedy event. Tickets start at $10.

Maryland

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

The premiere of the Black Smile film
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 between 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 its 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

“Living Matter: Works Made of Wood”
This group exhibition shows various printing techniques. The opening reception will take place next week, Thursday, November 14th, but the gallery's exhibition opens to the public this Thursday.

Alexandria Film Festival
Thursday through Sunday, the 18th annual Alexandria Film Festival showcases local, national and international filmmakers. One of the most notable films is called “District of Second Chances” and is about the search 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. You can find the complete 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 takes place from Friday to Sunday. Tickets are $10.58.

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