RFK Newsletter: December 2021 Newsletter

Holiday Hoops Fest - College of Charleston vs University of Rhode Island Men's Basketball

The 3rd annual Events DC Holiday Hoops Fest features the College of Charleston vs. University of Rhode Island men’s basketball teams at Entertainment & Sports Arena on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Every seat is close to the action and tickets start at just $5 for premier NCAA basketball action. Grab a friend and come see the Cougars vs. Rams in an exciting matchup in DC!

Doors open at 1:00 pm, Tip Off approximately 2:00 pm.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or via the venue box office, which is open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 

Recap: Only in D.C. | “For the Love of D.C.” Finale 

On December 11, District Fray in partnership with Events DC held the fourth and final event in the “For the Love of D.C.” series at Culture House DC. The closing theme “Only in D.C.” featured 25 local artists who are redefining the city’s locale. 

December cover subjects Trap Bob and Chris Pyrate moderated a panel with artists and curators Aniekan Udofia, Keyonna Jones of Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center, Tom Pipkin, Zsudayka Nzinga Terrell and Brandon Hill of No Kings Collective.

Over 500 attendees enjoyed and celebrated D.C.’s cultural and societal revitalization with guests exploring Culture House DC’s two floors with nine artist activations and a vendor market highlighting an array of works by local creators. DJ Mane Squeeze kept the party going until midnight, with food and drinks readily available from a variety of food trucks.   The event amplified the voices and works of the city’s newest generation of artists as well as those who’ve helped forge a path for future creators.  

Community Grants: FY22C2 Application Is Open!

Applications for the second cycle of the Fiscal Year 2022 semi-annual grant cycle is currently open and will be due no later than February 1, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their award status by April 15, 2022. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, Events DC is pleased to provide funding for the program of $500,000 during two grant cycles ($250,000 in the first cycle and $250,000 in the second cycle). The grant program provides financial support to qualifying non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting children through sports, performing arts or cultural arts in the District of Columbia. Visit our Community Grants page to find the application or to sign up for the Community Grant Virtual Informational Sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Tuesday, January 11.

Community Spotlight: Washington Tennis & Education Foundation

The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) mission is to build life champions. They do that by giving children and youth a safe environment they trust, where they can excel since 1950. Based in Ward 4 and its expanded reach in Ward 7, WTEF was an Events DC Community Grant awardee (FY2021, Cycle 1), they were awarded for their various tennis and educational programs such as the Center for Excellence (CFE) and Arthur Ashe Children’s Program. To get involved or learn more about their programs, visit Washington Tennis & Education Foundation’s website here. 

Local Holiday Guide 

D.C is the best place to be this holiday season. There are a variety of different markets, small businesses, restaurants, and attractions to enjoy. From Park View to Navy Yard, there is always something fun to do throughout the city. Grab a friend and check out some of these holiday attractions.

WHERE TO SHOP

• Downtown Holiday Market
  • The Downtown Holiday Market has great small local vendors that sell a wide variety of products that could be the perfect gift for anyone. It is located right downtown by the National Portrait Gallery and will be open till Dec 23. There is a wide range of vendors to shop from such as, Tretorie Maps, Indigo Moon, KVZ Designs, Ethic Goods, and Icons DC. Check out our video highlight for the holiday market on our video platform GATHER.
    
     
• Victura Park Market
  • This holiday market has a lineup for local artists, craftsmen, and other special vendors to shop for. Located in Foggy Bottom and open from Dec 17-19, this market is the perfect stop to get your holiday groove on. Some vendors that will be highlighted at the market are Potomac Candle, who offers a wide variety of candles to give to your favorite candle lover and E-Globe which makes beautiful custom jewelry which any lady will love.
    
     
• Park View Holiday Market
  • The second annual Park View Holiday Market is on December 18 at Hook Hall. This market will feature will include local artists and small businesses that sell a variety of items. You can get things from fragrant soaps from Patreats Boutique, or a Frida Kahlo bowl from Down to Earth Pottery.
    
     
• Holiday Market at Four Seasons Hotel
  • The holiday market at the Four Seasons will be on Dec. 17-19. They will have a variety of business to showcase like Icons DC, which curates unique Washington D.C. trinkets. Shea by Lee Monet sells custom made shea butters in all different shapes and sizes and caters to all skin types, this shea will be the perfect item for those who need a spa day.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

• Grab some hot chocolate and churros from the Holiday Market by Alexa’s Empanadas.
  
   
• The Victura Holiday Park Market will have seasonal classics at the market such as spiked cider, hot chocolate, and a s'mores station.
  
   
• Grab food from stations at the Park View Holiday Market like a savory meat pie from Well Made, or a sugary bite from Sweetdele's Sweet Treats

WHERE TO ICE SKATE

• Canal Park Ice Skating in Navy Yard

  ADMISSION & SKATE RENTAL
  
  Adult Admission - $11
  
  Child & Senior Admission - $10
  
  Skate Rental - $5

• Washington Harbor Ice Rink in Georgetown

  ADMISSION & SKATE RENTAL 
  
  Adults: $10
  
  Children (12 & under)/Senior/Military: $9
  
  Group: $13 (includes skate rental; for groups of 10 or more)
  
  Skate Rental: $7
  
  Penguin Rental: $10

• The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink in the Natural Gallery of Art
  
  
  
  ADMISSION & SKATE RENTAL
  
  Skating fees for two 45-minute sessions (beginning on the hour)
  
  $10 for adults and children age 13 and over
  
  $9 for skaters age 60 and over, children age 12 and under, military service members, and students with a valid school ID