There are a host of free events happening in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas this October, from financial health summits, to voting celebrations, to small business gatherings. (Credit: Unslpash/ Maddie Bazzocco)
By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
Start off your October with these free events in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area.
Maryland
Head to Sydney’ Ice Creams in Northeast Baltimore to register to vote and enjoy a free scoop upgrade. The Black-owned shop has teamed up with Black Girls Vote to make sure Baltimoreans are prepared to exercise their right on Nov. 5
Date: Oct. 12
Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Sydney’s Ice Creams
3432 Belair Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21213
Maryland Women’s Small Business Celebration
October marks National Women’s Small Business Month. In honor of observance, the Maryland Governor’s Office of Small, Minority Women Business Affairs will host a celebration for the state’s women entrepreneurs. Diedre L. Windsor, founder of the Windsor Group, will serve as the keynote speaker and share tips on fostering healthy small business practices. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about state procurement opportunities.
Date: Oct. 10
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Montgomery Park
1800 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21230
HUD-approved Foreclosure Prevention Workshop
To support those who have fallen behind on their mortgage or encountered challenges with their mortgage provider, the St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center will lead a foreclosure prevention workshop. The session will feature counselors and legal experts approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Attendees will learn about the foreclosure timeline, opportunities for prevention, credit management and local resources.
Date: Oct. 10
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center
321 East 25th St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
D.C.
Zenith Gallery Presents: We Are Not Going Back
Sparked by Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for president and her selection of Governor Tim Walz as a running mate, this exhibit showcases artwork that’s been created to inspire hope for the future. The show features a range of media, including paintings, sculptures, mixed media and prints.
Date: Daily through Oct. 12
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Zenith Gallery
1429 Iris St. NW
Washington, DC 20012
The National Museum of African American History and Culture invites the Black community, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to an event honoring the 100th birthday of acclaimed writer James Baldwin. The event nods to the speakeasy clubs of the Harlem Renaissance. It explores the contribution of discos as an inclusive, safe space to dance and include a panel discussion, art-making, dancing and food.
Date: Oct. 10
Time: 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: National Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Grounded welcomes all to their new space in Southeast D.C. It triples as a plant shop, wellness studio and cafe, making it the perfect place to wind down after a busy day. The grand opening will be filled with activities as visitors are invited to pick out plants,enjoy the cafe and engage in wellness activities.
Date: Oct. 12
Time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Grounded
1913 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20020
Black Art in America’s (BAIA) annual Atlanta Fine Art Print Fair makes its first appearance in Washington, D.C. The multi-day market presents works from legacy and contemporary African-American printmakers, including D.C.-based artists Percy Martin, Lou Stovall, Ed McCluney and David Driskell. Attendees can talk to the artists and attend a panel conversation on Oct. 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Date: Oct. 11 – Oct. 13
Time: 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 11, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Oct 12 and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 13
Location: 1201 K Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20005
2024 Free Women, Wellness and Wealth Conference
Wealth strategist Deborah Short presents a summit addressing women’s financial and physical health. The Women, Wellness and Wealth Conference features conversations on retirement planning, mental health care, steps to take if a medical physician dismisses your concerns and creating generational wealth. Attendees have the chance to win door prizes, money bags and free manicures and pedicures.
Date: Oct. 19
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: The Harborside Hotel
6400 Oxon Hill Rd.
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Join Black the Block D.C. at the Nationals Park Field Plaza and enjoy food, drinks, music, workshops and plenty of activations. There will be giveaways as well as special guests. The event is in collaboration with Walmart’s Black & Unlimited Shoutout and AT&T Dream in Black.
Date: Oct. 20
Time: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Nationals Park Field Plaza
1500 South Capitol Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
Virginia
Black Maternal Health Legislative Summit
The Virginia Black Maternal Health Caucus, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott and Senator L. Louise Lucas take on the health crisis facing Black mothers across the country. The summit assembles legislators, experts and stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities in improving Black maternal health.
Date: Oct. 18
Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Virginia General Assembly
1000 Bank St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Hampton NAACP 4th Annual Souls to the Polls March and Celebration
Go early voting alongside your fellow citizens with the Hampton NAACP’s Annual Souls to the Polls Celebration. After marching to the Hampton Registrar’s Office, residents can enjoy live music, food and talks from guest speakers. Early voting ends Nov. 2 in Virginia.
Date: Oct. 13
Time: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: First Baptist Church
229 North King Street
Hampton, VA 23669
