dining-thebobbypenCommunity

7 Ways to Make [Cool] New Friends in DC

Share this post!

At one time or another we’ve all been the new guy. It’s awkward, sometimes lonely and often daunting to start over in a new place, but change is inevitable and as long as you live there will always be new beginnings.

Whether you’re new, hoping to make new friends in DC or simply looking to expand your network this list of events and organizations will lead you to the city’s most poppin’ tastemakers and young professionals. But don’t worry we’re not suggesting any of the pretentious nightclub environments. You know, those spots where people get all dressed up in their designer clothes just to stand around and judge each other? This isn’t that list.

TheBobbyPen.com is known for covering all kinds of events. Everything from concerts & music festivals to fashion shows to netowrking events and everything in between so prepare to hit CTRL+P and save this list for your next visit the Nation’s Captial and turn up like an insider.

Catfish (29 of 44)Back in 2013 I had the pleasure of meeting this guy named Tommie “TC” Collins. He caught wind of this site and my photography skills and hired me to shoot his event. I showed up and was blown away. All 90’s and early 2000’s music? Where had this party been all my life?! Not only was the DJ incredible, but the vibe was perfect. Check out the photos from that night here.

Every first Saturday of the month you can catch TC and his partners VerySmartBrothers.com at Liv Nightclub on 12th & U Streets NW taking us back to the good ol’ days of Hip-Hop, R&B and Dancehall. Pro Tip: People show up to this party to actually dance and have a good time so come prepared to sweat.

https://instagram.com/p/6awot6Q7sL

Rock Creek Social Club (RCSC) is a lifestyle brand best known for making weird cool. Their fearless leader Unkle Scooty prides himself on being first in the city to embrace the weirdos and hipsters among the young professional crowd before it all caught on.

RCSC made a splash back in 2010 with their weekly Tuesday night party at Recess because they featured the city’s top DJ’s Spinser Tracey and Jerome Baker III. Scooty recalls the first party, only 30 people showed up and among the crowd of his friends were stragglers with cut off jean shorts and bike locks in their belt loops at the bar right next to men in full suits just getting off work from Capitol Hill. When he noticed that this same diverse group of attendees came week after week, bringing friends with them, he realized that he was on to something.

While that particular party has been discontinued, RCSC just celebrated 5 years with a week’s worth of parties like the kick-off event at U Street Music Hall and their famous summer rooftop shindig The Grilled Cheese Social, they were sure to highlight their new weekly Wednesday night move at Heist in Dupont Circle. Pro Tip: You never know when Raheem DeVaughn or Wale will pop up at one of RCSC’s events, so make sure you watch these guys.

https://instagram.com/p/7AyTlKP7Sp

Taking beer pong from the college campus and putting it at an urban event near you, catch the Cupset DC lifestyle brand bringing something fresh and new the local social scene.

Founder Martae is lowkey but well connected. He’s an idea architect best known for taking pop culture’s hottest trends and turning it into an experience. For instance, fresh off the tail of the release of Future’s 3rd studio album Dirty Sprite 2, Cupset DC hosted the “Fuck Up Some Waffles Future Brunch.” Attendees enjoyed chicken, waffles, red cups and all Future music.

At the end of this month, catch the crew at the Midnight BBQ Sept. 25th where they boast “No Hamburgers. No Hotdogs.” Trust that this affair which is anti-radio and cool kid approved will be lit.

The self-proclaimed Brunch Kings first hit my radar this time last year, but man have they made a name for themselves. Executive chef JR Robinson was featured on season 13 of Hell’s Kitchen and he hasn’t looked back yet. This catering company originally based in New York City has traveled all around the world cooking for athletes, actors, musicians and the average foodie, leaving no plate empty and all bellies full.

Here in DC the crew is responsible for hosting the most requested and in-demand brunch series at the city’s top lounges. Picking up after their summer stint, Kitchen Cray is launching their new Politico brunch & day party series at Ozio’s in Dupont Circle every Sunday. The first installment is September 13th and reservations are filling up fast.

[button size=”medium” url=”http://www.oziosundays.com/” text=”RSVP Here” target=”” color=”dark” ]

wome-who-hustle-dc-launch-thebobbypen
Photo Source: WomenWhoHustle Newsletter

This new organization for women entrepreneurs to encourage, inspire and emPOWER women to keep their heads held high as they get their hustle on.

Created by Entertainment & Lifestyle Publicist Candice Nicole, she has set out to bring women together under several initiatives including:

  • Women Who Hustle WORKOUT!
  • Women Who Hustle COOK!
  • Women Who Hustle Finance Workshops
  • Women Who Hustle Pamper Me Day

In addition to weekly newsletters, periodically Women Who Hustle has in-person events, such as the Women Who Hustle Dinner Series on September 30th. This event is an intimate 30-seat dinner at Catch 15. Be sure to grab your seat before they’re all gone!

[button size=”medium” url=”http://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-who-hustle-dinner-series-tickets-18084769031″ text=”RSVP Here” target=”” color=”dark” ]

First popping on the scene last year, Made in the DMV set out to push the culture forward by creating opportunities for growth & revenue, showcasing exceptional local talent and serving as a support system & voice for the DMV worldwide.

Launching last December with a 2-part conference for entertainment media & music industry insights as well as a artist showcase, Made in the DMV has made it’s mark on the culture and helped to break new artists. This organization actually selected opening act Pinky Killacorn to open for the legendary Erykah Badu at this year’s Broccoli City Festival.

On September 26th, in partnership with DC Arts & Humanities, Made in the DMV will host the Bounce Beat Midnight Brunch  at the RISE Center in Southeast, DC. The midnight brunch will bring people together of all ages from diverse backgrounds to celebrate DJ’s, music producers and the music history of the DMV area, including Go-Go and Club Music.

[button size=”medium” url=”http://975.1ff.myftpupload.com/bounce-beat-brunch/” text=”RSVP Here” target=”” color=”dark” ]

NTC (Nike Training Club) for TheBobbyPen.comGet a new body and a new buddy in Georgetown. Every Monday at 8 pm celebrity trainer Deanna Jefferson and WPGC / Shade 45’s DJ Chris Styles push your limits at a fun 1-hour fitness camp at the Nike Store at 3040 M Street NW. I wrote about my first experience last year here. It was tough work, but it felt great to push myself. The sweat afterwards was a rewarding feeling. With over 300 participants each week, you’re sure to hit it off with someone who will motivate you to keep coming back and stay on track. Be sure to arrive early as the line typically wraps around the building. RSVP in advance below.

[button size=”medium” url=”http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/sl/georgetown” text=”RSVP Here” target=”_blank” color=”dark” ]

About Author

1 Comment

  1. Tommie Collins
    Posted on September 14, 2015

    Awesome article! Grilled Cheese Social’s are so much fun, good times!!

Comments are closed.