The DC Lineup for this weekend: food drives, free entertainment and holiday festivities

This week’s DC Lineup includes a number of area food drives to support the community during a particularly challenging holiday season for many amid the ongoing pandemic. Holiday and leisure activities are also on the docket.

The weather for this weekend, Nov. 20 to 22, will be sunny on Friday with some clouds in the evening; Saturday and Sunday are predicted to be cloudy, too. Temperatures should range from 45 to 66 degrees, according to the forecast.

1. Community: Flu shots, hygiene kits, hot food, books, coats and clothing are some of the offerings at Pandemic Survival Essentials: A Community Pop Up Winter Donation Event. Community members are invited to drive up to the Capitol View Library and St. Luke Catholic Church parking lot, 5001 Central Ave. SE, and pick up the supplies that they need. The gathering is on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. It is organized by the SE-NE Friends of the Capitol View Library, the East of the River Mutual Aid Network and the Food House.

2. Food & Drink: The Veg Society of DC is hosting a Thanksgiving food/supply drive to support the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) and So Others Might Eat (SOME). HRA is seeking items such as kitty litter, dog and cat toys, pet treats and unexpired, non-prescription wet and dry food for dogs and cats. SOME is in need of vegan food such as whole grain crackers, low-sugar cereal, oatmeal, pasta sauce, grains, nuts, breakfast bars, canned vegetables and fruits, dry or canned beans and lentils, peanut butter and other nut butters. The Veg Society is operating three collection points in DC: Upper Northwest, Capitol Hill/Eastern Market, and Columbia Heights/Petworth. Additional drop-off sites are in Silver Spring, Falls Church and Vienna. Email fooddrive@vsdc.org for the exact locations. Donations are accepted from Saturday through Nov. 25.

3. Food & Drink: Anyone in need of help during the 2020 holiday season is invited to pick up a free Thanksgiving basket courtesy of the DC nonprofit Human Resources Achievement Program. The contact-free giveaway takes place on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at The HIVE 2.0, 1231B Good Hope Road SE. Attendees must register in advance and bring an ID. Donations are also welcome.

4. Food & Drink: The annual Community Harvest Dinner hosted by Martha’s Table takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1600 Morris Road SE. The event typically draws 2,500 D.C. residents each year and is meant to connect neighbors and community leaders — this year from a distance. Instead of gathering in person, grab-and-go prepared meals are available for attendees to collect by walking up or driving through to meet volunteers at the church. The organizers will follow public health guidelines by mandating physical distancing and face masks.

5. Music: This Sunday, the Go-Go Awards kick off the second annual Go-Go Preservation Week to honor the “Official Music of Washington, DC,” according to the Go-Go Museum & Cafe. A wide range of go-go genres are recognized in 25 award categories such as bounce beat, traditional and gospel. Finalists for Band of the Year include Backyard Band, New Impressionz, Rare Essence, TCB and TOB. The ceremony will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but those making a tax-deductible donation to the museum can receive a gift, like a commemorative copy of the awards program (for $25) or a swag box (for $75).

6. Local Business: Shop from area vendors at the 16th annual Downtown Holiday Market, which opens Friday. The marketplace is known for helping local businesses grow. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the market will stretch out over two blocks of F Street NW, from 7th to 9th streets, instead of just operating on the sidewalk in front of the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. A single entryway and one-way, socially distanced traffic guidelines are other precautionary measures. Plus, all market workers and patrons must wear face masks. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the marketplace. The Downtown Holiday Market is open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Dec. 23; it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.

7. Theater: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Black in Space (by Makers Lab) are presenting The JookJOYnt, a video experience that explores vulnerability, intimacy and connection while highlighting local artists working in a variety of genres, including poetry, dance, and music. Showings take place throughout the weekend. The program is free to watch, but tickets must be reserved online.

8. Animals: The Humane Rescue Alliance’s Home for the Holidays event will feature cats and dogs available for same-day adoption. The outdoor gathering is on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1022 M St. SE. Everyone must wear face masks and social distancing will be enforced; counseling about adoptions will take place by phone to limit in-person contact.

9. Arts & Spirituality: The Washington National Cathedral and local teaching artist Kiki McGrath will present an hourlong digital workshop “Art as Spiritual Practice: Painting Holly Wreaths” on Sunday at 4 p.m. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. Participants will need their own materials; markers, acrylic paints and thick paper are some of the recommendations. The class is free, but donations are encouraged. … Later on Sunday, the Washington National Cathedral’s new artist-in-residence, Aisslinn Nosky, is performing 18th- and 21st-century music by composers such as J.S. Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann and Michael Oesterle. The organizers note that during this difficult year, “this concert will be a welcome escape for weary souls that need a lift.” The free online performance takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is required to receive access to the event, and donations are welcome.

10. Local Music: Catch the livestream of White Ford Bronco‘s live concert on site at Union Stage this Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight. The band is known as the District’s all-’90s band — the description notes that they draw inspiration from slap bracelets, the Olsen twins, Reebok Pumps, 90210 and Carlton’s dance moves — and will play songs from that decade. Tickets for the livestream cost $15; VIP tickets for the in-person show are sold-out.