The Festival Center

08/03/2026

The CEO of DoorDash seeks to undermine DC Home Rule. Here is our letter to him

08/01/2026

Join Veronica Mosqueda for a healing residency centered on death, dying, and grief.⁠
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Through a public Death Cafe, you’ll take part in an open, casual, community-created conversation about death and what it means to live fully. In small-group sessions drawn from Veronica’s Grief in Action curriculum, you’ll explore how illness, death, violence, shame, and oppression shape the ways we grieve. Grounded in liberation and guided by trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices, these workshops will help you discover what becomes possible when grief is no longer carried alone. ⁠
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Come learn how we can face loss more honestly, support one another more intentionally, and begin to carry and transform grief together.⁠
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RSVP for tickets.
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https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-festival-center/let-s-talk-about-death

07/28/2026

Let’s Talk About Death

Join Veronica Mosqueda—a bilingual death worker, community organizer, Mexican immigrant, urban farmer, and founder of Conscious Dying / Muerte Consciente—for a healing residency centered on death, dying, and grief. You’ll be invited into a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can practice curiosity, embrace vulnerability, and deepen your capacity to be present with grief—both your own and that of the people you love.

Through a public Death Cafe, you’ll take part in an open, casual, community-created conversation about death and what it means to live fully. In small-group sessions drawn from Veronica’s Grief in Action curriculum, you’ll explore how illness, death, violence, shame, and oppression shape the ways we grieve. Grounded in liberation and guided by trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices, these workshops will help you discover what becomes possible when grief is no longer carried alone. Come learn how we can face loss more honestly, support one another more intentionally, and begin to carry and transform grief together.

https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-festival-center/let-s-talk-about-death

07/20/2026

This week we discuss how the church far too often maintains order in times of war and violence

Last week I discussed how the US government – really all governments throughout history – have used every mechanism of power at their disposal, whether legal, moral, or ethical, to lie and dehumanize the “other side” in times of war and violence. This is all committed against people of other...

07/09/2026

Join exhibiting artist AnaYelsi Velasco Sanchez for an interactive workshop exploring justice, memory, healing, and collective possibility through art. Participants will begin with a guided justice timeline examining histories of injustice, resistance, and survival in the United States before creating a stained-glass-inspired "window of liberation" that reflects stories of struggle, healing, and hope. No artistic experience is necessary. This workshop is part of the Festival Center's Justice, Art & Movement (JAM) series, which brings artists and community members together to explore the relationship between creativity, justice, and social transformation.

Thursday, July 16 | 6:00–8:00 PM

https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-festival-center/windows-of-liberation-art-memory-sacred-storytelling

07/07/2026

How one soccer game reveals such blatant hypocrisy

I have said this for years: politics has little to do with reason. I used to travel around the United States doing trainings for church folks around how to have conversations with folks who base their political beliefs on conspiracies, misinformation, and outright racist lies. In fact, for far too l...

06/26/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT: This event has been postponed.

Due to the forecasted rain this weekend we have decided to postpone the community paint night until July 12th. Please RSVP at the following link. We can't wait to see you there!

https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-festival-center/mural-project-kick-off

06/24/2026

Come slow down with us!

During your time together on July 7th, you will create a collective piece of art, connecting your stories and dreams through thread! No experience of embroidery or stitching is needed 💕.

Avantika offers mindful hand-stitching, creative healing, and arts-based facilitation that invites you to reconnect with yourself and others around you without pressure, performance, or urgency.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86557467134

06/23/2026

Join us on July 16th for an interactive workshop exploring justice, memory, healing, and collective possibility through art.

We’ll begin with a guided justice timeline experience exploring histories of injustice, resistance, and survival in the United States. Please note: this portion includes sensitive material related to violence, oppression, and systemic injustice.

Participants will then create a layered stained-glass inspired “window of liberation” using symbolism and reflection to honor stories of struggle, survival, healing, and hope. No art experience needed.

Come make art. Come reflect. Come imagine liberation.
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About the Program J.A.M. (Justice, Art & Movement)

JAM is The Festival Center’s year-round arts and justice initiative, bringing together artists whose work explores liberation, identity, community, and social transformation. Each season features a new exhibiting artist. During the duration of their exhibition, each artist will lead a hands-on artist workshop focused on exploring the connection between art and justice. The year will culminate in a shared annual artist conversation reflecting on the year’s themes and creative practice. The JAM program explores how creativity can help us imagine, practice, and pursue liberation.

Get your $10 ticket today: https://festivalcenter.org/event/windows-of-liberation-art-memory-sacred-storytelling-%E2%9C%A8/

06/22/2026

The Festival Center is getting a new mural! Join us for a community paint day in partnership with and lead artist for a day of mural art, music, and fun in the sun. All ages and experience levels welcome.

Food & drink provided!
Kid's coloring station by

RSVP Here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/the-festival-center/mural-project-kick-off