Events and organizations in the D.C. area

A selection of organizations that host design-related events in and around Washington, D.C.

Last updated 2019, and not currently maintained.

AIGA DC

The local chapter of AIGA, the graphic design professional association. Frequent events during the programming year, including free happy hours, paid workshops, and moderately-priced talks. (website)

Refresh DC

Oriented toward web/technology. Free events, more or less monthly. Refresh DC has a website, but see Twitter or Facebook for updates.

Creative Mornings

A speaker series aimed at people who work in creative fields. Presenters have included musicians, exhibit designers, and nonprofit organizers. Talks are free, include snacks, and usually take place on Friday mornings. See site and look for DC events. You must sign up online, and registration usually fills up within minutes of opening.

Pyramid Atlantic

A book arts and printmaking center in Silver Spring, near the Red Line. See calendar for events.

DC Web Women

An organization of women working in design, technology, writing, and strategy. See website.

Women Who Code DC

The local chapter of a global organization. See Meetup.

Hacks/Hackers DC

The local chapter of a group of journalists, developers, designers, and others who are interested in the intersection of news and technology. See Twitter and Meetup.

UX Book Club DC

On Meetup.

Geo DC

A group of people who work with maps, GIS, cartography, and open-source spatial data. See Meetup site.

Maptime DC

Seeks to “open the doors of cartographic possibility” by providing a space for workshops, peer support, and collaborative work. See Meetup site.

Knowledge Commons DC

An organization offering free, participatory classes by anyone from enthusiasts to experts, taught in spaces across the city. Some classes address design subjects. Registration for popular classes can fill within minutes. See class calendar. (Disclosure: David Ramos helps to run KCDC.)

Accessibility DC

A group of developers who are interested in web accessibility. See website.