Hill Center DC

Spanish Language Course: Intermediate Class - July 2026
2026-07-01 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Hill Center DC, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereHill Center has partnered with Go Spanish Now to provide this Spanish course.
The purpose of this course is not simply to teach you about Spanish, but rather to develop your language skills so that you can communicate successfully in the language. For that reason, the course includes a variety of components designed to allow you to practice and improve your abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding spoken Spanish. This course exposes learners to a variety of cultural aspects in the Spanish-speaking world and in the Cultural Readings that are found in the workbook.
Our goal is to give you the confidence you need to progress smoothly. With us you will learn how to maintain a basic conversation in Spanish for beginners. You will learn basic elements of Spanish grammar, understand and use everyday expressions in Spanish, and more.
The students will be able to see their progress very soon and enjoy the interaction in an intimate class setting of 4 to 12 students.
For this class, please purchase a copy of Spanish Now Level 1 (9th edition) Barron’s editorial. Students are responsible for obtaining the book on their own and are encouraged to purchase it from the retailer that works best for them (Amazon, local bookstores, etc.). Please also come prepared with a notebook, as it will be used regularly during class.
This is an 8-week course. In order to offer flexibility, Hill Center offers the option to purchase 4 sessions for $199. Registration for this option will open 15 days after the 8-week course starts. A minimum of 4 students required for this class to occur. Students will be informed if the minimum is not met.
Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

Chinese/Hong Kong Mahjong 101
2026-07-02 18:00 - 19:30
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister Here
Ready to test your skills and have a blast? Mahjong on the Hill is the perfect in-person event for all the tile-shufflers out there! Whether you’re a casual player or just starting, come join us to learn what mahjong is all about!
This program is designed for those who are curious about Hong Kong Mahjong, enjoy social games, or are looking for a fun way to connect with others. 30 minutes of instruction and one hour of free play. Up to 8 people.
Questions? Contact uyenvong@gmail.com
Don’t miss out on an epic night of Mahjong vibes on the hill!

Spanish Language Course: Advanced Beginners Class - July 2026
2026-07-06 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereHill Center has partnered with Go Spanish Now to provide this Spanish course.

The purpose of this course is not simply to teach you about Spanish, but rather to develop your language skills so that you can communicate successfully in the language. For that reason, the course includes a variety of components designed to allow you to practice and improve your abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding spoken Spanish. This course exposes learners to a variety of cultural aspects in the Spanish-speaking world and in the Cultural Readings that are found in the workbook.
Our goal is to give you the confidence you need to progress smoothly. With us you will learn how to maintain a basic conversation in Spanish for beginners. You will learn basic elements of Spanish grammar, understand and use everyday expressions in Spanish, and more.
The students will be able to see the progress very soon and enjoy the interaction in an intimate class setting of 4 to 12 students.
For this class, please purchase a copy of Spanish Now Level 1 (9th edition) Barron’s editorial. Students are responsible for obtaining the book on their own and are encouraged to purchase it from the retailer that works best for them (Amazon, local bookstores, etc.). Please also come prepared with a notebook, as it will be used regularly during class.
This is an 8-week course. In order to offer flexibility, Hill Center offers the option to purchase 4 sessions for $199. Registration for this class will open 15 days after the 8-week course starts. A minimum of 4 students required for this class to occur. Students will be informed if the minimum is not met.
Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

Spanish Language Course: Beginner Class - July 2026
2026-07-07 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereHill Center has partnered with Go Spanish Now to provide this Spanish course.

The purpose of this course is not simply to teach you about Spanish, but rather to develop your language skills so that you can communicate successfully in the language. For that reason, the course includes a variety of components designed to allow you to practice and improve your abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding spoken Spanish. This course exposes learners to a variety of cultural aspects in the Spanish-speaking world and in the Cultural Readings that are found in the workbook.
This is a great class if you have a very basic knowledge of Spanish. Our goal is to give you the confidence you need to progress smoothly. With us you will learn how to maintain a basic conversation in Spanish for beginners. You will learn basic elements of Spanish grammar, understand and use everyday expressions in Spanish, and more.
The students will be able to see the progress very soon and enjoy the interaction in an intimate class setting of 4 to 12 students.
This is an 8-week course. In order to offer flexibility, Hill Center offers the option to purchase 4 sessions for $199. Registration for this option will be available 15 days after the 8-week course starts. A minimum of 4 students required for this class to occur. Students will be informed if the minimum is not met.
Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?': Discussion Featuring Eminent Historians Edna Greene Medford, Kay Wright Lewis, and John Muller
2026-07-08 19:00 - 21:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister Here“I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.”
– Frederick Douglass

This discussion is part of Hill Center’s Benjamin Drummond Emancipation Day Celebration Series

In April 2015, the Benjamin Drummond Emancipation Day Celebration Series launched with a series of programs that considered Ta-Nehisi Coates’ question, “Why Do So Few Blacks Study the Civil War?” Eleven years later, as we recognize the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, we will grapple with abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass’ question, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Moderated by historian and Abraham Lincoln scholar Dr. Edna Greene Medford who will be in conversation with Douglass scholar John Muller, and Howard University professor, Kay Wright Lewis. They will examine the speech and its historical relevance.
Dr. Edna Greene Medford is Professor of History Emerita and former Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs at Howard University. She is currently the chairperson and the immediate past president of the Abraham Lincoln Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes scholarship on the life, times, and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. She is the author of Lincoln and Emancipation and a co-author of The Emancipation Proclamation: Three Views. Her most recent book (co-authored), They Accepted Kicks from No One: An American Family’s Multigenerational Pursuit of Freedom, Equality, and Social Justice, is scheduled for release in February 2027.

Dr. Kay Wright Lewis is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Howard University, where she formerly held the position of Undergraduate Director, and served as Interim Chair of the Department. Lewis received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, and she completed her PhD in the department of history at Rutgers University, New Brunswick in 2011. Her research focuses on slavery and resistance, African and African American intellectual history, and the history of violence. As a graduate student, Lewis held an Andrew W. Mellon Competitive Dissertation Fellowship at Rutgers University. After graduation, she was a Fellow at the Gilder Lehrman Center at Yale University in 2011, and Lewis’ dissertation was one of the finalists in the Southern Historical Association’s C. Vann Woodward Dissertation Prize competition. She was the recipient of a Mellon Scholars Short-term Fellowship from the Library Company of Philadelphia, and a Short-term Fellowship from the Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the Schomburg Center for Research in New York City, NY.
John Muller is the author of Frederick Douglass in Washington, D.C.: The Lion of Anacostia (2012), Mark Twain in Washington, D.C: The Adventures of a Capital Correspondent (2013) and the forthcoming Frederick Douglass in Western Maryland. He has presented throughout the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area at venues including Library of Congress, Capitol Hill Books, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, DC Public Library, Politics & Prose Bookstore, Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, American Library in Paris, Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester, New York and the Hill Center. John has been featured on C-SPAN’s Book TV, C-SPAN’s American History TV and on television and radio in DC and Baltimore discussing Frederick Douglass.

Long Lunch - Summer Paella with Chef Mark Haskell
2026-07-10 11:00 - 13:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereJoin us in the kitchen for a Paella workshop! The most traditional paella was based on the rice fields in the Ebro delta valley near Valencia and what the farmers and irrigation workers found – using snails/escargot & rabbit, and local gardens, not seafood – but then it was adopted to wider tastes & pocketbooks. We’ll be making a summer version with chicken, shrimp and sausage.
This dish makes the perfect feast because you don’t have to sweat over the details! Join Mark Haskell in learning the fun of this one-pot dish that allows you to toss in the ingredients and let them simmer in harmony while you watch and sip your favorite drink.
Shut your laptop for a long Friday lunch and add another favorite to your go-to cooking list. Eat, drink and be merry!
Complimentary beer and wine are included in the price of the course!
Chef Mark Haskell’s career has taken him to kitchens in Europe, Asia, South America and the US. A native of the South Carolina Lowcountry, he has an affection for Southern cooking and gardening, and he applies his international flair to these traditions. He was knighted a Chevalier to the Confrérie de Vin de Saint Vincent for his work promoting organic and biodynamic food in the Côtes du Rhône region of France.
Tickets are non–refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Click HERE for more classes with Mark Haskell!

Date Night: Summer in France with Chef Wendi James
2026-07-10 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-24 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereSummer in France is a particular kind of pleasure — unhurried meals, beautiful produce at its peak, the gentle art of doing things well rather than quickly. Chef Wendi James channels exactly that spirit in an evening of French summer cooking that’s as relaxed and convivial as the season itself.

Menu:

Fig & Olive Tartine
Seared Tuna with Orange Beurre Blanc
Ratatouille & Chevre Gratin
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Macerated Strawberries & Basil Syrup

Please let us know in advance of any dietary restrictions.

NOTE: One ticket is for two people
About Wendi: Wendi James received a Cuisine and Pastry Diplome from Le Cordon Bleu
in Paris in 1997 and has completed advanced courses in chocolate and sugar from The French Pastry in Chicago.​ Since 1997, her work experience includes stints at Restaurant Gerard Besson (Paris), Restaurant Daniel (New York), The Inn at Little Washington (Virginia), and Charlie Trotter’s (Chicago).
Wendi also holds a BA in Hospitality Management from the University of Illinois. You can find this talented Chicago native offering culinary instruction and planning events at various venues in the DC metropolitan area. Wendi travels to Paris yearly to continue to explore the city she loves and all the delicious delicacies that Paris offers. She would love to share her experience and love of food with you.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

If you need assistance registering, please check out these step-by-step instructions, video tutorial or call (202) 549-4172 for assistance.

Master Chef Featuring Celebrated Pastry Chef Padua Player: Bubbles & Brushstrokes
2026-07-12 12:00 - 15:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereWatercolor cake paintings come to life as you sip complimentary Prosecco (or cider) and toast your creativity and inner artist.
All supplies included. Feel free to bring a photo to be inspired by!
For a taste of a past Chef Padua baking class, check out this fabulous Instagram Reel created by dinewithmags. You’re in for a treat.

Despite being the youngest of seven children, Chef Padua has found his voice and expressed himself through his culinary creations. His work has been recognized and praised by President Biden, and he has been featured on the Food Network, Cooking Channel shows, Platinum Weddings, Sweet Genius, Holiday Baking Championship, and Cake Hunters. Chef Padua’s talent and dedication have earned him prestigious accolades, including winning the 2013 Capital Food Fight’s High Stakes Cake Battle in DC, hosted by Duff Goldman. He has also returned to the competition as a celebrity judge in 2014 and 2015. In 2020, Chef Padua faced his ultimate fears and competed on Food Network’s Chopped, Sweets. Additionally, Chef Padua is currently working on his first cookbook and continues to provide his sweet delicacies to numerous celebrity clientele. Through his unwavering determination and commitment to his craft, Chef Padua Player has not only found his voice but has also become a shining example of how passion and talent can lead to sweet success.
Bring an apron, appetite, and your sweet tooth!
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Kitchen 101: Knife Skills w/ Chef Wendi James
2026-07-13 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-03 18:00 - 19:30
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereLearning how to properly yield a knife is key to cooking great meals safely. Do you want to learn how to chop vegetables like a pro or learn the proper uses for certain knives?
Join Chef Wendi James in Hill Center’s kitchen as she teaches the essentials of knife skills for beginners! Learn the techniques of proper knife selection, care, basic cuts and proper form. The chef will guide you through breaking down common vegetables, while you chop along side. This participation class is limited to 12 people.

About Wendi: Wendi James received a Cuisine and Pastry Diplome from Le Cordon Bleu
in Paris in 1997 and has completed advanced courses in chocolate and sugar from The French Pastry in Chicago.​ Since 1997, her work experience includes stints at Restaurant Gerard Besson (Paris), Restaurant Daniel (New York), The Inn at Little Washington (Virginia), and Charlie Trotter’s (Chicago).
Wendi also holds a BA in Hospitality Management from the University of Illinois. You can find this talented Chicago native offering culinary instruction and planning events at various venues in the DC metropolitan area. Wendi travels to Paris yearly to continue to explore the city she loves and all the delicious delicacies that Paris offers. She would love to share her experience and love of food with you.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

If you need assistance registering, please check out these step-by-step instructions, video tutorial or call (202) 549-4172 for assistance.

French Language Course: Intermediate II - New Session Summer 2026
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereEmbark on an enriching linguistic adventure with our Intermediate French Language Course. This class is crafted for confident learners that are eager to ascend to fluency. Delve into the intricate advanced grammar structures, explore nuanced verb tenses, and expand your vocabulary to articulate complex ideas.
Engage in spirited discussions, analyze challenging texts, and refine your conversational finesse. Our small class setting ensures personalized attention, cultivating a supportive environment for your linguistic journey.
Whether your goal is mastering professional communication or reveling in the beauty of French expression, our Intermediate II / Advanced French Language Course is your gateway to linguistic excellence.
Join us and witness the transformation of your proficiency in a setting of 4 to 12 students, fostering dynamic interactions and accelerated progress.”
All the materials and exercises will be distributed by the teacher.
“Liliane is a great teacher–she always has interesting articles to read and topics to discuss.” -Kavita
“Liliane is a wonderful teacher who always has thought-provoking conversation topics prepared, which helps encourage us to practice our French conversational skills.” -Rosie
About the Instructor:
Liliane Weinrob is a native French speaker who moved to Washington, DC in the early 1980s from Paris, France. Due to her French roots, she has enjoyed teaching French culture and language to Francophiles of all ages around the district for the past 20 years. Liliane has taught at the Global Language Network (GLN), the Washington International School (WIS) and Blyth-Templeton Academy.
This is an 8-week course. In order to offer flexibility, Hill Center offers the option to purchase 4 sessions for $199. This way, you can attend 4 classes over the course of 8 weeks; however, you are responsible for keeping current with the workload. A minimum of 4 students required for this class to occur. Students will be informed if the minimum is not met.
For an evaluation of your skill level, or for any questions please email Liliane at the address below.
Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring Crys Matthews, 2025 International Folk Music Award's Artist of the Year
2026-07-19 17:00 - 19:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereA troubadour of truth, Nashville resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. She is made for these times.

Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.”
Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation notes, her gift is a “reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.” In her own words, Matthews says her mission is: “to amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice.” Her new album is an embodiment of and a testament to that mission.
A daughter of the South by way of Nashville now and North Carolina forever, and the self-proclaimed poster child of intersectionality, Matthews is boldly answering those questions on her new album aptly titled Reclamation.
“This album is both sonically and ideologically the fullest representation of who I am as an artist and as a human,” she says. A preacher’s kid, a Black woman, a Butch lesbian, and a proud Southerner who sings social justice music right alongside ‘traditional’ Country and Americana music, Matthews is reclaiming not just of the space Black artists have been denied in Country and Americana music, not just of the space LGBTQ people have been denied in communities of faith, not just of the autonomy women have been denied over their own bodies, she is reclaiming the South that raised her.

French Language Course: Advanced - New Session Summer 2026
2026-07-20 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister Here Embark on an enriching linguistic adventure with our Advanced French Language Course. This class is crafted for confident learners that are eager to ascend to fluency. Delve into the intricate advanced grammar structures, explore nuanced verb tenses, and expand your vocabulary to articulate complex ideas.
Engage in spirited discussions, analyze challenging texts, and refine your conversational finesse. Our small class setting ensures personalized attention, cultivating a supportive environment for your linguistic journey.
Whether your goal is mastering professional communication or reveling in the beauty of French expression, our Intermediate II / Advanced French Language Course is your gateway to linguistic excellence.
Join us and witness the transformation of your proficiency in a setting of 4 to 12 students, fostering dynamic interactions and accelerated progress.”
All the materials and exercises will be distributed by the teacher.
Please note, there will be no class on Labor Day, September 7th.

“Liliane is a great teacher–she always has interesting articles to read and topics to discuss.” -Kavita
“Liliane is a wonderful teacher who always has thought-provoking conversation topics prepared, which helps encourage us to practice our French conversational skills.” -Rosie

About the Instructor:
Liliane Weinrob is a native French speaker who moved to Washington, DC in the early 1980s from Paris, France. Due to her French roots, she has enjoyed teaching French culture and language to Francophiles of all ages around the district for the past 20 years. Liliane has taught at the Global Language Network (GLN), the Washington International School (WIS) and Blyth-Templeton Academy.
This is an 8-week course. In order to offer flexibility, Hill Center offers the option to purchase 4 sessions for $199. This way, you can attend 4 classes over the course of 8 weeks; however, you are responsible for keeping current with the workload. A minimum of 4 students required for this class to occur. Students will be informed if the minimum is not met.
For an evaluation of your skill level, or for any questions please email Liliane at the address below.
Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

International Summer Survival Soups with Chef Mark Haskell
2026-07-21 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereWhen the temperature soars, the best meals require no heat at all. Chef Mark Haskell explores the world’s great cold soups — red and white gazpachos, classic vichyssoise, and bright, citrusy ceviches — perfect for navigating DC’s scorching summers with style and ease.
Complimentary beer and wine are included in the price of the course!
Chef Mark Haskell’s career has taken him to kitchens in Europe, Asia, South America and the US. A native of the South Carolina Lowcountry, he has an affection for Southern cooking and gardening, and he applies his international flair to these traditions. He was knighted a Chevalier to the Confrérie de Vin de Saint Vincent for his work promoting organic and biodynamic food in the Côtes du Rhône region of France.
Tickets are non–refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Click HERE for more classes with Mark Haskell!

French Language Course: Beginner I / Intermediate I - New Session Summer 2026
2026-07-21 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereWhile fluency is developed over years, confidence is built in the classroom. In this blended Beginner level class, the instructor will introduce the alphabet and the basic tenets of the French language. You will learn numbers, days of the week, and months of the year and dive into a crossword puzzle to learn basic vocabulary. Repetition will be emphasized.

This class is also suitable for Intermediate I students who have a stronger grasp of the language, but aren’t quite ready for full blown conversation. These students will explore French poetry, singers, and magazines as avenues to discover verb tenses (présent, imparfait, futur and passé composé), irregular verbs, adverbs and prepositions.

In the class, students will expand their French vocabulary and grasp on grammar, while exploring Francophone cultures. The students will be able to see the progress very soon and enjoy the interaction in an intimate class setting of 4 to 12 students.

All the materials and exercises will be distributed by the teacher.

“I really enjoyed this class and will sign up for more!” -Jill
“I love the teacher and the pace of the class. Thank you!” -Gina

About the Instructor:
Liliane Weinrob is a native French speaker who moved to Washington, DC in the early 1980s from Paris, France. Due to her French roots, she has enjoyed teaching French culture and language to Francophiles of all ages around the district for the past 20 years. Liliane has taught at the Global Language Network (GLN), the Washington International School (WIS) and Blyth-Templeton Academy.

This is an 8-week course. In order to offer flexibility, Hill Center offers the option to purchase 4 sessions for $199. This way, you can attend 4 classes over the course of 8 weeks; however, you are responsible for keeping current with the workload. A minimum of 4 students required for this class to occur. Students will be informed if the minimum is not met.
For an evaluation of your skill level, or for any questions please email Liliane at the address below.

Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

Brazilian Happy Hour with Marianne Tshihamba
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereMix, muddle, and take your muddler home!
Turn your kitchen into a Brazilian hangout in this hands-on class! Marianne Tshihamba will guide you through crafting the perfect Caipirinha—and you’ll keep the muddler as a souvenir! Pair your drinks with a savory fish stew and pao de queijo (cheesy bites) while soaking up the vibrant flavors of Brazil. Cheers!

Marianne Tshihamba has traveled the world pursuing new flavors and demystifying unfamiliar ingredients. Here in the Washington area, she has scouted the countless international grocery stores that stock their shelves with a wide range of products to serve the needs of our diverse community. Good food knows no boundaries or borders. Check out Marianne on WJLA, where she makes regular appearances to discuss her food and travels.
This class requires at least 4 participants.
Participants will be notified if the minimum is not met.

Groovy Nate In Concert
2026-07-24 17:00 - 19:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereGroovy Nate’s music is unique and eclectic, using Funk music as the foundation and reference. This is best represented in his two children’s music albums, “Meet Groovy Nate”, and “I’m Gonna Play My Bell”, along with a single promoting seat belt safety aptly called, “Put Your Seat Belt On” (he recently published a children’s book with the same title). Additionally, Groovy Nate has a song titled, “Respect Everybody” that is featured in the 2022 Grammy nominated compilation album by One Tribe Collective, “All One Tribe”.
Groovy Nate® is a multi-dimensional performance and teaching artist who creates exciting educational shows and workshops, using funky grooves played on his loop station, electric guitar, exotic musical instruments such as the mouth bow, talking drums, and kitchen utensils; laced with puppet skits, comedy, and creative play— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic.

Master Chef Featuring The Duck & The Peach Executive Chef Katarina Petonito
2026-07-26 11:00 - 14:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereNamed one of the “25 Best Restaurants in Washington, DC Right Now” – The New York Times
One of the “best restaurants on Capitol Hill.” – The Washington Post
Executive Chef Katarina Petonito oversees the menus and kitchen teams at Eastern Point Collective’s restaurants, The Duck & The Peach (seasonal, new American), La Collina (neighborhood Italian-ish) and The Wells (intimate gin bar)
Join Chef Kat for a hands-on culinary experience. You’ll learn to make Pan Fried High Hydration Focaccia, Rosemary Garlic Infused Dipping Oil, and Marinated Bean Antipasto.
High hydration focaccia features a water-to-flour ratio of (80%) to (100%) (e.g., 500g water to 500g flour). This wetter dough creates a beautiful, large-bubbled interior, an airy texture, and a crackling crispy crust. Because of its sticky nature, it is typically mixed by hand or spatula and requires no traditional kneading.
Come ready to cook, taste, and enjoy.
Kat is a native of Maryland and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. She began her career and love of Mediterranean cuisine and culture at Graffiato & Kapnos. At Mike Isabella Concepts, she excelled and rose in leadership to the Chef de Cuisine role at Kapnos Kouzina.
Kat next joined the team at Starr Restaurants, working alongside Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley at their urban steakhouse St. Anselm where she led the kitchen as Sous Chef and honed her skills in butchery and sourcing the best products.
Now, at Eastern Point Collective, Kat brings her knowledge and passions together to create inspired menus and flavor combinations, often drawing on her Italian and Filipino heritage and love of seasonal ingredients.
Kat has been nominated multiple times for Washington DC’s RAMMY Awards including Rising Culinary Star of the Year (2022, 2023) and Chef of the Year (2024).
Complimentary beer and wine will be served.
Please Note: tickets are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Long Lunch - International Summer Survival Salads with Chef Mark Haskell
2026-07-31 11:00 - 13:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereWhen the temperature soars, the best meals require no heat at all. Chef Mark Haskell explores great cold salads:

Carrot Crab Slaw
Pickled Shrimp Lemon Lettuce Salad
Shaved Salad Rice Crepes with Miso Vinaigrette

perfect for navigating DC’s scorching summers with style and ease.
Complimentary beer and wine are included in the price of the course!
Chef Mark Haskell’s career has taken him to kitchens in Europe, Asia, South America and the US. A native of the South Carolina Lowcountry, he has an affection for Southern cooking and gardening, and he applies his international flair to these traditions. He was knighted a Chevalier to the Confrérie de Vin de Saint Vincent for his work promoting organic and biodynamic food in the Côtes du Rhône region of France.
Tickets are non–refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Click HERE for more classes with Mark Haskell!

On the Noodle Road Featuring Jen Lin-Liu: Chinese Dinner Party II
2026-08-01 11:00 - 14:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereAuthor and former Hill Center cooking instructor Jen Lin-Liu is returning to Hill Center this summer for one cooking class!
In this session, she’ll bring together many of the elements she’s taught in previous classes, including stir-frying and cutting methods, and show you how to throw the perfect Chinese Dinner Party II.
The menu is:

Scallion Pancakes (vegetarian)
Mapo Tofu (vegetarian, low gluten)
Cantonese Sticky Rice with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sausage (low gluten)
Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables (vegetarian, low gluten)
A Surprise Dessert

Jen Lin-Liu was born in Chicago and grew up in Southern California. She is the author of Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China, On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta, and the forthcoming Formidable Mrs. Chao, the real-life story of China’s Julia Child. She founded the acclaimed Beijing cooking school Black Sesame Kitchen and has worked for Chinese chef & restaurateur Peter Chang.
Complimentary beer and wine are included in the price of the course. Bring your appetite and an apron.
*Please let us know if you are vegetarian, celiac, or gluten sensitive.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Discover the Terroir: A Maryland and Virginia Wine Journey featuring Wine Expert Leslie Frelow
2026-08-02 14:00 - 16:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereDiscover the depth, resilience, and character of Mid‑Atlantic winemaking at this special tasting featuring standout wines from Maryland and Virginia. Join us for an afternoon that blends education, regional pride, and delicious exploration.
Guests will enjoy a guided tasting of five locally crafted wines, each selected to showcase the diversity and evolving style of our region. Representatives from both a Maryland and a Virginia vineyard will share firsthand insights into what it takes to grow grapes in the Mid‑Atlantic — from navigating our unique climate to crafting wines that reflect this place.
This year’s discussion will also highlight the recent frost events that have impacted vineyards across the East Coast. Learn how growers are adapting, what it means for future vintages, and why regional winemakers remain committed to innovation and quality.
Light bites will be served to complement the tasting. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about local wine, this experience offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the people and practices shaping Maryland and Virginia wine today.
The Wine Concierge is a minority-owned and woman-owned business founded by Leslie Frelow, who previously worked for several years in the public policy industry for public and non-for-profit organizations. Following her passion, Ms. Frelow’s beginnings with her wine-focused business, Vino 301 Wine Concierge, started in January 2013 with regional wine tours and special events programs. She holds a Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits (WSET). Encouraged and inspired by her industry peers, she has had the honor of participating as a judge in regional wine competitions, which included the 2019 Maryland Governor Cup and Maryland’s Comptroller’s Cup.
The excitement revolving around Ms. Frelow’s wine tourism and education programs, as well as her dedication to supporting winemakers of color and women-owned wineries, have inspired her to launch The Wine Concierge’s unique internet retailer business in the District of Columbia in 2020.
Ms. Frelow has also discovered ways to celebrate minority-owned winemakers and connect with like-minded wine enthusiasts through the podcast, The Swirl Suite, hosted by Sarita Cheaves, Tanisha Townsend, Glynis Hill, and Ms. Frelow. The podcast (https://www.swirlsuite.com/), which features engaging interviews with wine professionals such as Melissa Schulte of Black Ankle Vineyards, Eric Turner of Hip Hop Juice Box, Burnie Williams of Chats Wine & Liquor, and winemakers at the Essence Wine Festival, serves as an inspiring resource for established and aspiring wine entrepreneurs.

Chicken 101 with Chef Wendi James
2026-08-10 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereReady to break down a whole chicken? There’s a reason professional chefs start here. A whole chicken is one of the most economical and versatile things you can buy — but most home cooks never learn to break one down themselves. Chef Wendi James changes that in one hands-on evening, unlocking a fundamental skill that will quietly transform the way you cook and shop for the rest of your life.
You’ll create four recipes:

Roasted Glazed Drumsticks
Buttermilk Fried Wings
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken Salad
Lemon Garlic Braised Chicken Thighs

About Wendi: Wendi James received a Cuisine and Pastry Diplome from Le Cordon Bleu
in Paris in 1997 and has completed advanced courses in chocolate and sugar from The French Pastry in Chicago.​ Since 1997, her work experience includes stints at Restaurant Gerard Besson (Paris), Restaurant Daniel (New York), The Inn at Little Washington (Virginia), and Charlie Trotter’s (Chicago).
Wendi also holds a BA in Hospitality Management from the University of Illinois. You can find this talented Chicago native offering culinary instruction and planning events at various venues in the DC metropolitan area. Wendi travels to Paris yearly to continue to explore the city she loves and all the delicious delicacies that Paris offers. She would love to share her experience and love of food with you.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

If you need assistance registering, please check out these step-by-step instructions, video tutorial or call (202) 549-4172 for assistance.

Vacanza Italiana with Chef Mark Haskell
2026-08-11 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereIt’s August in Washington. You’d rather be in Italy. Chef Mark Haskell’s Vacanza Italiana is the next best thing — a full Italian summer menu that makes the most delicious case for staying put. You’ll be making and enjoying:

Caponata cool veggie caviar appetizer
Tuscan summer soup with seafood & veg garnished with the best of summer
Grilled Bresaola Rolls (Meat & Veg) with Herb Salsa
Red wine braised fig tarts with goat cheese honey cream

Complimentary beer and wine are included in the price of the course!
Chef Mark Haskell’s career has taken him to kitchens in Europe, Asia, South America and the US. A native of the South Carolina Lowcountry, he has an affection for Southern cooking and gardening, and he applies his international flair to these traditions. He was knighted a Chevalier to the Confrérie de Vin de Saint Vincent for his work promoting organic and biodynamic food in the Côtes du Rhône region of France.
Tickets are non–refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Click HERE for more classes with Mark Haskell!

King Bullfrog Hoppy Hour 2026
2026-08-28 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-25 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-23 17:00 - 19:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereBring the family out to enjoy a Friday evening filled with live music perfect for all ages! This concert will be outdoors, perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs! KING BULLFROG is a kindie rock trio that plays high-energy tunes that are developmentally appropriate for kids and grownups actually like. With their musical stories, amusing wordplay, and close attention to all of their audiences, KING BULLFROG is the hottest sensation in family music in the DC area. Or at least the most amphibian….

Debut album “Lions & Lilypads” out now, produced by Grammy-winning Dean Jones Buy the CD | Stream on Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
Beer, wine, and cheese & pizza will be for sale! See you there!

“King Bullfrog is an amazing duo who continually entertain young audiences with a great mix of original and classic songs with their own twist. They keep 200+ kids of all ages, together with their parents, grandparents, and caregivers, singing and dancing the whole way through their ribbiting set.” — BOOGIE BABES CONCERT SERIES, WASHINGTON, DC

Click HERE to learn more about this popular music duo and their newest album!

Children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket.

Hill Center is dedicated to making our programming equitable and accessible to all. If cost, accessibility, or other obstacles are a barrier to attending a program, please contact programs@hillcenterdc.org and we will be happy to work out a solution.

Master Chef Featuring Acclaimed Chef Scheyla Acosta: 5 Irresistible International Soups for Every Season
2026-09-26 11:00 - 14:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister HereUntil recently Chef Acosta was the Executive Chef at Georgetown’s beloved French bistro, La Bonne Vache. The Barcelona native was also Executive Chef at Anne Cashion’s Cashion’s Rendezvous. In December of 2024 she was inducted into Disciples Escoffier. She is also a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier. Acosta has been featured in Best of 26 in The Washington Post, Best 29 by Washingtonian, and The 43 Best Restaurants in Washington in Time Out. She spearheaded cuisine at the US Open in 2022 and 2023, as well as for New York Fashion Week for several years.
Soups:

Wild mushrooms with sage
Spiced coconut butternut squash
Brazilian shrimp
Gazpacho
Senegalese peanut butter

Complimentary beer and wine will be served.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center Featuring the Singular & Spectacular Buffalo Rose
2026-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
from June 22 to August 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:30 pmRegister Here“How can a band be loose and tight at the same time? Listen to Buffalo Rose for the answer. I flat love them.”
— Tom Paxton, folk music legend and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
“Their sound is intoxicating – the combination of their tight string band rhythm and their supple harmonies.”
— John Platt, WFUV (Bronx, NY) host and founder of the New Folk Initiative

Buffalo Rose is a singularly spectacular six-piece band from Pittsburgh, PA. Overflowing with the bold and unfettered joy of their inimitable blend of “Theatre Kid Americana,” a Buffalo Rose show is a celebration of creative wonder; a sparkling sonic delight. Their live show is where their energy fully shines, and songwriting is their lodestar. The band’s recorded catalog is full of vibrantly emotive and methodically arranged songs, sure to thrill the mind and charm the heart. Their past two concerts at Hill Center have been SRO, so purchase tickets while you can. You won’t want to miss them.
