The Washington Area Astronomy Meetup connects people interested in astronomy by fostering informal gatherings at local star parties, public observatory nights, astronomy lectures and other astronomy-related programs. No experience in astronomy is required and you don't need to own a telescope to participate. The free evening "star party" meetups posted here are hosted by local astronomy clubs and organizations that welcome public participation. These groups offer fun, safe ways to explore the ni …

Welcome to the Cultural Activity Group (created in 2003) for single professionals in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area who enjoy Culture and Social Events and are looking for mutual enrichment and other congenial ways to pass the time, enrich the soul, and make new friends in a friendly group environment. Military, Government and Law Enforcement welcomed!! This group falls into the category of: Social/Friendship Group/Cultural Interest Group *** EVENT EMAIL IS FREE *** WE ARE NOT A PRIVATE CL …

CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically is an informal social event designed to promote fellowship and networking among skeptics, critical-thinkers, and like-minded individuals. CFI–DC Drinking Skeptically provides an opportunity for skeptics to talk, share ideas (and yes, drink) in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. We discuss the issues of the day and whatever else is on our minds. But most of all, we have fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality. Don't drink? Don't let that stop you from joini …

SahajaYoga Meditation is meant for everyone who desires to find his or her true self. A state, which is Joyous, Peaceful and which emits Love for everyone. It is not just a book or a set of exercises but a living science that will open up to you gradually as your meditation become deeper, stronger and more fulfilling. SahajaYoga Meditation was founded by Honorable Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. It involves the awakening of a subtle spiritual energy known as the mother `Kundalini` which lies d …

I am a high school biology teacher who would like to have extra motivation to read science-related books and discuss them outside of school. These wouldn't be textbooks, they would be more "popular science" that are educational and entertaining as well! Authors will include Richard Dawkins, Natalie Angier, E.O. Wilson, Carl Sagan, and Rachel Carson among others. There are many of these that have been on my "to-do" list for a long time. Of course other science teachers would be great for this gro …

STAY YOUNGER LONGER! New research shows how! "If you want to improve the way you perform, look & feel in your life, then this is a genuine path to Wellness!" Univera + You! (The video) Bio-technology research proves Life extension is now available to average humans, and peak performance and quality of life is now achievable. Using science and botanical research and how it affects gene function to optimize cell reproduction. We are a wellness support community sharing new ideas and coaching t …

Every second Thursday of the month we meet downstairs in Politics and Prose's remainder room to discuss science fiction. We are a friendly bunch and our topics have ranged from Scarab-Beetle Head-Sex to how much we all dislike Greg Bear. Some of the books we've read in the past include: The Forever War - Joe Haldeman Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon Doomsday Book - Connie Willis Darwin's Radio - Greg Bear Fleck and the Elixer - Rudy Rucker Snow Crash - Neil Stephenson The Sp …

We are a group of writers who enjoy imaginative, perhaps even offbeat, fiction. Our goal is to write well--or at least better--but with the freedom to make mistakes. We are not here to necessarily produce polished, publishable fiction, but to rather to carve out a space where writers can experiment and have fun in a relaxed and supportive environment. Speculative fiction--which includes science fiction, supernatural horror, steampunk, dystopian fiction, magical realism, fantastic allegory, and …

Interested in casual, weekday evening conversations (and hearing interesting speakers) to explore questions and doubts related to Christian faith and finding meaning in life? If yes, then grab a beer and join us! DC Theology Pub is an experimental conversation designed to foster fresh new perspectives on--and questions regarding--Christian spirituality in the 21st Century: it is part discussion group and part speaker series. Recently we have started to focus on book discussions on science and fa …

To discuss the value of self quantification and explore new technologies and methods that are advancing this emerging new field.  To discuss how the quantified self is changing the way we think about fitness, productivity, consumption, healthcare, and science.

The Great Books Reading Group is not a literature club. It is a discussion group that uses a multidisciplinary approach to learning and exploring the past and present. We are reading from the St. John's College Reading List. As we read foundational texts in the Western tradition, we examine mysticism, history, theology, the earth and physical sciences, mathematics, philosophy and government, as well as art, literature and music.

Data Science DC is a non-profit professional group that meets monthly to discuss diverse topics in predictive analytics, applied machine learning, statistical modeling, open data, and data visualization. Our members are professionals, students, and others with a deep interest in these fields and related technologies. Meeting topics are varied and range from tutorials on basic concepts and their applications, to success stories from local practitioners, to discussions of tools, new technologies, …

The purpose of the group is for local writers to be able to gather and receive constructive criticism of their writing. The group includes several published authors in fiction, science fiction, fantasy and alternate history. I would prefer any new members to be mature adults; this is not to dissuade teens from writing, but rather to encourage them to form or join writing groups aimed at their demographic. I want this group to feel free to write and discuss possibly mature themes and writing genr …

We are a global community of inspired individuals caring for and about each other and the entire planetary family. Our community is affiliated with Centers for Spiritual Living. All spiritual paths are welcome here! We meet on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in Takoma DC (7059 Blair Rd NW) and on Sundays at 2 p.m. on Capitol Hill (520 North Capitol St NW). We also offer classes certificated by CSL. Please visit www.cslDC.org to learn more.

If you are like me then you may have grown up on comics. We have also seen comics expand into movies, games, digital etc. Over the years, I have gone from DC to Marvel, currently a combination of both plus some new comers. DC has quite a few comics’ book stores, but they aren’t the places to sit back and discuss our experience. I suggest getting together at a local restaurant and having an open discussion on classic story lines and new/up to date material. Feel free to contact me if you have oth …

This is a group for individuals in the DC/MD/VA area who are looking to meet new people, happy hours, having a good time and sometimes doing extremely geeky things!  Day or night - we love all things geeky. geek/gēk/ Noun: A person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest: "a computer geek".

WINFORMS is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of operations research and the management sciences in the greater Washington DC area. WINFORMS, with 120 individual members, is one of the largest geographic sections of INFORMS. WINFORMS holds joint meetings with many other organizations, such as the Institute for Industrial Engineering National Capital Chapter, the National Economists Club, and the Washington Statistical Society. In addition, WINFOR …

I know there are some nice, liberal 20s-30s brainiacs out there in Bethesda...and I think it's past time for everyone to meet up! If you are an open-minded "young professional" dork, geek, science nerd, etc (you get my drift) but you also love being social and having a glass or two of wine, come on out and enjoy a happy hour with like-minded folks. People often message me about the age range -- we're a fairly young group!  If you're looking for something a bit different but still Nerdy, check ou …

We are the DC Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery.  We help advance computing as a science and a profession.  We do this offline through lectures, workshops, discussion panels, and professional development seminars.  We partner with ACM HQ, ACM Public Policy, ACM special interest groups (SIGs), DC area technical user groups, and area university Comp Sci and Info Tech departments. Join us if you like any of the following categories: http://acm.org/sigs Suggest a topic or speaker, w …

We're a bunch of hackers, inventors, engineers, techies, developers and makers who love all things IT and security. Everyone is welcome - from advanced hardware hackers to those who would like to learn what can be done with these new technologies in the arts, sciences, healthcare, gaming, academia, and business venture opportunities. Our meetups are totally informal and are a great opportunity to chat about projects, create new ones, solve problems, mingle, network and generally shoot the breeze …

The Philosophical Society of Washington (PSW), the oldest scientific society in Washington, invites speakers from the large, diverse scientific community in the Washington area to present results not yet in public awareness. The society attracts members who would like to be aware of the frontiers of diverse intellectual disciplines. Meetings are generally held every other Friday from October to May at the Cosmos Club. After the scheduled program, members have the opportunity to ask questions of …

Introduction This group explores the intersection of the data revolution and the art of creating value. Bring your inner data scientist and learn how people are not only doing cool things with data, but doing so in ways that help startups, businesses, and other organizations thrive. While we will always have industrial, academic, and government luminaries as speakers, this meetup will not just be about lectures and free pizza (or empanadas as we secure sponsors).  Simply put, we are building a …

You have read all the books, graduated from religion, atheism, eastern and western philosophy. Now you want to get out of your mind!  You want to fearlessly practice your most important muscle, daily, every moment.  If you are ready to live according to the way of heart, this group may be a good station on your journey. They way of Heart is the way of Life.  It can help you realize all your dreams. For me, it helped me come up with even better dreams. Highly interactive and electrifying gatherin …

Action Design is the art and science of designing products that help people take action in their lives. It entails: Designing the action itself so that it's easy to take, Structuring the environment to encourage the action, and Preparing the person to take the action, once and in the future. This meetup is for people in the DC area who are already doing this (under the banner of UX, behavioral econ, data science, and advocacy work), and who want to learn more about these skills.  [See http://w …

This is a group for events from Data Community DC that do not fit our other Meetups (Data Science DC, Data Business DC, Data Visualization DC, R Users DC). Job fairs, conferences, data drinks, weekend educational events, hackathons, etc.

This is a group for anyone interested in learning anything and everything about Data Science, Analytics, Big Data, Data mining, Predictive Analytics and Statistics. There are no presentations and pizza. Just learning and doing. We will follow Data Science/Analytics related courses offered on Coursera as a group and have regular meetups as the course progresses. Looking for people who are serious about hand on learning. Come out and join us!!!!

Trees for the Planet (TFP) creates learning programs and environments to allow individuals, student teams and communities to participate in hands-on ecosystem restoration, on-going maintenance, and education. We are building networks and teams of neighborhood people (students, parents and all interested) who want to learn about and engage in actual eco-system restoration where they live. We plant trees and remove invasive species on property in our neighborhoods. Our work is in consort with the …

The dissertation process can be so isolating, which makes it difficult to keep up the momentum needed to complete a PhD. We'll meet regularly to check in, to share what's working for us and what's keeping us from making progress, and to provide feedback and encouragement. And then we'll celebrate together when we finally finish!