Looking for things to do during CBC Week 2026? Check out Congressional Black Caucus events, parties, brunches and networking events happening across Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is gearing up for one of the biggest weeks of the year for Black politics, culture, business and community. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference brings lawmakers, advocates, business leaders, professionals and visitors from across the country to the nation’s capital for several days of conversations focused on issues affecting Black communities.
But CBC Week goes well beyond the conference. Throughout D.C., organizations, HBCU alumni groups, businesses and community leaders host receptions, panels, networking mixers, brunches, happy hours and parties. Whether you’re looking to talk policy, build your network, connect with fellow HBCU alumni or enjoy the social side of the week, there are plenty of CBC Week events to check out.
When: Sept. 16–20
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Registration required
The centerpiece of CBC Week is the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference. The multi-day gathering features policy sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and signature events focused on issues affecting Black communities in the United States and around the world.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 3–6 p.m.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 450 K St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free with RSVP
Black maternal health takes center stage at this CBC Week gathering celebrating a decade of work surrounding Black maternal health policy. The afternoon event provides an opportunity to connect with advocates and others working at the intersection of policy, healthcare and community.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 5–10 p.m.
Where: The Potomac Hotel Lounge, 1330 Maryland Ave. SW
Cost: Free
MelaninCon and The Posh Standard are teaming up for an evening of networking at The Potomac Hotel Lounge. The free event gives CBC Week attendees a chance to make connections while kicking off the week’s festivities.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 3–6 p.m.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 450 K St. NW
Cost: Free with RSVP
Black maternal health takes center stage at this CBC Week gathering celebrating a decade of work surrounding Black maternal health policy. The afternoon event provides an opportunity to connect with advocates and others working at the intersection of policy, healthcare and community.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Where: BGR Group, 601 13th St. NW
Cost: Free
Start CBC Week with a reception centered on political engagement and professional connections during one of Washington’s busiest weeks for Black political leadership.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 5–10 p.m.
Where: Saint-Ex, 1847 14th St. NW
Cost: Free
Bring some HBCU Homecoming energy to CBC Week at the CBC HBCU Warm Up. Hosted by Polemarch AI, the free gathering runs from 5 to 10 p.m. at Saint-Ex.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 5–8 p.m.
Where: The Park at 14th, 920 14th St. NW
Cost: Free
The Shelby County Commission Black Caucus is bringing a taste of Memphis to Washington during CBC Week. The reception takes place at The Park at 14th and includes an open bar from 5 to 7 p.m. For ticket inquiries, the event listing directs attendees to shelbycountycbc@gmail.com.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Salazar, 1819 14th St. NW
Cost: Free with RSVP
After a day of panels and professional networking, CBC Homecoming Happy Hour offers a more social way to connect. The gathering returns for its second year with an evening of networking and CBC Week celebrations.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Ron David Studio DC, 1270 5th St. NE
Cost: Free, waitlist only
Hosted by Gia Peppers and Keisha Bradley, A Toast to Vision & Voice is a CBC Week gathering geared toward professionals working in media, public relations, creative industries and beyond. The spreadsheet currently lists the event as waitlist only.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 6–10 p.m.
Where: Chicha Lounge, 1214 U St. NW
Cost: Free
MelaninCon and The Posh Standard keep the CBC Week networking going Thursday with The Professional Pregame. The free event takes over Chicha Lounge along the U Street corridor from 6 to 10 p.m.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Chinatown, address provided upon RSVP
Cost: Free
Working Families Party joins SEIU, Popular Democracy, Soft Power Studio, M4BL Action Fund, Black Voters Matter and Black Church PAC for a Congressional Black Caucus reception Thursday evening. The exact Chinatown location is provided after RSVP.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Private location
HBCU alumni can connect during The Builders Table, a dinner bringing graduates together for conversation, networking and community during CBC Week.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: Free with RSVP
The U.S. Black Chambers brings business and policy together during its BLACKprint Policy Brunch. The gathering is an option for entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals looking for daytime CBC Week programming.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 4–6 p.m.
Where: Alliance for Justice Office, 11 Dupont Cir. NW
Cost: Free
For those looking for something beyond receptions and parties, Alliance for Justice and SoC are hosting “Law, Story, and Social Change: Winning in Two Courts.” The free Friday afternoon event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. near Dupont Circle.
When: Friday, Sept. 18
Where: The Park at 14th, 920 14th St. NW
For those looking for the nightlife side of CBC Week, the annual Power 100 Party brings the celebration to The Park at 14th as attendees transition from daytime conference sessions into CBC Weekend.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 6–10 p.m.
Where: Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard, 69 Q St. SW
Cost: Free with RSVP
HBCU culture meets CBC Week at Culture Shift. The Friday evening reception is geared toward HBCU alumni and professionals looking to connect, network and celebrate.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 6–11 p.m.
Where: Hotel Zena, 1155 14th St. NW
Detroit brings its energy to D.C. with The Detroit Party, one of several city and regional gatherings taking place throughout CBC Week.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. until
Where: Courtyard by Marriott, 901 L St. NW
Cost: Free, no RSVP required
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is hosting its official CBC reception Friday night at the Courtyard by Marriott. According to the event listing, admission is free and no RSVP is required.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Where: UDC Community College Lamond-Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE
Cost: Free
CBC Week also offers an opportunity to give back. The National Bar Association, Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia, Howard University School of Law Reentry Clinic and UDC Law Clinical Program are coming together for a community service event helping D.C. residents get juvenile records sealed. Volunteers can be lawyers, law students or paralegals.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: The Point DC, 2100 2nd St. SW
Cost: Free
The Ohio Leadership Party is bringing its 2026 Ohio Leadership Reception to The Point DC Saturday. The free daytime gathering runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: GAIA, 1025 Vermont Ave. NW
Cost: Free with RSVP
Saturday is one of the biggest days for CBC Week brunches and day parties. The Capital Collective brings Black professionals together for an extended brunch, networking and social experience in downtown D.C.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, noon
Where: The Mayflower Club, 1223 Connecticut Ave. NW
Cost: Ticketed
The 11th Annual Caucus Brunch & Day Party returns Saturday with its “Bourbon, Brims & Beards” edition, combining brunch with the energy of a CBC Weekend day party.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19
Cost: Ticketed
The Phoenix Awards is one of the signature events of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. The annual celebration recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Black communities and public service.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 p.m.
Where: The Park at 14th, 920 14th St. NW
HBCU pride continues Saturday night with the HBCU 250 Party. The celebration brings alumni, professionals and CBC Week visitors together after a packed Saturday of conference sessions, brunches and receptions.
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 3–8 p.m.
Where: Dirty Habit, 555 8th St. NW
Cost: RSVP required
Not ready for CBC Week to end? The fourth annual Congressional Black Caucus Cigar Social offers a Sunday afternoon gathering at Dirty Habit and another opportunity to network and close out several days of events around Washington.
Your Guide To CBC Week 2026: Where To Network, Brunch & Party In DC was originally published on kysdc.com
Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2026
Ladies, Meet the Hottest NFL Players of 2026
2Pac Was 90s Fine: 30 Years Later, We Remember His Best Looks
The 30 Most Beautiful Black Women In Hollywood 
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
An Urban One Brand
Copyright © 2026 Interactive One, LLC. All Rights Reserved.