Our next happy hour is this week! Join fellow readers, contributors, and volunteers on Thursday, April 26 from 6 to 8 pm at Dew Drop Inn, located at 2801 8th Street NE, Washington, DC.

Formerly home to Chocolate City Brewing Company, this bar may be best known for its rooftop deck, which overlooks the Red Line tracks. Hopefully, we'll finally have some spring-like weather so we can take advantage of their transit-oriented outdoor space. RSVP here.

Make sure you check out the other great events this week:

Tuesday, April 24

Want less traffic on I-495 and I-270 in MD? The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is working on a study to reduce congestion on I-495 and I-270. Learn more about the study and weigh in on the options at one of several public meetings this April. The next meeting is at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School (4301 East West Highway) at 6:30 pm.

Maryland Governor candidate forum: The Woman’s Democratic Club of Montgomery County is hosting a forum for Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates in the June 26 primary. Contenders Rushern Baker, Ben Jealous, Kevin Kamenetz, Rich Madaleno, Alec Ross, Jim Shea, and Krish Vignarajah have agreed to participate; Washington Post reporter Ovetta Wiggins will moderate. The forum is at 7 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Center (1 Veterans Place ). Read up on who we think should be elected here.

What are our regional priorities for 2045? The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is planning a series of public forums focused on the seven initiatives that will be highlighted in their Visualize 2045 plan. These seven initiatives include the five that were developed through the TPB's Long-Range Plan Task Force, plus two bicycle and pedestrian initiatives. There are meetings coming up all around the region — find yours and attend! April 24, 7 pm, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, MD. April 25 — 7 pm, 101 Monroe Street Rockville, MD. May 1 — 7 pm, 777 North Capitol Street NE.

Wednesday, April 25

Celebrate walkable communities with CSG: It takes persistence and courage to build and advocate for more sustainable, high-quality, walkable, transit-oriented communities. That's why the Coalition for Smarter Growth is honoring Bob Youngentob, one of our region’s leading transit-oriented developers, and community leaders Dan Reed, Margaret Schoap, and Jim Durham for their contributions to smart growth at our annual Livable Communities Leadership Award, CSG’s main fundraiser of the year. The event is at 6:30 pm at TICO Restaurant (1926 14th St NW). Tickets cost $125.

Thursday, April 26:

Safer biking and walking in Dupont: The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is working to improve the street design and walking and biking facilities along Connecticut Avenue, starting on the north side of Dupont Circle and continuing north to California Street NW. Head over to the kickoff public meeting for the initial design phase to get an overview of the project, present existing conditions, share design concepts, and gather community feedback. The meeting is at 6 pm at WeWork Dupont, 3rd floor (1875 Connecticut Ave NW).

What to do after a bike crash: You're riding along on a beautiful sunny day, when a texting driver turns in front of you and knocks you over. Or maybe someone steps off the sidewalk right into your path and down you both go. Do you know what to do next? If not, then you should consider coming to this workshop at 7 pm at the WABA offices (2599 Ontario Rd NW). Bruce Deming, The Bike Lawyer, will review bike laws in the region and talk about what to do if you are ever in a crash.

Celebrate Arbor Day in style: Help celebrate Arbor Day with the tree specialists — Casey Trees! Join them at the Fifth Annual Canopy Awards to celebrate DC's greatest tree heroes with an open bar, food, live music, games, and silent auction. Tickets cost $65 or $75 at the door.

Changing C Street NE: DDOT is working to improve safety and connectivity on C Street NE from 14th Street to 22nd Street NE, and on North Carolina Avenue NE from 14th Street NE to 16th Street NE. Get the latest updates on the plan and weigh in at a public meeting at 6 pm at Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street NE.

Explore DC's alleys in style: Get a unique view of DC's alleys with EL Studio. Start at EL Studio, hop from spot to spot, then come back to the studio and let us know your thoughts. Three locations are highlighted on this short self-guided tour: Marion Street, the Yale Steam Alley, and their own Naylor Court. Food and drinks will be served!

Saturday, April 28:

Crystal City walking tour: Just across the Potomac River, Crystal City is making a name for itself as a destination for art and culture, recreation, and great public spaces. Join the Coalition for Smarter Growth for their first tour of the season to get an in-depth look at all the latest changes, new developments, and new transit projects in the works. We’ll talk about the Metroway extension, a new VRE station with a direct walking route to National Airport, and the idea of making Route 1 into a boulevard. The tour begins at 10 am at the Crystal City Metro. RSVP is requested.