Not sure what age range you’re in, but everyone in their 20s here in District seems to be on a kickball/flipcup team that meets about weekly. It seems completely non-serious and oftentimes the flip cup portion is done before the kickball for some added fun. I don’t think there’s any pressure to drink, so if that’s not your thing you could definitely still participate to meet new people.

Also in general, rec league sports and/or weekly meetups for scrimmages seem to be pretty popular if you can find a league or group to play with.

If athletics aren’t your thing, DC has an interest group for basically any issue imaginable (it is the capital after all) and that could be a way of getting involved.

If you play an instrument, there are events in which you can easily get connected with other musicians to meet up and practice together before culminating in a small concert.

Your flair lists that you’re in VA, which I presume to be the Alexandria/Arlington region if you are posting in this sub. From my own experiences and what I have gleaned from others, that area tends to be quite clicky with more of a post-college-Greek life vibe than the scene in DC, where you’ll find a much more diverse cast of characters and locales to explore. Just my perspective having lived in the DMV for 10+ years.

Also don’t worry if you take some flak from being a DC non-resident while in the city. It’s mostly in jest and everyone knows on the real that the DMV is in it together.

Hope this helps. I can recommend specific areas in the city to explore if you are interested in that as well. Ultimately DC is a city of transplants so people tend to be very welcoming. NoVa, in my experience, much less so. Best of luck!