‘Zinesters’ to Gather in Columbia Heights for D.C. Zinefest This Weekend

Dozens of small press publishers from across the region will gather at a church in Columbia Heights this weekend to celebrate the art of making zines.

The sixth D.C. Zinefest is set to kick off at St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church this Saturday at 11 a.m.

The annual festival showcases work that is independently produced, published and photocopied, according to event organizer Jeff Okun-Kozlowicki. More than 50 “zinesters” will exhibit homespun works of fiction, sketches, poetry, personal narratives, fan essays, comics and art, Okun-Kozlowicki said.

Though the subject matter varies, the end goal is always the same: creating something original.

“If we don’t create, no one will exercise our creative muscle for us,” Okun-Kozlowicki said. “More broadly, it’s about providing a space where people can share their work.”

This year’s event will also include panel discussions, added Kozlowicki.

“Panel discussions have been done before, but not in recent years,” he explained. “The panels will be about zinesters of color and mental health and zines.”

Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. All proceeds from the event will benefit activist collective Positive Force D.C.