Treat yourself, connect with new friends, enter contests, explore cultural events, try something new, enjoy a game, or refresh your fitness routine—all in one place! Check here or your inbox each month for our latest newsletter, featuring free opportunities and offerings we think you’ll love.
- Links below may take you to AARP.org, our social media channels, or related contests and giveaways.
- Most events and games require a free, one-time registration for an AARP.org account—membership is not required. Create an account and let the fun begin!
Gather & Grow
The Community Event Center from AARP hosts FREE interactive online events and classes designed for learning, self improvement, and fun. In addition to virtual events, Movies for Grownups helps fight ageism in the entertainment industry by encouraging films that resonate with older audiences.
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Festive Cooking Demo and Brunch With Healthy, Seasonal RecipesFestive Cooking Demo and Brunch With Healthy, Seasonal Recipes
Date: Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025
Time:
1:00 p.m. ET • 12:00 p.m. CT • 11:00 a.m. MT • 10:00 a.m. PT
Duration: 60 Minutes
Event Description:
Celebrate the season with AARP at our “Brunch, Lunch & Munch” event—a delicious and educational gathering that brings together community, culture and wellness. This month honors both Thanksgiving and Diabetes Awareness, and we invite you to explore how flavorful food can also be nourishing and healthy.
We’re featuring a live cooking demonstration led by our dynamic duo who will prepare vibrant, seasonal dishes that are both festive and diabetes-friendly.
You’ll learn how to make Harissa Roasted Butternut Squash, Maple-Sage Roasted Root Vegetables, Crispy Cottage Cheese Delights and a Low-Sugar Blueberry Chocolate Yogurt Snack. We designed these recipes to inspire you to enjoy the holidays without compromising your health goals. If you’d like, you can download a list of ingredients to have on hand and cook along with the chefs.
Link: https://local.aarp.org/vcc-event/cooking-demo-diabetes-friendly-seasonal-dishes-27nnygrgw94.html -
How AI Fuels DisinformationHow AI Fuels Disinformation
Date: Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET • 11:00 a.m. CT • 10:00 a.m. MT • 9:00 a.m. PT
Duration: 60 Minutes
Event Description: Disinformation refers to false information created to mislead people, and it's nothing new.
But today's AI-powered tools and social media have made it easier and faster to create and spread disinformation.
In this lecture, we’ll explore how AI is used to create convincing deepfakes and clone voices, making it challenging to distinguish between real and fake content.
Link: https://local.aarp.org/vcc-event/how-ai-fuels-disinformation-2qnv4hhx75z.html -
What You Didn't Know About Chocolate: Fun Hidden Facts & Stories Behind Your Favorite FoodWhat You Didn't Know About Chocolate: Fun Hidden Facts & Stories Behind Your Favorite Food
Date: Thursday, Nov 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET • 5:00 p.m. CT • 4:00 p.m. MT • 3:00 p.m. PT
Duration: For questions, contact AARP Virginia at aarpva@aarp.org
Event Description:
Discover the surprising origins, hidden facts and sweet stories behind the world’s favorite indulgence.
Mary Griffith is a self-taught chocolatier and chocolate sommelier who loves sharing her knowledge about chocolate and helping people experience chocolate through chocolate making and pairing events.
She started Virginia's Finest Chocolates in 1994 and was awarded the “Virginia's Finest” trademark for her products. She has won many awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year. Chocolate is a fascinating topic to learn about! Come hear what you didn't know about chocolate, its history and its health benefit
Link: https://local.aarp.org/vcc-event/fun-facts-and-stories-about-chocolate-xfnwm8p4wrg.html -
Nourishing Traditions: Healing Plants and Their Medicinal UsesNourishing Traditions: Healing Plants and Their Medicinal Uses
Date: Tuesday, Nov 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET • 12:00 p.m. CT • 11:00 a.m. MT • 10:00 a.m. PT
Duration: 60 Minutes
Event Description:
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a special session led by Onita Bush, an esteemed guide in Indigenous healing practices.
This event explores the cultural significance and medicinal uses of healing plants in Native traditions. Discover how these natural remedies have supported vitality and balance across generations.
Onita will share both historical insights and modern approaches to integrating plant-based healing into everyday life, offering participants a deeper understanding of how traditional knowledge continues to nurture wellness today.
Link: https://local.aarp.org/vcc-event/healing-plants-their-medicinal-uses-ktnfwhtwrf7.html -
Caring for Someone With Dementia? Learn How to Manage Changing BehaviorCaring for Someone With Dementia? Learn How to Manage Changing Behavior
Date: Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET • 12:00 p.m. CT • 11:00 a.m. MT • 10:00 a.m. PT
Duration: 60 Minutes
Event Description:Caring for someone with dementia often means navigating unpredictable and challenging behaviors. This session, led by Emily Castillo of CarePartners, a nonprofit that cares for people with dementia and supports caregivers, will offer practical strategies to help caregivers respond calmly and effectively. It is part of our Men Who Care series highlighting the key role men play in caregiving and caregiver support.
Learn techniques to reduce stress, improve communication and create a supportive environment that enhances quality of life for both the individual and the family.
Link: https://local.aarp.org/vcc-event/learn-to-manage-changing-behaviors-of-dementia-ui-251031162113.html
