Business in Brief: Outdoor venue makes Comet concerts truly all-ages; Local “Best of DC” winners; Main Streets have gift-giving ideas

A pandemic pivot brings a local performance venue a new audience: When Comet Ping Pong transformed its back parking lot into a dining area and concert venue, it brought about a change in who comes to its shows. “We’re an all-ages venue, but at these outdoor shows, we see a much wider range — anywhere from children to people who might not want to have to stand up for several hours for a show,” head music program manager David Combs tells District Fray Magazine.

The people have spoken: And after voting in the Washington City Paper’s annual survey, the people have declared that some of our local businesses are the “Best of DC.” Those include Bread Furst, the winner of the “Best Bakery” category; and Politics and Prose, named the “Best Bookstore.” ZIPS is the “Best Dry Cleaner.” The “Best Summer Camp:” Camp Levine. And Calvert Woodley is the winner of two categories: “Best Liquor Store” and “Best Place to Buy Wine.”

Area Main Streets have some gift ideas for us: Tenleytown Main Street organizes its shop-local guide by category, including “For the music lover” and “For artists & art aficionados.” Chevy Chase Main Street’s gift guide includes the party planners and spa enthusiasts on our lists. The 2021 guide from Cleveland Park Main Street includes gift ideas for kids and crafters.

For shoppers who’d rather be walking: Our own annual holiday shopping guide.

And don’t forget: The Tenley WinterFest and Van Ness Main Street makers’ markets are coming up on December 4th and 11th.