When the White House Correspondents’ Association hosts its first dinner since the pandemic in two weeks, it’ll be matched by the return of another longstanding D.C. tradition: the imperative pre- and post- events that make the weekend so unique and politically loaded.

Among the slew of night before parties that have been announced, Funny or Die and People Magazine will co-sponsor an after-party at The Reach at the Kennedy Center. For both brands, this will be their first WHCD weekend event in several years. In 2006, People started an annual party with Time on the Friday evening before the dinner, and the event got to be known for its mix of Hollywood celebrities and White House figures, as well as a “hefty swag bag,” according to Deadline. However, that ended during Donald Trump’s years, as concerns grew over his malice toward the press and general distaste for Washington. 

This particularly piques interest this year, as both brands have new owners. Henry R. Munoz III bought Funny or Die while Dotdash purchased People Magazine both around the same time last year. Additionally, People Magazine is under new leadership, Leah Wyar as President of Dotdash Meredith, and Liz Vaccariello as Editor-in-Chief of People Magazine.