Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ATU events, tickets, and policies. Can't find your answer? Contact us.
Event Basics
Approach the Unicorn (ATU, pronounced "Ahh-too") curates immersive cultural experiences in Washington, DC. We bring together fine art, world-class music, exquisite food and beverage, and a curated community for rarefied celebration. Our events are designed for distinguished individuals seeking something beyond the ordinary DC nightlife.
ATU events feature four pillars: (1) Fine Art - museum-quality collections and curated exhibitions, (2) Music - live DJs and performances spanning genres from Afro House to Disco, (3) Food & Beverage - complimentary culinary experiences, and (4) Cultural Experience - hidden rooms, immersive environments, and rarefied celebration. Each event is intentionally designed for performance, dance, mingling, pleasure, and discovery.
The DC Haitian Art Soirée (November 21, 2025) is our signature event featuring a fine art auction with >$350,000 worth of original works by world-renowned Haitian art masters including Roland Dorcely, Bernard Séjourné, Frankétienne, and Emilcar Similien. The evening includes three DJ sets (LOUDR, DJ Yazdan, Pávlos), complimentary food and beverages, and access to hidden rooms and sanctuaries at the historic Pierce School Lofts in Northeast DC.
ATU events are curated for distinguished individuals who appreciate fine art, culture, and sophisticated experiences. Our community includes art collectors, cultural enthusiasts, creative professionals, and those seeking exceptional social experiences beyond typical DC nightlife. All attendees must be 21+ and meet our dress code standards.
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets for the DC Haitian Art Soirée range from $100-$200 in tiered pricing. Earlier purchasers secure lower prices. All ticket tiers grant equal access to the event—pricing is based on purchase timing only. Complimentary food and beverages are included for all attendees.
Tiered pricing means ticket prices increase as the event date approaches or as capacity fills. For example, Tranche 1 tickets are $100 (50 tickets), Tranche 2 is $125 (25 tickets), and so on up to Tranche 7 at $200 (5 tickets). All tiers offer the same event experience—secure your ticket early to get the best price.
Your ticket includes full access to the event from 6:00 PM to Midnight, complimentary food and beverages (including alcoholic beverages), access to all event spaces and hidden rooms, three DJ sets spanning Disco House to Afro House, and the opportunity to participate in the fine art auction featuring >$620K worth of Haitian art masters.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Ticket transfer policies will be confirmed. Please contact javier@apptheunicorn.com if you need to transfer your ticket to another guest.
All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges except in the event of event cancellation by the organizer. If ATU cancels an event, you will receive a full refund or credit toward a future event. For complete details, please see our Refund Policy.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Group discount information will be provided. For inquiries about group bookings or VIP packages, please contact javier@apptheunicorn.com.
Event Details
We encourage sophisticated and extravagant attire. ATU events are an opportunity to express your personal style and creativity. Think elegant cocktail attire, avant-garde fashion, or bold artistic expression. ATU reserves the right to refuse entry to guests who do not meet our dress standards.
The DC Haitian Art Soirée runs from 6:00 PM to Midnight on Friday, November 21, 2025. We recommend arriving between 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM to experience the full evening and have time to explore the venue, view the artwork, and settle in before the festivities peak. Please note: no re-entry is permitted once you leave the venue.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Parking information for Pierce School Lofts will be provided. Street parking is available in the neighborhood. We recommend using ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) or public transportation for convenience.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Public transportation directions to 1375 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002 will be provided. The venue is accessible via Metro and bus routes. Detailed transit directions will be sent in your confirmation email.
Yes! Complimentary food and beverages (including alcoholic beverages) are included for all ticket holders. The consideration paid for your ticket is expressly for entertainment and event access. If you have severe food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform event staff upon arrival.
Venue & Location
Pierce School Lofts is located at 1375 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002. The venue is in Northeast DC near Kingman Park, easily accessible from downtown Washington, DC. This historic building offers unique architectural features perfect for cultural events.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Accessibility information for Pierce School Lofts will be confirmed. For specific accessibility accommodations or questions, please contact accessibility@apptheunicorn.com and we will ensure your needs are met.
Pierce School Lofts is located in Northeast DC, a vibrant neighborhood with rich cultural history. The area features local restaurants, cafes, and easy access to major DC landmarks. The venue itself is a historic building that has been transformed into a unique event space.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Hotel recommendations near the venue will be provided. Downtown DC hotels offer convenient access via Metro or ride-share services. For accommodation suggestions, contact javier@apptheunicorn.com.
Event Experience
The DC Haitian Art Soirée features three acclaimed DJs spinning throughout the evening: LOUDR, DJ Yazdan, and Pávlos. Expect an eclectic mix spanning Disco House, Afro House, and Deep House—curated to create an immersive sonic experience that complements the visual art and cultural atmosphere.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Auction format details (silent auction, live auction, bidding process, payment methods, and artwork pickup/delivery) will be provided. For serious buyers or auction inquiries, contact javier@apptheunicorn.com.
Yes, personal photos and videos are welcome! However, by attending, you consent to your image and likeness being captured in photos and videos taken by ATU for marketing purposes. These may be used across our platforms including social media, website, and promotional materials. If you prefer not to be photographed by our team, please inform event staff upon arrival.
Expect an atmosphere of rarefied celebration—elegant yet energetic, sophisticated yet expressive. The event blends museum-quality art appreciation with nightlife energy, creating spaces for both intimate conversation and dynamic dancing. Hidden rooms invite exploration, while the main spaces facilitate community and performance. It's curated for pleasure, discovery, and cultural immersion.
Art Auction
The DC Haitian Art Soirée features original works by world-renowned Haitian art masters including Roland Dorcely, Bernard Séjourné, Frankétienne, and Emilcar Similien. These artists are celebrated internationally for their contributions to Haitian art and their works are held in prestigious collections worldwide. The collection represents >$350,000 in value.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Bidding procedures, registration requirements, and payment methods will be provided. For pre-event registration or serious buyer inquiries, contact javier@apptheunicorn.com.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Payment methods for artwork purchases will be confirmed. We anticipate accepting major credit cards, wire transfers, and possibly cryptocurrency. Details will be provided to registered bidders. Contact javier@apptheunicorn.com for inquiries.
Policies & Safety
All ATU events are 21+ only. You must present valid government-issued photo ID at the door. No exceptions. Acceptable IDs include driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
ATU maintains a safe, respectful environment. We have security staff on-site, enforce a code of conduct prohibiting harassment or inappropriate behavior, and reserve the right to remove guests who appear intoxicated or violate venue policies. Events may include strobe lights and flashing effects—please attend responsibly if you have photosensitive conditions.
[PLACEHOLDER - CONFIRM WITH CLIENT] Coat check availability, cost, and storage capacity will be confirmed. Please check your confirmation email for updated information about coat check services.
Contact & Support
For general inquiries, contact us at javier@apptheunicorn.com. For VIP ticket inquiries, email the same address with "VIP Inquiry" in the subject line. For privacy concerns, email privacy@apptheunicorn.com. For accessibility requests, email accessibility@apptheunicorn.com.
VIP tickets offer exclusive benefits for select art collectors and sponsored guests. For VIP availability, benefits, and pricing, email javier@apptheunicorn.com with "VIP Inquiry" in the subject line. Our team will respond within 24-48 hours with VIP package details.
We're here to help! For any questions not covered in this FAQ, please contact us at javier@apptheunicorn.com or visit our Contact page. We typically respond within 24-48 hours. You can also follow us on Instagram @approach_the_unicorn for real-time updates and announcements.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out to our team and we'll get back to you within 24-48 hours.