Pro-Data Center Party Draws 1,000 to Washington DC

Organizers Jonas Du, Casey Given, and Ed Tarnowski hosted Data after Dark on September 27, 2026, at Pubkey, a bitcoin-themed bar in Washington, DC. Sponsored by the AI company Cognitio, the event drew more than 1,000 people, doubling the venue's 500-person capacity.

The gathering served as a celebratory rally for supporters of artificial intelligence and data centers amid rising national protests and local government disputes over such facilities. The event featured themed cocktails and speeches from figures including Adam Thierer of the R Street Institute and Daniel Di Martino of the Manhattan Institute.

During a toast session, at least three protesters attempted to hijack the stage. The crowd responded by booing and chanting the protesters off the stage. Following the disruption, Thierer questioned who believes in freedom, characterizing the protesters as freaks.