Happy Solstice all! Tomorrow is the longest day of the year and after that, the days begin to get shorter. Full disclosure: I tend to prefer those shorter, crisper days, but I can enjoy a long, sun-drenched evening or two.
How will we spend this weekend?
Tonight, learn what DDOT has planned for Florida Avenue. The agency has agreed to make interim safety changes in light of the recent accidents along the corridor. The goals will be to reduce vehicle speed, improve pedestrian crossings and provide protected bike infrastructure. The Open House will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at New Samaritan Baptist Church at 1100 Florida Avenue NE.
It’s Ladies Night at the Nats! The pre-game event always involves food, drinks, massages, temporary tattoos and always a great giveaway. I still have my Nationals infinity scarf which was really their peak giveaway. While they have not brought the mechanical bull back since my first Ladies Night, it is still a good time. This year’s giveaway is a tasteful travel bag. That would get more use than the Bryce Harper wine stopper taking up way too much space in my kitchen drawer. The game is at 7:05 p.m. but all the Ladies Night activities begin a few hours early.
Eastern Market Main Street hosts Third Thursday with a whole slate of activities beginning at 4 p.m. Play a giant game of Jenga or checkers, take a walking tour and participate in a scavenger hunt. A full schedule can be found here.
Friday, Mosaic Theater presents Twisted Melodies at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. This co-production with Baltimore Center Stage, Congo Square Theatre Company, and the Apollo Theater features writer and performer
Kelvin Roston, Jr. as ’70s soul singer and composer Donny Hathaway on his last day on earth. This production runs through July 21st and tickets are $20-$35.
On the Longest Day of the Year you might enjoy a nice free outdoor concert at Yards Park. It begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. and I bet it will still be light out! The band this week is Driven to Clarity which plays funk, folk, rap and pop and that feels like a good mix for all that sunshine.
Congressional Cemetery offers up the Hitchcock classic Notorious as this month’s Cinematery. The gates will open at 7 p.m. and the film will start around 8:30-9 p.m. Bring something to eat, to drink and to sit on, plus a donation of $10 (or more!) to keep the cemetery in business.
Saturday, all are invited to Taste the Philippines at the Wharf. From 2 to 6 p.m., you can sample some of the Districts’s best takes on the cuisine. There will be music, games and prizes at the free, family friendly event. Tickets are required for food samples. And whatever you do, DON’T DRIVE THERE.
Sunday, French author Wilfrid Lupano stops by Solid State Books for a special storytime presentation of his witty graphic novel The Wolf in Underpants, in which a community of forest animals trades scary rumors about a nearby wolf. I have no 5-year olds to bring but I kind of want to go. The event begins at 10:30 and is free but they would love it if you let them know you were coming.
Monday learn about DC’s Comprehensive Plan with Andrew Trueblood the Director of DC’s Office of Planning. He will disuses how the Comp Plan as it is known provides the framework that guides economic development, housing, environmental protection, historic preservation, transportation, and more. The event is sponsored by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society at the Hill Center. It starts at 7p.m., is free and no reservations are required.