In the grand ole “Life is Crappy” tradition of late, it’s going to rain tomorrow. Still, there are fun things to do today, tomorrow and this whole week. On the plus side, it’s also going to be muggy, so enjoy?
Love cemeteries and mysteries? Then The Gentleman’s Gambit at Congressional Cemetery is the show for you. Catch it this evening and tomorrow evening! Tickets here.
The next Pups at the Park is this evening! To get tickets, (yes, including a ticket for Fido) click here. Your next chance to enjoy America’s pastime with everyone’s best friend is June 7.
The Anacostia River Festival is TOMORROW!!!!! From 1-4 p.m. at Anacostia Park, have a grand time celebrating our sweet river and all that it stands for. There will be a FREE fishing workshop, FREE canoe rides as well as performances by the United States Navy Band, the Eastern High School Marching Band and so much more. Keep checking the festival landing page for updates here. Looking to volunteer? Yeah you are! Click here to do it.
The second installment of Hill Family Biking is back! After an incredible debut with over 200 participants taking to the streets on two tires, this month’s ride promises to be just as well attended. Show up by 3:45 if you bike needs a tune-up, or be ready to roll by 4 p.m. and explore the new Pennsylvania Avenue bike lanes. Let’s just hope the LANE CLOSED signs are gone by then. Sign up here.
Have kids in grades 2-8 who love chess? Then make sure you sign them up for the chess tournaments at Eastern Market Metro Park tomorrow, May 20, and next month on June 24. Make sure you arrive at or before 10:20 a.m. to play. For more info and details, click here.
Do you love vintage things? A vintage market curated by neighbor Anna Weaver is popping up at CHAW on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can enjoy gorgeous wares with flair as well as music, snacks and drinks from Sarah Hanks and her violin students at CHAW.
Interested in health seminars? Roots for Life is offering free nutrition information sessions, limited to 20 people. They start on May 20. Fill out this form for more information.
On Sunday, catch Oh He Dead at Hill Center at 4:30 p.m., as part of the American Roots concert series. For more information and tickets, click here.
The St. Mark’s Players opened their newest offering, The Color Purple, last weekend. The production runs through next weekend and you can catch it through May 27. For more information and tickets, click here.
Do you believe in magic? There will be a live magic show at the Miracle Theatre coming on May 25 called Smoke and Mirrors: The Magic of Brice Harney. The show is ages 8 and up and you can get tickets here.
WEEKLY FUN
Mr. Henry’s is THE place to listen to jazz on the Hill. They have performances Wednesday through Saturday, but we have a soft spot for Saturday Showcase. This weekend, Herb Scott and his saxophone are coming to the showcase and you won’t want to miss it. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there is no cover; however, you need to order a minimum of $15 food and beverage minimum. Get the burger and go for it. Tickets and more info here.
A Sunday tradition, the Flea Market at Eastern Market is your one-stop shop for wonderful art, clothing, cosmetics and more. Follow them on Instagram here.
Want to get your square dance on with the DC Rawhides? They are yee-hawing their way into our hearts on Saturday evenings, 7-11 p.m., at Eastern Market’s North Hall. Click here for more info.
Labyrinth has great events almost every night of the week, except for Monday. If you’re looking to demo board games or enjoy some of your favorites with old and new friends, check out their event calendar. For instance, their Magic: The Gathering night is on Tuesdays. More info on that event here.
Tara Hoot welcomes you to sing Broadway tunes along with her at Crazy Aunt Helen’s this and every other Sunday. Make your reservations here.
as you are on Barracks Row has great events happening almost every day of the week: from crafting on Wednesdays to karaoke on Thursdays and Sundays to Saturday dance parties, this queer-safe space welcomes everyone. Check out their calendar of events here.
On Wednesday evenings, make it trivia! Two Girls Trivia runs a quiz at Fight Club starting at 7 p.m. You can also catch them at Biergarten Haus on Tuesday evenings. For more information and quiz hints, check out their Twitter, @twogirlstrivia.
Every Thursday, Kelly’s Irish Times has comedy! The Batting Cage Comedy show starts at 8 p.m. and is free. More info here.
OFF-HILL
Today and tomorrow, join the Capital Hill Boys Club for a gallery opening with two featured artists: Denise Hawkins will open tonight, May 12, and Ryan Mitza will open tomorrow, May 13. The gallery is at 1603 Good Hope Rd SE. For more information, contact Dietrich Williams.
Rainy days are for watching a movie in a comfy theater. The Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market has a great selection of movies. Check them out here.
Mondays can be tough days, but Songbyrd has Music Trivia this and every Monday up in Union Market district to gladden hearts and fuel your competitive spirit. The best part? It’s ALL AGES! Enjoy it with friends or as a family. More info here.
PLAN AHEAD
Memorial Day weekend is next weekend and the PBS National Memorial Day concert is happening on Sunday, May 28, starting at 8 p.m. Visitors are welcome to the concert in person when the grounds open (usually 5 p.m.), or you can watch it on WETA, our local PBS affiliate.
On Saturday, May 27 at 11:30 a.m., join East City Books for a virtual event celebrating The Limelight Series for Jewish-American Heritage Month. Panelists will discuss Jewish lore in fantasy writing. This is also a benefit for GatherDC. For more info and tickets, click here.
And once May is done, it’s Pride month! Stock up on Bud Light (or don’t because honestly it’s not my favorite, but you can buy whatever you want), rainbowfy your life and line up for Pride events around town, like Scorpio Entertainment’s Electric Disco party on June 10. For more info and tickets, click here.
Capital Pride is on June 11 and it will be capped off by the FREE Pride Concert. This year’s headliner is Irina Menzel. For the rest of the line-up and more information, click here.
Also on the Pride month lineup, Dragathon ExtravaGAYza at the Hill Center is a big ol’ gay festival sashaying into our lives on Sunday, June 18. Drag excellence, story time, a food truck and so much more. For more info, click here.