How did we get to the last few days of May, 2023? Seems like just a couple weeks ago we were having back-to-back record-breaking temperature and snow weekends, but sources tell me that was February. Rude.
Onward!
To all our military families, and to those who have sacrificed their lives so that the rest of us can have the joy of summer, thank you. Even in the deepest of sorrows, there is room for joy and we embrace it.
Memorial Day weekend is this 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. Don’t forget! The night before, you can catch the rehearsal. This tweet by Capitol Police has additional info for road closures around the area.
The Memorial Day parade happens this Monday, May 29, and you can get route info and start times here.
The Rolling to Remember demonstration will also be coming to our area, starting on Friday. Click here to learn more. Click here for traffic closures.
Washington.org has a few more suggestions to make your Memorial Day even more special here.
The St. Mark’s Players’ The Color Purple, production runs through May 27. For more information and tickets, click here. Really looking forward to catching this production!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The Capital Hill Boys Club (Capital as in $$) have created an incredible art space out of a former laundromat, which you can visit this weekend. Two artists are on display: Denise Hawkins, also known as Ms. D, and works with jute, and graffiti artist Brian Bailey. The gallery is at 1603 Good Hope Rd SE. For more information, contact Dietrich Williams.
One of my personal favorites, the National Building Museum, has a Lego-themed exhibit opening this Saturday, May 27! Brick City celebrates famous architecture rendered in Lego, and little hands can take turns playing and creating their own ouchie-block masterpieces. For more info, tickets and membership options, click here. I am a proud supporter of the Building Museum and highly encourage you to support them and their mission as well, and no, they have not paid me to say this.
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.
Want to experience a new neighborhood? City Ridge in Ward 2 welcomes you to their Rockin’ at the Ridge series, starting June 2. For more information, click here.
PLAN AHEAD
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.
May and June kick off outdoor movie season. Cinematery tickets at Congressional Cemetery are available here. NoMa BID kicked off their CiNoMatic series earlier this month. Click here for available movies and dates. Movies on the Pitch at Audi Field continues on June 22 with Wakanda Forever. Click here for tickets. Union Market continues their Drive-In at Union Market June 2, with King Richard. For info and tickets, click here.
I also have it on very good authority that Summer Movies on the Lawn at the Library of Congress will kick off on July 6, but the movie is TBD! Keep those summer Thursdays open!
June is also great for catching Jazz in the Garden. Sign up for tickets 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.