We’ve officially been a whole week into September and, apart from my birthday, results have been mixed. The heat alone has been punishing, but the news of local photographer Joe Shymanski’s disappearance and tragic death have been overwhelmingly sad and our hearts are with the community who lost a father, brother, and a best friend. (DC News Now)
Let’s cheer up. What is there to do this weekend and week ahead?
First of all, make sure you kick off your weekend at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, where there is always something fun. Live on the Hill is happening RIGHT NOW!
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society, in conjunction with the Capitol Hill Art League, is bringing back the Art Walk! This year, it’s a standalone event, happening September 9-10 from noon-5 p.m. Two days of meandering around our gorgeous neighborhood and exploring artists’ houses– and getting to buy art. Sound good? Certainly does to us! Make sure you visit the official website here and check out an interactive map of the venues made by friend of the blog Linsey Silver.
Brine Oyster House is having their first ever Oyster Fest at both locations (H Street and Dupont Circle) from 1-4 p.m! Enjoy some of the most incredible local oysters, plus drinks, live music by Lennard Jack and Fusion, and college football! Tickets here.
And hey! Stop by Capitol Hill Books has their wine and cheese and books Saturday! Get 10% off and nibble away, 5-7:30 p.m.
The DC Bike Ride is coming on September 9, by the way! Enjoy 20 miles of car-free, safe streets! Learn more or sign up here. By the way, there will be road closures in effect that may affect your Saturday plans. Check out all the road closures here.
The fanciest picnic you’ve ever planned, Dîner en Blanc, returns on September 9. More details and sign up here.
And over at Nationals Park, it’s Battle of the Bases time after the 4:05 game on Saturday. More info and tickets here. On Sunday, there will be a special commemorative 9/11 remembrance with a a salute to our fallen heroes.
Friends of Kingman Park is having a cleanup on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Stick around for coffee and doughnuts after cleanup! Meet everyone at the triangle park bordered by 21st and Oklahoma NE.
Over at the Northeast Neighborhood Library there are always fun events happening. On September 12, talk to an author whose book originated in a walk from DC to NYC: Neil King Jr. will be talking about his book “American Ramble” and there will be copies for sale. More info here.
Starting September 13, bring the kiddos in 2nd through 6th grade to the Capitol Hill Chess Club! This chess club is sponsored by Barracks Row Main Street. More information here.
The Mosaic Theater company season starts in early September. Check it out here and buy your tickets.
WEEKLY FUN
Who doesn’t love outdoor movies? NoMa BID’s CiNoMatic will return September 13 at Alethia Tanner park and you can still help pick the movies. Click here to pick! Movies on the Pitch at Audi Field also continues. Click here for tickets. Union Market continues their Drive-In at Union Market series. For info and tickets, click here.
Summer Movies on the Lawn at the Library of Congress continues their film registry series on Thursdays. There will be live music before the movie. More info here.
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. Tickets and more info on all the performers past and future here.
Want to get your square dance on with the DC Rawhides? They are yee-hawing their way into our hearts on select Friday and 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.
At ReLume, you can make something beautiful and have fun while doing it! On Tuesday the 12, make your favorite monument into a piece of pop art! More info 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. On Thursdays, join Capitol Hill Village for board game night. More info 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. For more information and quiz hints, check out their Twitter, @twogirlstrivia.
Every Thursday and Friday, Kelly’s Irish Times has comedy! The Batting Cage Comedy show starts at 8 p.m. and is free on Thursdays. More info here.
And every Thursday, Wunder Garten is doing late night Happy Hours, starting at 9 p.m. Let’s face it: Some of you out there are late owls and you need this. For more info, click here.
The Miracle Theatre is showing Past Lives this weekend, which is an incredible, touching movie about love and life’s possibilities. Tickets here.
OFF-HILL
The Hillwood Museum has a talk with artist Karen LaMonte on her ethereal sculptures of dresses without a wearer––several of which are on display around the grounds of the estate. For more info and tickets, click 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.
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.
PLAN AHEAD
WalkingTown DC is coming starting on September 16! Take one tour, take them all and discover your city! Click here to read more about the descriptions and sign up!
Wunder Garten is OBVIOUSLY gearing up for Oktoberfest, starting September 15. Dust off the lederhosen and the pigtails! Click here for all the fun.
The Diamonds and Gridiron crossover night at Nats park is coming on September 21. Celebrate two of our local franchises and have a great time at the ballpark rooting against the Atlanta Braves (or for, depending on how you feel about the Atlanta Braves). Get tickets here.
Join Kingsman Bark on September 23 for Pups in the Park! What makes going to Nats stadium with a dog even better? Doing it with like-minded dog lovers! Click here for more info.
Art All Night is happening September 29! The late-evening event is a great chance to enjoy our neighborhood and take in food, art, music and more. For more information, click here.
On September 30, join Hill Family Biking for a tour of the new M Street SE bike lanes! More info here.
The National Celebration of Hip-Hop is coming to the National Mall on October 6 and 7, 2023. Get your free tickets here, as well as your VIP tickets.
The Vienna Light Orchestra is coming to the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church on October 7 for an unforgettable night of movie scores. For more information and to get tickets, click here.
Registration is open for Congressional Cemetery’s Dead Man’s Run on October 14, starting at 5:30 p.m. Run or walk through the cemetery, wear a costume, have a great time! $35 gets you in, or $5 for the kids’ Fun Run if no adults are running a race. Register here.
Also on October 14, Snallygaster is taking over Downtown DC and, if you can believe it, all their early VIP passes are sold out. You can still score general admission tickets here.
Soul Strolls comes around the weekend of October 20 and be warned: this event sells out FAST! Get your tickets here!
Spooky Season is upon us and if you’ve never designed the literary tableau of your dreams using pumpkins as your medium, let this be the year we change all that! The Literary Pumpkin Walk is coming October 25-31. The finest literary rendition in cucurbitaceous form will get to donate $1,000 to their favorite local school! More info here.
Of course, the Pumpkin Walk is a companion event to the Literary Feast on October 28: A fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, a night to read a book (or get very familiar with SparkNotes), and an opportunity to meet neighbors and make new friends for an excellent cause! More information here.
And on November 9, watch four stellar local chefs battle it out for charity. DC Central Kitchen’s Capital Food Fight is coming and you can purchase tickets starting September 5. Click here for more info.
And this is WAY in advance, but y’all! Enchant is coming back to Nats Park this holiday season! More info and pre-sale tickets here.
By the way: Get excited for the Folger’s re-opening! Check out more info here.