Ah, it’s the last, loveliest days of summer… j/k who are we kidding? We may be enjoying some ideal temperatures lately, but you know it’ll be back to warm wool sweater/inside of a mouth grossness within a week and lasting well into October. But what shall we do with this halcyon weather in the meantime?
After a grueling ordeal with some flooding, East City Books is BACK and better than ever! Or, you know, as good as always. August 17 is Bookstore Romance day, so fall in love with ECB all over again and get your greedy paws on some bodice and/or codpiece rippers already! There will be treats in-store. More info here.
Sausagefest is coming to Wunder Garten on August 17 and 18! Enjoy delicious wieners and support the LGBTQ+ community with a fundraiser! More details and RSVP here.
This one is citywide but also in our neck of the woods: Walking Town DC, a wonderful selection of free tours in DC, is celebrating 25 years! Sign up for all the tours and get to know your city better!!! Click here for more info.
Shake your booty and the rest of you at the Wharf tonight with their Friday Night Dance series. Tonight, learn salsa with Mario. For more information, click here.
Start your weekend with Yoga on the Park at Eastern Market Metro Plaza. It’s free, but bring a mat and water, just in case! More info here.
The Marine Corps Band will be playing a special concert at the Capitol’s West Terrace on August 21 at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Peruse the program here. Missed them on this date? They’ll play again on August 28.
OUTDOOR MOVIE SEASON
Spring and summer are outdoor movie season dates around the area. Here are a few (list will be updated). Please make sure to check as some of these may be postponed due to rain:
- Sunset Cinema at the Wharf
- NoMa’s CiNoMaTic (starts in September)
- Audi Field’s Movies on the Pitch (next movie is Aug. 29)
- Congressional Cemetery’s Cinematery (next movie is Sep. 6)
OFF-HILL
Have you ever thought about committing to a Brompton, a foldable bike for people with limited storage space? Well, you’re in luck! Starting August 30, you (and a friend) can borrow a bike from Brompton Junction on Wisconsin Avenue for a whole day through the Brompton Borrow program! Here are the instructions: bear in mind that you will only be able to start reserving bikes on or after August 30:
- To reserve your Brompton bikes, please email Junction staff at bromptonwashington@bromptonjunction.com with the following details:
- Your name and your guest’s name (if applicable)
- How many bikes you’re reserving (up to 2 bikes allowed)
- The date you wish to reserve the bikes (must be at least 2 business days from the date of your request)
- The Brompton team will confirm your spot within 1 business day and provide pick-up instructions.
- On the day of your reservation, visit the Junction to pick up your bikes. Please bring:
- A copy of your ID and credit card
- Completed BBI waiver
- Additional Information:
- Junction staff will also ensure you have access to a helmet, as riding with one is mandatory.
- Bikes must be returned by store closing on the same day.
This show has been on view since July 14, but I’m looking forward to seeing the National Gallery of Art‘s curation of Gordon Park’s photographs, selected primarily from the Corcoran Collection. Take a look at their online selection and make sure to catch it in person. The show will be at NGA through January 12, 2025. More information here.
The National Building Museum has a new exhibit called Capital Brutalism. Take a loving look at some of our most polarizing, beloved architecture. (#teamBrutalism). Click here for more information and click here for tickets to the Building Museum.
The National Portrait Gallery has an exhibit on view through June 3, 2025, called “Brilliant Exiles.” The exhibit, which takes over a large part of the second floor, focuses on mostly American women who emigrated to Paris between 1900 and 1939. During that tumultuous 40-year period, these migrants excelled in different areas. From writing, painting and dancing to publishing and interior design, these forward-thinking avatars pushed boundaries and found that Paris did not judge them for their womanhood or for being people of color or queer, but instead celebrated them and let them be. The exhibit is a carefully curated view of the women through their own eyes and, far more often than you might hope, through the eyes of important men in their lives. You can learn more and plan your visit here.
PLAN AHEAD
Keep the Downtown Holiday Market for DC and managed by Diverse Markets. Sign the petition here.
Back to School Day is happening August 23 at the Fields at RFK. In addition to book bag giveaways and an immunization clinic, you can also find an arcade, a game truck, a 360 camera and a lot more fun. More info here.
The National Book Festival takes over the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on August 24. The event is free and full of wonderful events. Check out the main site here and plan your day using their tool here.
A fan of the theater? Then make sure you sign up for Mosaic Theater’s Season 24-25 here!
On August 31, take a fun ride with Hill Family Biking and enjoy the unveiling of a new, one-of-a-kind crosswalk mural made by Chalk Riot, as well as a block party! RSVP for the ride here or just show up for the block party at 11:30 a.m. and enjoy a little bit of back-to-school joy.
The National Gallery of Art Gallery Nights are back in September! Make sure you sign up for the lottery the week prior. For an overview of the themed nights and to sign up for reminders, click here.
Fall offers an opportunity to start new things and build new habits. How about joining a book club? The Folger Library has one and their September book pick is Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. The meeting will be virtual, on September 5, from 6:30 to 8 pm. More details and RSVP here.
The DC Bike Ride happens September 7 and promises to be a car-free blast. Sign up here!
The Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival, showcasing comedians of color, isn’t until September 27-29, but you can check out the list of finalists here for Breakout Comedian of the Year: Mel Mitchell, Flo Hernandez, Khrissy Y.S.F., Lamar Jones, Sammy Anzer and Alex Babbitt. And, of course, get tickets to festival events here.
Pencil in Oktoberfest at the Wharf, coming October 5. More info here. Prost!
WEEKLY FUN
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! From candles to seasonal decorations to starting a new hobby, you can do it all there. This week, winter is coming, so might as well learn how to knit? More info here.
Looking for something fun to do with your toddler? The Northeast Neighborhood library has Toddler Explorations on Mondays, from 11-noon. More info here.
Mr. Henry’s is THE place to listen to jazz on the Hill. They have performances FOUR nights a week! Check out their calendar of events here.
On Monday evenings, Trivia Kings takes over Barrel for trivia night. For more info, click here. (They also host trivia nights all over town.)
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.
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.
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.