Hello, beautiful people! It’s hard to be mad when the weather is this gorgeous, right? Too bad it’ll be a little crappy this weekend, but still– we’ve been gifted greatness. Let’s rejoice and find something to do! (Updated 9/6)
First up, The Stage at Union Station is back! Catch soulful jazz and talented musicians taking advantage of the amazing acoustics of Union Station this and every Thursday. The schedule is below:
- Thursday, September 5 – 4:30 p.m. – Jazz Saxophonist Herb Scott
- Thursday, September 12 – 4:30 p.m. – Singer-Songwriter Heidi Martin
- Thursday, September 19 – 12 noon – Singer-Songwriter Heidi Martin
- Thursday, September 26 – 4:30 p.m. – Singer-Songwriter Heidi Martin
The United States Botanic Garden has great drop-in and online programs. Tomorrow, you can listen to one of the curators of the garden discuss her job in how to curate public plant collections. More info and sign-up here.
First Fridays is back on Barracks Row. This month, stop by I Egg You for Birds, Bubbles and Bourbon, starting at 4 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Or you could go fishing at Diamond Teague marina with Anacostia Riverkeeper. Sign up here and don’t forget to fill out the waiver. Missed September 6? Go to the Arboretum on September 15!
Want to watch a movie from a long time ago, or a newer one you may have missed the first time around? The Miracle Theater has you covered! Check out this week’s lineup and purchase tickets here.
The DC Bike Ride happens Saturday, September 7 and promises to be a car-free blast. Sign up here!
A fan of the theater? Then make sure you sign up for Mosaic Theater’s Season 24-25 here! The first play in their lineup, Lady Day, opens TONIGHT!
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, tonight, September 5, from 6:30 to 8 pm. More details and RSVP here.
This weekend, September 7-8, walk around the Hill and enjoy local artists’ offerings with the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s Art Walk. More info here. Free.
The American Roots Series’ latest concert brings cajun music to the heart of the Hill this Sunday: Jourdan Thibodeaux with Cedric Watson and Joel Savoy will bring their zydeco and acadiana sounds outdoors (or inside, if the weather does not cooperate) starting at 4:30 p.m. Take a listen here. RSVP here.
After the concert, you may want to walk to Beuchert’s Saloon for their Sunday Dinner Service, which is making a comeback starting this weekend. Click here to make a reservation!
Pulitzer prize-winning author Carlos Lozada will be at the Northeast Library on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about his new book, The Washington Book: How to Read Politics and Politicians. For more information and to RSVP (which is highly encouraged), click here.
Next weekend, the Folger Consort will hold a special concert titled Tale of Two Cities: Music of Florence and venice (tickets here). If you’re a fan of music and want a little added background, you can attend a virtual Early Music Seminar: Tale of Two Cities on Wednesday, September 11 at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Want to stay in an do some good in the community while you shop? The September Challenge Auction from Everyone Home DC is live right now! And, by the way, we hear our alter ego may have donated a tarot session or three to the effort, if you’re into that kind of thing. Click here to bid and do good!
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
Saturday is Doggie Day Swim across four pools in DC! If your pup loves nothing more than to splash around, sign up here. Make sure your pup is licensed! Btw, two pools in the District will remain open through September 22. More info here.
The Golden Triangle BID is holding a bocce tournament on September 17 and you’re invited! Check it out here.
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.
The Library of Congress wants you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making your own book — inspired by the cartonera movement, which started in Argentina at the turn of the Millennium and spread through Latin America. The workshop is free but RSVP is strongly encouraged here.
Can I Kick It? presents Jean Claude Van Damme’s Bloodsport at Songbyrd Music House on September 18 at 7 p.m. Hey man– it sounds cool. We don’t judge. Click here for more info.
THE H STREET FESTIVAL IS SEPTEMBER 21!!! MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
Want to introduce the family to Shakespeare? Then plan on attending a special family workshop on September 21, aimed at ages 5-7 (11:30 a.m.) and 8-14 (1 p.m.). United States of Shakespeare will teach families about four historical figures connected by their fascination with Shakespeare. More info and RSVP here.
Are you a Bach fan? Then the Washington Bach Consort’s St. Matthew’s Passion at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on September 21 is a show you won’t want to miss. More info and tickets here.
Waterfront Academy, 920 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, will be holding a free “Montessori at Home” workshop for parents on Saturday, September 21 at 12:30 p.m. For more information and to register, click 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.
On September 29, go to Sycamore and Oak in Congress Heights for Jazz in the Heights at 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Art All Night is happening across the District on September 27 and 28. Keep an eye on the festivities here.
The Jewish high holidays are coming and you need to be prepared with goodies. Call Your Mother is taking orders now– place them here.
The Folger starts their season on October with the timeless tale of woe, Romeo and Juliet. Don’t forget: the Folger has special deals for students and seniors as well as performances for theater lovers with disabilities, so visit the play’s page and get yourself a ticket! Click here for information, tickets and membership options.
Pencil in Oktoberfest at the Wharf, coming October 5. Enjoy the Wiener 500 (register your pup here), stein-hoisting, polka and more! More info here. Prost!
The Capitol Hill Community Foundation’s Literary Feast wants YOU to sign up for one of their intriguing, enticing dinners. Click here for more info.
On November 2, sign up to walk or volunteer for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. Raise awareness of heart conditions or learn about cardiovascular disease, which will affect almost one-half of Americans in some form or other. Click here to sign up!
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.