It may be Friday the 13, but who needs horror movies when we’re living this reality, amirite? Anyway. I’m sure by now you’ve heard there is some tacky parade going on downtown but if I were you I’d avoid it. “OMG The Hill is Home, are you anti-Army???” Well, the truth is that when I was a military spouse, Army bases felt the most hostile, but as far as I’m concerned, Hooah and all that jazz. Happy belated birthday, Army! You’re alright but getting your birthday celebration co-opted by a megalomaniac is crummy.
But if you want to attend the parade, hey––it still is kind of a freeish country–– Military Times has you covered.
June 14 is Flag Day and around here we celebrate it as DC Flag Day. From our friends at Neighbors United for DC Statehood: “Post photos on social media with #DCStatehood #DCFlagDay #FlagDay or email to unitedforstatehood@gmail.com & we will post for you!”
Looking for some parade action? Then join Free DC’s Joy Day at Anacostia Park. Don’t worry. The current administration doesn’t know that DC extends east of the Anacostia River. Probably.
Want a piece of an iconic local restaurant? Stop by Beuchert’s Saloon (623 Pennsylvania SE) on Saturday, from 11 a.m. until about 4 p.m. By the way, if you’re wondering about Mike and Ike, the buffalo heads that have watched over ten years of drunky-pants revelers at the bar, they are $4000 each or $7000 for the pair. Know anyone who might be interested? Send a DM or write to wine@beuchertssaloon.com. More info here.
It’s Second Saturday at Capitol Hill Books (7th and C SE) and you know the drill: wine and cheese starting at 5:30 p.m. and 10% off your in-person purchases through closing at 8 p.m.
And it’s also Friends of the Southeast Library sale time! Come out to the Northeast Library (7th and D NE) starting at 10 a.m. and get yourself some sweet-smelling eye candy.
The Vans Warped tour is in DC for two days only, June 14 and 15. This is their 30th year and, I’ll be honest: I don’t really recognize any of these bands, but if festivals are your thing, this should be a good time. More tickets and info here.
Looking for old timey parade action? Then come out to Lincoln Park on June 15 for the Last Run of the Horses celebration. Before there was horsepower, the Fire Department got around on actual horse power. But when engines displaced steeds, the horses got one last chance to run free through the streets of the District on June 15, 1925. So this Sunday at 1 p.m., see a 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine set off from the Rumsey Aquatic Center, 600 block of North Carolina Avenue SE, toward Lincoln Park. For more info or to donate to the DC Fire and EMS Foundation, click here.
It’s also worth pointing out that it might thunderstorm this weekend, so this could ruin outdoor plans. Catch a movie at the Miracle Theater instead?
Twelfth Night is now at the Folger Shakespeare Library. The beloved play about twins, mistaken identity, a shipwreck and happy endings is a zany, sexy romp with lots of singing, additional gender swaps, lots of yellow stockings and the feel of a European disco throughout. For tickets and other events at the Folger, click here.
And the very excellent Andy Warhol in Iran is a must-see. A two-person play that breaks down the fourth wall and gives you an incredibly thorough foreign policy, art history, culture, intersectionality and gender lesson, with not an insignificant amount of love (yes, tough, but love) for our own fractured nation? MORE LIKE THIS! Get your tickets here. Luckily for you, this incredible work of art runs through July 6.
Maketto has weekly bake sales that have a delicious array of pastries available from 9 a.m. until they sell out. Every week there is a different menu, so get on it. More info here.
The next Queer Art Salon is being held at the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities from June 13 to August 1, with an opening reception today at the Arts and Humanities Gallery, 200 I Street SE. There will also be an opening performance party at Dupont Underground later this evening. For more information and to get tickets, click here.
And at the far end of the Hill, enjoy the RFK Flea Market every Saturday, weather permitting, starting at 7 a.m. and wrapping up at 3 p.m. For more info, click here.
The Arboretum will be open until 8 p.m. starting June 1! Plan accordingly!
Don’t forget the Library of Congress has Live! at the Library events every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy something different each week against an incredible and historic background. You must have a pass to enter but all events are free. More info and RSVP here.
Want to explore our beautiful Anacostia River by boat with Anacostia Riverkeeper? Schedule a private boat tour here!
Yoga classes can be pricy, which is why you gotta take advantage of the freebies. District Flow Yoga has a free Vinyasa class at Eastern Market Metro Park. Bring your own mat, towel and water (and hand sanitizer?) and enjoy 60 minutes of yoga. More info here.
Want to dance your way to fitness? Freestyle Dan’s Fit comes to Barracks Row on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays to get your rear in gear. Check it out here.
The Saturday Rail Market at Union Station is happening this Saturday and future Saturdays, so put it on the calendar. Enjoy vintage finds and all sorts of different vendors. More information here.
It’s Parade Season at the Marine Barracks and you can reserve tickets to all upcoming shows through August 22. Click here and book your seats.
OFF-HILL
National Landing has jazz every Thursday afternoon starting at 4:30 p.m. in a series called Jazz@Met. Click here for more info and a performer line-up.
Don’t forget! The Anacostia Community Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they always have something fun going on! Learn more here.
A Dolce Vita soirée at the Stacks? Yes please! Enjoy lawn games, Aperol Spritzes and more! More information here.
PLAN AHEAD
On Saturday, June 14 at 8 p.m., enjoy Since Sondheim, a Broadway revue by Congressional Chorus at Capital Turnaround. For more info and tickets, click here.
Are you a pivoting parent? If you’ve been personally affected by this administration’s reckless treatment of federal workers, perhaps you need to pivot, especially if you have children. Pivoting Parents has been holding workshops around DC to give you ideas, networking opportunities and options. On June 17, they will hold a workshop with Lovevery’s CEO, Jessica Rolph, at the Edlavitch DCJCC. More information here and give them a follow on IG!
I will be teaching a Tarot for Beginners class at Relume on June 20! Do you have a tarot deck lying around but aren’t quite sure how to go about doing a reading for yourself? Take my intro class and learn how to establish a tarot practice to center yourself! Sign up here.
On June 21, celebrate Gays and Graves at Congressional Cemetery! This celebration features tours of notable LGBTQ+ residents of the cemetery, workshops on queer history, as well as a vendor market and more. Learn more here and sign up!
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Library of Congress on June 21. This year, the celebrations will focus on African American quilting traditions. More info and tickets here. You need a day pass to enter the Library of Congress.
BIG AND TRUE! Open Streets is finally coming to Capitol Hill! The event, which prioritizes people and fun over cars, will take place on Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will close a one-mile stretch of Hill roads: from North Carolina Avenue SE at 6th Street to 11th Street SE, through two blocks of East Capitol Street SE and finally continuing on Massachusetts Avenue SE, stopping at 17th Street SE. Learn more here and mark your calendar!
The Embassy Chef Challenge is taking place on July 10 at the Andrew W. Mellon auditorium on Constitution Avenue NW. This is your chance to delight your tastebuds with a friendly competition from embassies around the District. It’s an incredible and delicious event and you can get your tickets here.
It’s not till the end of the summer, but the Dog Days of Summer at RFK on August 26 is a great chance to learn more about pet services, products and emergency services in the District. Click here for more info as the event draws near.
On August 28-30, the DC Jazz Festival lights up the Wharf. Plan ahead and get your tickets here.