We’re at the end of June, halfway through the year, and there is a break in the heat wave. Let’s go do things!
Want to support DC’s Home Rule this weekend and always? Let’s start by writing a letter to the Council of the District of Columbia so they, in turn, prioritize Home Rule in the FY ’26 budget. Write your letter here.
BIG AND TRUE! Open Streets is finally coming to Capitol Hill! The event, which prioritizes people and fun over cars, will take place THIS 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! Oh, and check out this fun reel I made, highlighting the route!
Next week is the Fourth of July! Stop by a concert on July 3rd at Union Station, 2-4 p.m., where Washington, D.C.-based cellist Johnny Walker Jr., with violinists Elliot and Clarke Randolph, will perform a set of patriotic favorites framed by our beautiful station. To learn more about this and other performances at Union Station, click here.
The National Building Museum always has a great summer exhibit and this one is no different. Momentum Park(our), coming July 3-20, is an interactive exhibit where kids of all ages can experience the exhilaration of parkour in a safe manner, while understanding how architecture plays an important role in these acrobatic feats. For more information, click here.
The Capitol Hill Fourth of July parade is a yearly tradition in the heart of our neighborhood. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. along 8th Street SE (Barracks Row). Find all the information you need here.
On June 27 (today) enjoy whiskey and space travel with their special Flight to Mars whiskey tasting. Click here for more information and tickets.
It’s also worth pointing out that it might thunderstorm AND there is a heat emergency 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.
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.
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.
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
The Arboretum will be open until 8 p.m. starting June 1! Plan accordingly!
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.
PLAN AHEAD
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.
Did you know that the United States Botanic Garden is staying open late the third Thursday of every month? On July 17, stay until 8 p.m. and listen to Pine Apple, a local bad that plays funky and Bossa Nova-ey covers and originals. Enjoy the gift shop, drinks, mocktails, icy treats and fun!
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.
The Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival is coming to DC October 10-12. Tickets are on sale NOW!