250 years ago tomorrow, a whole bunch of men wearing coats and stockings got together in Philadelphia in a room with no air conditioning and signed a very special document. Aside from the pride of knowing that this American experiment is one year older, I often think about how the room must have smelled back then. There’s your deep thought for the weekend. What shall we do?
Well, it *is* Fourth of July weekend, but the heat is awful. If you’re out and about, try to stay hydrated and keep your thermostat a little higher than you normally would (78 degrees, to be exact). You could also drop it down to 68 degrees to crash the grid and own the Libs. You do you: That’s the beauty of this American experiment.
My pick for this hot, hot, sweltering weekend? Stay in and watch the World Cup. That’s what I’ll be doing, anyway.
Tomorrow, don’t miss the Capitol Hill Blue Ribbon Pie Contest. Drop off your entries –whether sweet or savory– on July 4 between 8 and 11:30 a.m. The judging will happen at 12:30 p.m. and I am proud to be a judge (pls bring savories). More information here.
Don’t forget to check out Eastern Market at the Flea Market while you’re there! The indoor market opens every day except Monday at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. except on Sundays, where it closes at 5 p.m. On weekends, the outdoor market runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Several outdoor activities have been canceled, such as Ginkgo Gardens’ sidewalk sale and sundaes– that one will happen on July 11, btw.
Don’t forget: Every Thursday, the Library of Congress stays open until 8 p.m. and invites everyone to their Live! At the Library of Congress events. Check out the full list here and make your plan. Don’t forget to RSVP!
FOURTH OF JULY
Come down to 8th Street SE and celebrate the Fourth of July with the biggest little parade around! The Capitol Hill Fourth of July parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the corner of 8th and I Streets, SE. More details here. PLEASE WEAR A HAT AND STAY HYDRATED.
But if you would rather skip a parade (*collective gasp*) and celebrate with Congressional Cemetery (*eager nod*) then check out the Elrbidge Gerry America 250 celebration on July 4 at 10 a.m. Is that the distant strains of the Dueling Banjos I hear? More info on this event here.
SUMMER MOVIES
The summer outdoor movie lineup is up at the Library of Congress and the movies start on July 9. Buy some stock on OFF! Deep Woods and let’s go. Check it out here.
Sunset Movies at the Wharf goes through September 2. If you’re looking for a fun Wednesday plan, you can do no better! Check it out here.
OFF-HILL
Starting July 1, Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons in Georgetown has some very delicious-sounding cocktails to celebrate America’s special birthday. Enjoy tasty drinks like the Red Glare, which features Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, cherry-vanilla cordial and lemon, served over a large rock and garnished with red drunken cherries.
PLAN AHEAD
The DC Jazz Festival has tickets on sale already! Mark your calendar for August 30 and 31 at the Wharf! Get your tickets here.
The Anacostia Youth Media Festival happens in September but they are already accepting entries. Click here and check it all out.
Pandafest is coming to DC on August 15 and 16. Get your early bird tickets here.