Next weekend is the Fourth of July and, to be exact, it’s the 250th time we celebrate the date. I hear there are some fun things planned down at the National Mall, such as a State Fair without State Fair fare; a concert that’s just a political rally AND MORE! This short but sweet reel from Councilmember Christina Henderson does the kind of hard-hitting journalism that you need when you’re wondering if walking down the Hill is worth it. (Spoiler alert: Ehhhhh.)
Alright. So what can you do this whole week? You can spend a fair amount of time perfecting your pie recipe so I, along with an esteemed panel of judges, can judge it during 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. More information here.
Tonight, go listen to some go-go at Eastern Market Metro park, 5-6:30 p.m. as POCK3T Youth light up the stage. For more information, click here.
Did you know it’s Archaeology Month? I had no idea either! But the folks at Archaeology in the Community have organized two events that may interest you– one at Garfield Park this afternoon, starting at 6 p.m. starting at 2nd and F Streets SE, and one at the Anacostia Community Museum on Saturday, June 27, starting at 10:30. Click here for more information.
On June 28, go to Eastern Market Metro Plaza for an event from Turning the Page, starting at 10:30 a.m. Make learning fun! More info here. Learn more about Turning the Page’s mission 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.
Looking for chill mid-week fun? The Pie Shop has shows almost every night of the week. On Wednesday, July 1, catch Massie (listen), Keaton Schiller (listen) and Birthday Girl (listen). It’s an all-girl lineup! Get your tickets here.
Want to kick off America’s birthday early? In July, Barracks Row Main Street is holding America 250 concerts at Eastern Market Metro Plaza, starting on Friday, July 3. All performances kick off at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
By the way, there is more than one birthday kid on the scene! Relume is celebrating their number 3 this whole weekend, with aura readings, giveaways and more! More info here.
Ginkgo Gardens is turning a ripe and delightful 26! Stop by on Friday, July 3 from 12-5 p.m. to enjoy some Captain Cookie ice cream and treats and drop in all day for a soil-mixing bar and an awesome sidewalk sale. Ginkgo Gardens is at 911 11th Street SE and is one of the dreamiest stores on the Hill.
Also on July 3, Hill’s Kitchen v2.0 turns ONE! They will be celebrating with a cookbook swap and cake. Drop by! More info here.
Take a boat tour with Anacostia Riverkeepers on Tuesdays! Multiple dates are available. Click here to reserve.
Is a private tour more your thing? Check out this form.
Hey, did you know Chat’s Liquors goes live every Wednesday to talk about Whiskey? Yep! Check it out here.
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.
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.
The real peanut gallery question is whether Mayor Bowser will snub our parade again this year. I mean, she’s not getting re-elected, so she has even fewer reasons to cross North Capitol Street, you know? (/cattiness)
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
Are you into silliness, building your own bikes, ingenuity and that carbonated tang of Red Bull? YEAH! Then the Red Bull Spin Off at the District Wharf will charm you and get your creative juices flowing. Click here for more info and start building that bike!
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.
Pandafest is coming to DC on August 15 and 16. Get your early bird tickets here.