What’s Going On This Week? Here are the Best Events in Town

By: Mimi Montgomery

What to Do This Week in D.C. (8/20 – 8/23)

Israeli cooking, Shakespeare, and burgers.

Photo by Josh Bassett

MONDAY, AUGUST 20

HISTORY, SIDE OF BEER…Come out and enjoy a beer made from a recipe stored in the National Museum of American History. This blend is made with New York, Oregon, and Bavarian hops, and it hasn’t been produced in 78 years. Try it yourself at Right Proper while a panel of historians, authors, and beer specialists talk about historical brewing. There will also be food via another recipe stored in the museum’s archives.

LEARN 2 COOK…Learn the basics of Israeli cooking at a Sixth & I class. A chef and food writer will lead you through the steps of making latkes, ceviche, date and honey cake, and plenty more. After, you’ll sit down to a buffet dinner to reward yourself for all your hard work (and everything served is kosher).

AND…Music trivia…Do some figure drawing…Take a drum class…All-levels capoeira…Post-pregnancy workout…Comics + cocktails…Check out some plants…Stories from the Zika fight…Tiki time…

Photo by Jim Havard

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21

SUP…Ever wanted to stand-up paddleboard? Now’s your chance. Capital SUP is hosting a series of introductory classes for local paddlers, where you’ll learn all the basics such as paddling techniques, water safety, and navigation. Bring your own board or rent equipment, and get ready to be cruising in no time.

ROMEO, OH ROMEO…But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? Yep, it’s Romeo and Juliet. For two weeks, you can catch a free performance of the classic Shakespearean love story-meets-tragedy. Follow the dueling Capulets and Montagues with the Shakespeare Theatre Company, which will perform the show through September 2. (Did we mention it’s free?)

AND…FedTalks…Make bouquets, drink bottomless champagne…A women’s bike ride…Barrel-aged beer battles…Paint a desert scene…All about some grass…

Photo by Adam Fagen

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22

EAT UR VEGGIES…Enjoy all the fresh summer bounty while you still can! Little Coco’s will host a prix-fixe dinner tonight that’s all about the veggies. Sit down to five courses of dishes such as tomatoes and burrata, roasted summer squash, and grilled peaches. Each dish comes with a wine pairing, as well.

PUNKY…Like punk? You’ll definitely want to check out the D.C. Punk Archive, which is a collection following the history of punk in the District. Even better–they’re hosting a series of outdoor punk concerts to complement the exhibit. Tonight, hang out and listen to Stronger Sex & Peace and Body Roll Duo BOOMscat. Rock on.

AND…Free tunes at the Wharf…Practice your Arabic…Shooter Jennings at City Winery…Drink beer, learn about space food…Late night at the National Building Museum…Dive into the Beatles…Pair some white wine and cheese…

Photo by Mr.TinDC

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

HAMBURGLAR…Loosen your belts–it’s the D.C. Burger Battle. The second-annual event will see spots like Sign of the Whale, Penn Commons, and Rebellion facing off to see who can cook the meanest patty. Your ticket will get you a burger from each spot, beer, live music, and games, and you’ll get to cast your vote to crown the newest D.C. burger champion.

HAIR CARE…Rungrl will host a conversation tonight focusing on how difficult it can be for African-American women to take care of their hair while exercising. A stylist and fitness expert will talk everything hair care, and don’t forget to bring your favorite hair products. Afterward, you’ll do a product swap, and leave with some new goods.

AND…Free music on the LoC lawn…Dinner at the Bulgarian Embassy…Isabelle De Leon at KenCen…Take a bike tour of D.C…Tunes in the U.S. Botanic Garden…A historical tour of the National Cathedral…A body-focused writing workshop…