Events

By: Mimi Montgomery

Bike polo, Nordic jazz, and a ton of BBQ.

Photo by Mr.TinDC

FRIDAY, JUNE 22

BIKE-O, POLO….You never knew you wanted to learn how to play bike polo, but now you can. It’s basically as it sounds–polo, except swapping out the horses for bikes. Come to the workshop to learn the basics, such as the rules, how to hold a mallet, and how to ride the bike like a real polo-player. They’ll provide all the equipment, so just show up ready to ride.

COME TO MY WINDOW…Blues-y rocker Melissa Etheridge will be in town tonight and tomorrow to perform at the Kennedy Center. As part of its NSO Pops lineup, the singer will belt it out while accompanied by the center’s orchestra. Come hear the Grammy-winning songwriter belt it amongst the strings, wind, and percussion sections.

ME WANT CHOCOLATE…Learn to satisfy your chocolate cravings without heading to CVS for a Snickers. Shop Made in D.C. is hosting a chocolate making class with the owner of Chocotenango. You’ll learn about the history of chocolate and its various types before sitting down to make the good stuff. After that, chow down.

AND…Catch two stand-up comics at once…Sip wine from down undah…Felix Da Housecat…Get your 90s jam on…Oh, yes it’s ladies night…Silently disco like ya just don’t care…RockRubber45s premiere…Write letters to folks in prison… (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Rum, art, and a climb to the top of the National Cathedral.

Photograph by Beau Finley

MONDAY, JUNE 18

WHO RUN THE WORLD?…Jennifer Palmieri was the communications director for Hillary Clinton, and advised both President Clinton and Obama in the White House. Her New York Times number one best selling book, Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World is a look at why a woman hasn’t been president (yet), and how we can change that. Palmieri will be in town tonight to discuss the book, female leadership, and how we can get a woman in the Oval Office.

BIG BLUE PUDDLE…The Story Collider’s event tonight is all about water–oceans, to be precise. Five people will take the mic to share their personal stories about the water, from a US Coast Guard caption to a marine biologist. Floaties not included.

AND…Listen to stand-up…Dive into the father-daughter relationship…Get a football-inspired workout…Learn capoeira…1968 was a crazy year...More yoga and drinkin’…Kick off a week all about bees…

Photograph by Dan McQuade

TUESDAY, JUNE 19

UP IN THE AIR…Get high in D.C.. Literally–the climb to the top spires of the Washington National Cathedral will offer some of the best views in the city. Take the 333 steps to the top of the bell tower for an up-close look at its old stained windows and groups of gargoyles. (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

A rave-like 5K, brunch on Nats field, and, yes, Hamilton is in town.

Photograph by Ted Eytan

FRIDAY, JUNE 15

LUVS ME, LUVS ME NAWT…If you never wrote a poem to the JV soccer captain that rhymed “art” with “bleeding heart,” were you ever really in love as a teen? Mortified is a show that gets adults on stage to read the embarrassing real-life notes, diary entries, love letters, poems, and songs they wrote as teenagers. Come by to relive the glory days (an extra drink for anyone who brings a cootie catcher on stage).

MY SHOT…If you’re one of the lucky few who sold their soul for a Hamilton ticket, congrats! If not, you can still pretend like you’re there. The Watergate Hotel’s Kingbird restaurant will begin hosting Friday and Saturday night Hamilton dance parties throughout the show’s run in D.C. Stop by to dance to showtunes and sip cocktails inspired by the show, like the Lafayette and the Angelica. (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Paddle the waterways, watch a senator hit balls, and celebrate the Caps.

Photo by Ted Eytan

MONDAY, JUNE 11

BOOK TALK…Did you read Fates and Furies? The New York Times bestseller was written Lauren Groff, who just came out with a book of short stories. Florida is a collection of pieces about, well, Florida, and Groff will be at Politics and Prose to talk writing and her novels tonight.

SARA’S SMILE…Ready for some smooth rock? Come belt You Make My Dreams with thousands of your closest friends at tonight’s Hall & Oates concert. With multiple Billboard hits under their belts, there’s plenty of songs you’ll know the words to.

MEDIA TRENDS…Come listen to a chat about the future of media with a line-up of in-the-know names. Axios reporter Sara Fischer will host the managing director of Ogilvy, Facebook’s head of news partnerships, the co-founder of Axios, and more.

AND…Catch THEY. at Union Stage…Protect your data…Deep dive into Alexander Hamilton’s life…See a screening of Our Father…Flex your improv muscles…Tech in the Arctic??…How to photograph Shakespeare…Chromeo at 9:30 Club…End violence against African-American women and girls…Maximize your running techniques…

Photo by Joseph Gruber

TUESDAY, JUNE 12

JUST KEEP PADDLIN’…Celebrate #YearOfTheAnacostia with a canoe paddle on the open waters. You’ll meet up with a Living Classrooms instructor to explore the waters around Kingman and Heritage Islands while learning about the history and wildlife of the Anacostia. If weather permits, you’ll catch the sunset, too.

HOCKEY <3…If you’ve been living under a rock, the Capitals won the Stanley Cup, and the city is ready to celebrate. (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

We got the Cup!! And international eats, Pride, and, as always, more rosé.

Photo by Jim Havard

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

HISTORY CHAT… Chef Edward Lee of Succotash will be hosting a cooking demonstration at the Museum of American History tonight. The James Beard Award nominee will chat about the evolution and history of Southern cuisine, and how he puts his own twist on it as a Korean-American (all while cooking fried chicken and Korean doughnuts). After, Lee will sign copies of his book, Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chef’s Journey to Discover America’s New Melting-Pot Cuisine.

INTERNATIONAL OM NOM…A group of Ibero-American embassies (countries where Portuguese or Spanish is the main language) are getting together to host a food extravaganza. Head to the Mexican Cultural Institute to try bites from Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Spain, Uruguay…the list goes on. There will be refreshments, too (think mojitos, pisco sours, and Colombian coffee), as well as live music and raffles. (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Eat your way through Adams Morgan, Pride kickoff, and go Caps!

Photo by Angela N.

MONDAY, JUNE 4

SEDARIS…Hilarious, dark-humored, and poignant David Sedaris will be in town tonight to discuss his latest collection of essay, Calypso. Whether you’re a fan of his books or have just come across a few pieces in The New Yorker, Sedaris’s dry wit and perspective on life’s peculiarities can be appreciated by all. Stick around to get your book signed.

1970S JAPAN…Hank’s Oyster Bar will become a throwback to Japan in the 1970s starting tonight. Through July, come by to give a toast to sukeban (Japanese girl bosses), tech culture, and try themed drinks like Reverse Sake Bombs and the Ever Loving Highball. (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Boozy hikes, hockey, and Peruvian food.

Photo by Flickr user ashleykalena

FRIDAY, JUNE 1

DRANK…The American craft beer festival, Savor, is in town this weekend. Stop by the National Building Museum to sample beers from 90 independent breweries across the country. Bonus: There will be snacks paired with each brew, so save room for pork belly, grilled cheese, chicken tagine, charcuterie plates…the list goes on.

THE BARD… Ever wondered how Shakespearean actors ever figure out all that old English? Learn the tricks of the trade at tonight’s behind-the-scenes talk with three Folger Theatre actors. They’ll let you know how they approach the complicated sentences, and the best ways to understand WTF is going on when you watch the Bard’s work.

PRIDE…Even though Capital Pride doesn’t start till next week, kick start the celebrations at tonight’s Museum of African Art event. You’ll get special access to Nairobi-based artist Jim Chuchu’s exhibits, which look at his process of defining his sexuality as an African gay man. A photo booth, a DJ, and food and drinks round out the night.

AND…Eat ‘za, listen to jazz…Watch Black Panther in the great outdoors…Party like a Parisian!…Groove at Hill Country…Drink beer, hear ghost stories…Request “Green Onions,” plz…Noodle to some heady, Phishy jams…Art it out in Dupont…Learn to printmake in monotype

Photo by Tim Brown

SATURDAY, JUNE 2 (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Dave Bloom

TUESDAY, MAY 29

BREW IT UP: Leading up to the big Savor Craft Beer Festival this weekend at the National Building Museum, there will be a series of brew-focused events happening throughout the city. There will be tons of tap takeovers, multi-course dinners with beer pairings, and brewery talks. Tonight, for instance, you can head to City Tap House in Penn Quarter to try stand-out sour beers from around the country. (Locations, prices, and times vary)

HISTORY STROLL: It’s always interesting to learn a little bit about White House history, but what about from someone who worked in the presidential home over 150 years ago? A historical actor will take on the role of John Ousley, who served as the first White House gardner in the mid-1800s. He’ll walk you around the area surrounding the home, and tell you about planting the seeds of what is now the storied grounds. (Lafayette Square, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE)

#HEALTHYMINDS: In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the theme of Subcontinental Drift’s open mic is #HealthyMinds. The group will partner with the South Asian mental health organization MannMukti for a night that’s all about sharing your stories, thoughts, or experiences with mental health. Come and take the stage, or simply sit back and listen. (Subcontinental Drift, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., $5)

MORE: Van Ness Compost Training Class (University of the District of Columbia, 6 – 8:30 p.m., FREE), City Bikes Pizza Ride (City Bikes – Adams Morgan, 7 p.m., FREE), Adams Morgan Outdoor Movie Night: Hairspray (Marie Reed Elementary soccer field, 8:30 – 11:30 p.m., FREE), Film & Board Game Night (Pansaari, 5:30 – 10 p.m.), Suur Toll: A Night of Estonian Animation (Suns Cinema, 8 – 11 p.m.), Bouquets and Bubbles (Tulips DC, 7 – 9 p.m., $37), Jack White (The Anthem, 7 – 10 p.m., $65 – $85), Paint Nite (Wet Dog Tavern, 7 – 9 p.m., $47.58), Cooking Class: Pasta & Dessert (Via Umbria, 7 – 9 p.m., $60) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Miki Jourdan

FRIDAY, MAY 25

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN: It’s back–today marks the summer kick-off of Jazz in the Garden. Recline amongst the pieces in the Sculpture Garden and take in tunes by saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. & Cold Front as you sip sangria, wine, or beer. While you can bring in your own snacks, you’re technically not allowed to bring in your own alcohol. Keyword = technically. (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 5 – 8:30 p.m., FREE)

BOOZY POPS, PLZ: What’s better than a popsicle on a warm day? An alcoholic popsicle on a warm day. Head to H Street’s Stable for the launch of their Schnapps-filled freeze pops. You can choose from flavors like pear, raspberry, and apricot-plum, and you can even order a glass of sparkling wine to dunk them in for a slushy treat. They’ll be around all summer, so make it a thing. (Stable, 5:30 – 11 p.m.)

D.C. BLACK PRIDE: Today marks the start of Black Pride. All throughout the long weekend, there will be events in the city. From happy hours, sexual health symposiums, history exhibits, career talks, poetry slams, town halls, block parties, nightclub gatherings, and more, the weekend is jam-packed. Come join 50,000 other people to celebrate this year’s theme — “Communities Together Building Communities.” (Locations and times vary)

SAUCE ME: Fire up those grills–tonight’s cooking class is all about sauces. You’ll learn to make at-home, tangy spreads like smoky chipotle ketchup, garlic herb mayo, BBQ sauce, and balsamic honey mustard to seriously up your cooking flavors. While you mix and whisk, enjoy a welcome cocktail, amuse bouche, and wine and beer. (Tastemakers, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., $65)

MORE: Spargelfest Dinner (German Embassy, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., $87 – $97), Sollers Point Filmmaker Q&A (West End Cinema, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., $9.50 – $12.50), Georgetown Comedy Show (Chinese Disco, 7 – 9:30 p.m., FREE), Rosé All Day (Shop Made in D.C., 12 noon – 8 p.m.), Nicolay & the Hot Nights with James A.M. Downes (City Winery, 6 – 10 p.m., $15 – $20), Molly Crabapple with Latoya Peterson: Brothers of the Gun (East City Bookshop, 6:30 – 7 p.m., FREE), Opening Reception: Magali Hébert-Huot (Hamiltonian, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Flickr user Erin

SATURDAY, MAY 26

TREE HUGGERS UNITE: Like walking tours? Cool. Like trees? Even better! Take a holiday weekend stroll through the leafy and tree-lined streets of Georgetown with professional tour guides. Not only will you get some historical background on the tony neighborhood, but you’ll get to learn all about the different types of trees that call the cobblestone streets home. Just, you know–watch out for that rabid raccoon that was on the loose. (Meet at Dumbarton House, 12 noon – 2 p.m., $18 – $20)

JUST TALK: This event is pretty much as it sounds–Meaningful Conversations with Strangers is quite literally a meet-up that fosters meaningful convos with strangers. You’ll meet at the Lincoln Memorial with your other chatters before dispersing across the Mall holding signs offering intelligent convo. From there, let the topics and connections flow. (Lincoln Memorial, 5 – 7 p.m., FREE)

JAZZY: The free outdoor series Petworth Jazz Project kicks off for another season today. Come first thing for a 30-minute kids performance by Baba Ras D before settling in and listening to local jazz pianist Federico Gonzalez Peña. There will be a BBQ food truck if you’re hungry, or take advantage of the holiday weekend and try to squeeze into Timber Pizza or Himitsu. (Petworth Rec Center, 6 – 9 p.m., FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Eric Sidle

MONDAY, MAY 21

ORCHIDDING ME: No more Trader Joe’s bouquets for you! Head to the National Arboretum to learn the ways of the green thumb from a master. Jeff Morris, orchid-grower extraordinaire, will walk you through taking care of these finicky plants, and you’ll have exquisite blooms of your own in no time. (National Arboretum, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., FREE)

BIZ TALKS: Atlantic Media owner David Bradley oversees publications such as the Atlantic, National Journal and the Hotline, Quarts, and Government Executive, not to mention consulting companies like Corporate Executive Board and the Advisory Board Company. Come pick the business mogul’s brain at a fireside chat tonight. (The Alley, 6 – 9 p.m., $25)

THE THEATAH: Ever wanted to dip your toe into the theater world? Now’s your chance. At tonight’s Direct an Epic Workshop, Constellation Theatre Company’s artistic director, Allison Stockman, will walk you through how to direct your own production, and will share her insights from putting together shows. (Constellation Theatre Company, 7 – 9 p.m., $25)

MORE: Oud Beersel Beer Dinner (Brasserie Beck, 5 p.m.), Cinema Lounge Discussion: Science Fiction (Teaism Penn Quarter, 7 – 9 p.m.), Rooftop MacRostie California Wine Tasting (The Watergate Hotel, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., $50), D.C. Premiere of Soufra (GW Lisner Auditorium, 7:30 – 10 p.m., FREE), D.C. Death Cafe (The Potter’s House, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE), Jim Holt: When Einstein Walked with Gödel (Politics and Prose, 7 – 8 p.m., FREE), Carla dal Forno (Union Stage, 7:30 p.m., $15 – $35)

Photo by Flickr user Josh

TUESDAY, MAY 22

ART TOUR: See the National Gallery in a new light. Senior Lecturer David Gariff’s tour “Images of Labor” takes you through the portrayal of workers and their work in the museum’s permanent collection. From artists like Joseph M.W. Turner to Winslow Homer, you’ll get a new perspective on old pieces. (National Gallery of Art, 1 – 2 p.m., FREE) (more…)