This one of my favorite parts of living in DC. It’s not the festivals in and of themselves, rather, for me, it is simply stumbling upon them that is so much fun. This happened to me both Sat. (more on Sat. tomorrow) and Sun. On Sunday I stumbled upon the Festival of the Americas on the property of the Organization of the American States (17th and Constitution, NW). There was great music, food, drinks, and performances. Anyone else check it out – planned or unplanned? Plus I got to see this phenomenal pool and sculpture:

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)



Getting an early start Wed. afternoon outside Alero at 13th and U Streets, NW

Lots of folks have been asking me for suggestions. My very simple advice is to hit 14th Street, NW. Masa 14 if you are south of U Street. But for those who wish to do it the Columbia Heights way – I’d suggest starting off at the new Alero on 14th between Monroe and Park for some drinks. Then hit Taqueria Del Distrito Federal a bit further north at 3463 14th St, NW for some authentic grub. Then head over to Social (14th and Meridian) for some more drink specials and if you still have any fuel in the tank, finish up at Red Derby (14th and Quincy) with cans of Tecate.

Whatever you decide to do – have fun and be safe!


I’m happy/terrified to announce that I’ll be one of the judges for this year’s sundress fest at Wonderland (11th and Kenyon Streets, NW) on Sunday (party starts at 2pm, judging will take place in the early evening). Other judges include Dan Searing from Room 11, James O’Brien from Red Rocks and lead singer of O’Tasty, Nikki Caporale from City Paper, and John Andrade from Meridian Pint. Contestants are both male and female.


The tour takes place Saturday, May 1, 10 am – 4 pm and you can find more info here. From an email:

“Behind the doors of DC’s embassies await a wealth of cultural treasures most residents and visitors will never experience in one day–that is until Passport DC rolls around. For the third year Passport DC provides an authentic insider experience of the diplomatic community that allows DC to rightly claim a place as one of the world’s most international cities.

Visitors can enjoy the cultural diversity of the embassies of Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin and Brazil. From “A” (Australia) to Z (Zambia), each embassy will feature its own potpourri of culture from cuisine to artisan markets, traditional music to dance, and other activities for the whole family.

A SAMPLING after the jump. (more…)


If you find yourself on Barracks Row (8th St, SE) in the near future you have to look in the windows of Ted’s Bulletin. There are tons of great details. Even great details from the outside:

They’ll be participating in Taste of 8th which takes place this Sat. from 1-4pm. Tickets ($5 each or 5 for $20) can be purchased at 8th and E Streets, SE. You can see all the participating restaurants here.


“Dear PoP,

I wanted to pass along this unique opportunity for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day today. We just confirmed that Sec. Duncan will discuss how education can play a role in developing a green economy for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Also, Sec. Salazar of Interior, Donovan of HUD, Sen. Cantwell and Congressman Blumenauer will also be present, in addition to a rally to save the whales since Obama is lifting the ban on commercial whaling today. The event is located directly off the Smithsonian Orange Line Metro exit on the National Mall.”


“Dear PoP,

Mount Pleasant is celebrating the season with this “progressive party” where visitors can go from business to business on Mount Pleasant Street, NW, and take advantage of great offers at local shops and restaurants. We’d greatly appreciate it if you could share this event with your readers. More info here.

As you know, Mount Pleasant Street is close to Columbia Heights Metro, on the S and H bus lines and it’s the start/end of the 42 bus.

We look forward to seeing all of our neighbors there!”


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