1330 19th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants of Washington, D.C. have always made commitment to support the local community, and this year, Kimpton is excited to launch a new partnership with Shop Made in DC, a Dupont Circle-based retail incubator showcasing local makers and their goods a selection of over 100 products made solely in the District. With the new partnership, Shop Made in DC will roll out programming at each of Kimpton’s 10 boutique hotels in Washington, D.C. including a “Make a Getaway” hotel package with an overnight stay, welcome gift of a small batch of locally roasted Lost Sock Roasters coffee, a Shop Made in DC tote bag, hand-illustrated postcard by D.C.-based artist Carlos Carmonamedina, and a $15 credit to spend at the shop. Additionally, Kimpton will offer meeting and event activations at each hotel that can be arranged by planners who want to add some local flare for their attendees to experience, featuring DIY sessions with select District-based makers. To celebrate the two locally loved brands’ partnership, Washingtonians can toast the launch with a refreshing complimentary Lost Sock Roasters nitro cold brew coffee on the house to the first 500 locals to swing by Kimpton’s cart outside of Shop Made in DC’s Dupont Circle storefront.

WHO: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants with Shop Made in DC

WHEN: Wednesday, August 1, 2018
7:00 – 10:00 a.m., while supplies last Read More

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… Read 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. Read 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) Read More

2400 T Street, NE courtesy Small Planes Coffee

From a press release:

“Small Planes Coffee is excited to open the doors of our roasting facility to the public! In June 2017, Small Planes Coffee began roasting coffee at 2400 T St NE near the National Arboretum. We are now thrilled to welcome our northeast DC neighbors, Arboretum visitors, and coffee lovers throughout the region into our roastery on Saturdays from 9am-2pm

Each week, we will choose one coffee from our catalog to brew. That featured coffee will be on sale as a 12 ounce bag of whole beans at a discounted $9.99 price. Visitors will also be able to select from the rest of our whole bean offerings and home brewing equipment. We are currently pairing our coffee with sweet and savory kolaches from Republic Kolache.

Beginning on May 20, we will begin offering Roastery Tours and Tastings. Read More

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Flickr user Nikoo’s Photos

FRIDAY, MAY 4

‘ZA AND JAZZ: Friday means it’s quittin’ time, so kick back with some jazz and pizza at A Baked Joint. Every Friday, a live jazz band takes to the bakery-meets-coffee-shop-meets-cocktail-spot; tonight, Three Man Soul Machine will be in the house playing Caribbean-inspired jazz fusion. (A Baked Joint, 7:30 – 10 p.m., FREE)

PETAL POWER: So it is true — April showers bring May flowers. At least that’s the case at the 79th Annual Flower Mart, kicking off today. Through Saturday, come to the National Cathedral for food, artisanal goods, an antique carousel, and — of course — plenty of flower displays. (Washington National Cathedral, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., FREE)

THE FORCE IS STRONG IN THIS COCKTAIL: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (aka D.C.), May the Fourth was with us. Celebrate the unofficial Star Wars day in appropriate style with themed cocktails — perhaps a Toast of Tatooine or a Lord of the Sith? (EatBar, prices vary)

ISLAND LIFE: If you step on Bahamian soil without leaving D.C., it still kinda counts as a vacation, right? The Embassy of the Bahamas will host a celebration of all things Caribbean tonight. Think a buffet of conch fritters, fried plantains, and coconut bread pudding; a diplomatic meet-and-greet; a DJ spinning island-inspired tunes; and, of course, an open bar with tons of rum. (Embassy of the Bahamas, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., $52)

MORE: New Music Friday: Leon Bridges Good Thing (Songbyrd Record Cafe, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., FREE), Park View First Friday (Park View, 6 – 9 p.m.), Lord Huron with Midnight Sister (The Anthem, 6:30 p.m., $40 – $60), DIY Paper Flower Making (Shop Made in D.C., 6 – 7 p.m., $45), Rhode Island Independence Day Celebration (Franklin Hall, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.), Curated! A Symposium on Collecting (DAR Museum, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Photo by Caroline Angelo

SATURDAY, MAY 5

RUN, CHIHUAHUA, RUN!: Yeah, there’s that whole Kentucky Derby thing today, but what about a chihuahua race? That will be happening this afternoon at the Wharf in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Stop by to grab a Corona and watch the mini pups take off toward the finish line. There will be a doggie costume contest, live music, food, and a beer garden, too (and did we mention there will be a chihuahua race?). (The Wharf, 1 – 5 p.m., FREE) Read More

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Brandon Kopp

MONDAY, APRIL 23

PRESERVE IT: Today, the Library of Congress will be celebrating Preservation Week. You can go check out a lecture on the Library’s work to preserve veterans’ legacies, check out special collections, and go on a tour to see how rare artifacts are preserved. (Library of Congress, times vary, FREE, registration required)

CREATIVE HAPPY HOUR: Calling all D.C. creatives! Come meet up, swap ideas, and get to know your fellow artists at a happy hour. Hang out under the Liz Taylor eyes at Dacha and mingle over good food and beer. (Dacha Beer Garden, 4 – 8 p.m., FREE, registration required) Read More

By: Mimi Montgomery

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

Photo by Ted Eytan

ART WALK: Come check out the Art Walk at Monroe Street Market for its first event of the year. The artist’s studios will be open, the live music will be playing, and the cocktails will be flowing. Try your hand at pottery or watercolor painting, and enjoy treats from &pizza, Busboys and Poets, Holy Crepes food truck, and more. (Monroe Street Market, 5 – 8 p.m., FREE)

SNOW CHILD: Tonight marks the world premiere of the musical Snow Child, which is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. It follows a couple in the 1920s Alaskan wilderness trying to rebuilding their marriage after losing a child. Then everything changes as soon as a child emerges from the woods surrounding their cabin… (Arena Stage, times and prices vary)

CRAFT + COCKTAILS: Collaging gets amped up a notch with cocktails at Shop Made in D.C. Tonight, join Capitol Hill Arts Workshop teacher Cherie Lester to make a collage on ready-to-hang hardwood. Choose from fabric, paint, paper, or bring your own memorabilia; whatever you choose, Lester will be there to help you lay out the design. (Did we mention there’ll be cocktails?) (Shop Made in D.C., 6 – 8 p.m., $34)

FLOWER CROWN + PLAY: The Lemon Collective will take things off-site for tonight’s event. Meet the crew at Folger Theater to make your own flower crown before heading in to see its production of The Winter’s Tale. A ticket includes crown materials and signature cocktails inspired by the play. (Folger Theater, 6 – 8 p.m., $25)

MORE: Gin Deconstructed (The Gibson, 7 – 10 p.m.), Literary Cocktails: Scott Pilgrim (Petworth Citizen, 7 p.m.), Thai New Year (Thai Xing, times vary), Adams Morgan Mommy Meet-Up (Pitango Gelato, 3 – 7 p.m., FREE), Mimi Miller Fashion Pop-Up Shop (W Washington D.C Hotel, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., FREE), 15th Annual Viennese Ball at the French Embassy (Embassy of France, 7 – 11:30 p.m., $85 – $165)

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Photo by Flickr user Erin

CHERRY BLOSSOM PARADE: It’s the big finale of all the cherry blossom madness–the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Head to Constitution Avenue to watch the seasonal celebration hosted by ACB7’s Alison Starling and Jonathan Elias. Keep your eyes peeled for big-time cameos like rapper Silento, Cara Mund aka Miss America, and Carla Hall of The Chew. (Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, 10 a.m., FREE)

VINO, PLZ: The weather is going to be awesome today, so if you need even more excuses to head out and drink, look no further than DC Wine Fest’s spring shindig. Sample vinos from a bevy of wineries both local and afar while taking in the art at Long View Gallery. There will be live music and food, too. (Long View Gallery, times and prices vary)

YOU’RE THE EXPERT: The podcast You’re the Expert uses comedy to dive into scientific research. In each episode, comedians try to guess what a scientist studies, and tonight it’s taping an episode live in DC. Come hear comedians like Scott Adsit from Veep and 30 Rock try to figure out how a National Geographic Explorer spends his or her days. (National Geographic Museum, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $25)

EMANCIPATION DAY: It’s Emancipation Day, the celebration of President Abraham Lincoln freeing slaves in the District of Columbia (which he did prior to signing the Emancipation Proclamation). To commemorate the historic event, there will be a concert, parade, and fireworks in Freedom Plaza. The best part? Singer Brandy will be there performing. (Freedom Plaza, 2 – 8:45 p.m., FREE) Read More

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Archie Thomason

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

CHOCOLATE, PLEASE: Cut out the middle make and learn how to make chocolate yourself. Ismael Neggaz, the man behind Chocotenango, will be at Shop Made in D.C. for a hands-on workshop. You’ll learn about the history of chocolate, how to discern good vs. mediocre stuff, and make some treats, too. (Shop Made In D.C., 6 – 8:30 p.m., $80)

TOTALLY AWESOME CON: Awesome Con is the District’s version of Comic Con, aka an event bringing together fans of comic and the movies, books, games, and TV shows they inspire. The event kicks off today and goes through Sunday, with plenty of time for talks, meet-and-greets, screenings, crafts, and more. (Walter E. Washington Convention Center, prices and times vary)

SEDER: Need somewhere to celebrate Passover? Teddy & the Bully Bar will host a special Seder tonight and Saturday, complete with matzoh ball soup, potato latkes, gefilte fish, and brisket. If you would like a Haggadah at your table, the restaurant can accomodate that – just ask! (Teddy & the Bully Bar, 5 p.m. – close, $45)

BURNING MAN: Whether you’re a Burner (Burning Man attendee) or wouldn’t be caught dead waving a glow stick in the desert, this new exhibit at the Renwick is pretty cool. No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man opens today, and it follows the evolution of the radical festival. Artwork for the event will be on-display, too, both in the museum and in the surrounding neighborhood. (The Renwick Gallery, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.,  FREE)

MORE: Lucy Rose (Union Stage, 8 p.m., $18), Women in Cryptocurrency (The Lemon Collective, 7 – 8:30 p.m., FREE), Dinner Reception at Saudi Arabian Embassy (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 7 – 9:15 p.m.)

Photo by Victoria Pickering

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

GO FLY A KITE: Pray for wind – it’s the Cherry Blossom Kite Festival! Head to the Washington Monument to watch experts and novices alike take to the sky. Feel free to bring your own, or just want the many competition and demonstrations. There will be everything from kite trick demonstrations to a makers competition. (The National Mall, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., FREE) Read More

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Tim Brown

MONDAY, MARCH 26

PRIX-FIXE POP UP: Ampara Fondita is a forthcoming Mexican restaurant focusing on seafood. Before it opens its brick-and-mortar location, check out its cuisine at a pop-up. Hosted at Timber Pizza, the four-course prix-fixe menu offers dishes like grilled squid, wood-roasted pineapple, mussels, and whole red snapper. (Timber Pizza Company, 7 – 10 p.m., $90)

DOCU NIGHT: Little Voices from Fukushima is a documentary about mothers and their children living in areas affected by nuclear disasters. It looks at both Chernobyl and Fukushima, and compares the effects of both on their surrounding environments, and the recuperation efforts to help those affected. (Busboys and Poets – Takoma, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., FREE)

WOMEN IN STEM: To wrap up Women’s History Month, come to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where it will host an event focused on women in STEM fields. There will be a discussion on issues and barriers women in STEM jobs faces, as well as a keynote address, panel, and Q&A session. (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2 – 5 p.m., FREE, registration required)

MORE: Gun Violence: Public Health & the Second Amendment (Georgetown Law, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., FREE), SayHerName: Activist Happy Hour (Busboys and Poets – Brookland, 5:30 – 8 p.m., FREE), An Evening With Finback & RAR (ChurchKey, 4 – 11 p.m. FREE), Learn to Use a Sewing Machine (Petworth Library, 12 noon – 2 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Flickr user Erin

TUESDAY, MARCH 27

CITY VEGGIES: Summer is coming, which means fresh produce. Why not grow your own? Learn how at tonight’s workshop, which focuses on growing veggies in the city. It will teach you how to plant vegetables that grow quickly and require less space, so you can take advantage of whatever outdoor space you have. Stick after to pick out your own plants, soil, and pots. (District Hardware and Bike, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE, registration required) Read More