12 things to do around D.C. this weekend
That don't require interfacing with that other, massive event on the National Mall.
Getting around D.C. this weekend might be difficult on account of that $45 million birthday party Trump is throwing for himself – er, the U.S. Military — but don't worry; there is plenty of fun, mostly free, non-weaponized stuff to get up to in the city.
Celebrate what you love in D.C. — from queer community, to well-running public transit, to kids who rock out very hard.
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Writerly Happy Hour
Head to No Kisses Bar in Petworth for an evening of literary linking. Put on by the local writers’ group The Innerloop, the event is open to anyone interested in chatting about their work and how it's going (or not going). Folks from the D.C. Writers Room, Pen/Faulkner, and The Writer’s Center will be hanging around, too. (No Kisses; 6 - 8 p.m.; FREE)
And Housing For All at Politics and Prose
Founder of the National Homelessness Law Center Maria Foscarini will be visiting the Union Market Politics and Prose to talk about her new book: And Housing For All: The Fight To End Homelessness in America. Foscarini will be in conversation with Pam Fessler, a veteran NPR editor and correspondent. The event is free, and seating is first come, first served. (Politics and Prose Union Market; 7 p.m.; FREE)
Andy Warhol in Iran
High stakes meets hijinks! It’s 1976, and less than 3 years before her exile, the Empress Farah beckons Andy Warhol to begin pop-art portraits of the royals. When a University student takes Warhol hostage to publicize his group’s demands, a life-or-death struggle ensues over revolution, responsibility, and the arts. (May 29 - June 29; Mosaic Theater Company at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE; $42-$70)
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Pop-up Trivia at the Farm
Edgewood Community Farm will be running a speedy two-hour trivia game, led by “puzzle-obsessed hosts.” You can either register with a team or show up solo, join a new one, and lock in. The event is free – although a donation for the Community Farm is suggested – and the stakes are low; the winning team will get a $25 gift card to metrobar. (Edgewood Community Farm; 7 - 9 p.m.; FREE)
Duplexity at Dance Place
The Dance Place, a nonprofit dance space that supports artists and dancers across D.C., will be exploring the connections between queer joy and queer loneliness through movement, spoken word, and light. (3225 8th Street NE; 7 p.m.; $30 general admission; $20 artists and college students)
Home Rule Music Festival youth jam
The "Rooted in Rhythm" youth showcase will bring together several kids' ensembles, from the D.C. Public Schools go-go band to Girls Rock D.C. for an evening of tunes at Woolly Mammoth. The show is truly for kids by kids; Duke Ellington Theatre Production students will be stage managing! You can buy your tickets here. (Woolly Mammoth; 6 - 9 p.m.; $15-25)
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Dew Drops' Dyke Party
Everyone’s favorite watering hole Dew Drop Inn is teaming up with Metro DC DSA’s bodily autonomy working group for an evening of gay festivities – for a cause. There will be an art market (a gallery dedicated to u-hauling), a dunk tank, DJs, and more. The event is free to attend, but you can purchase a $5 raffle ticket; the proceeds will go toward the working group’s sexual care kits. (Dew Drop Inn; 3 p.m. – late; FREE)
LBGTQ+ Benefit Concert at Atlas Brew Works
Live music for a cause – what’s better!? Ivy City’s Atlas Brew Works is hosting an all-day affair: nine bands from across the East Coast will perform sets throughout the afternoon and evening. The entrance fee is $15, and all of the proceeds will go to the Trevor Project, the local harm reduction group HIPS, and the D.C. advocacy group SMYAL, which supports queer and trans youth across the city. (Atlas Brew Works Ivy City; 2 - 8 p.m.; $15)
ArtRave in Dupont
Browse goods from dozens of artists, crafters, jewelers, and vintage purveyors in Dupont. They’ll be out and about from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – so sleep in or head out after lunch. You’ll find the stalls starting on Massachusetts Avenue. (1913 Massachusetts Avenue NW; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; FREE)
Jazz in the Parks at Walter Reed
Tired of Jazz in the Garden? What about jazz in the park? The Blues Alley Youth Quartet, Herm Hopkins, and Baba Ras D will be performing on the Great Lawn at the Walter Reed campus. Bring yourself, a blanket, snacks, and even the kids. (The evening kicks off with a children’s performance!) (The Great Lawn at Walter Reed; 5 - 8 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Death cafe
It is how it sounds. If you’re looking for a group to openly discuss death and dying, this is it. Rhizome will be hosting the discussion group, with coffee, tea, and desserts. The event has a cap of 20 people in order to keep the conversation small. (Rhizome; 3 - 5 p.m.; FREE, donation suggested)
Adams Morgan Transit Party
To celebrate the completion of the Columbia Road Bus Priority Project, which added protected bike lanes and a dedicated bus lane to the busy Adams Morgan roadway, transit heads will be hanging out in Unity Park. There will be music, food, and a thank-you writing station to send to the city's Department of Transportation. (Unity Park; 4 - 8 p.m.; FREE)
Anacostia Bird House Build
Using scrap wood from construction sites, Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. and Virginia will show you how to make your own bird house. All supplies and tools will be provided, and upon completion, you can either take your bird house home or donate it to a Habitat homeowner. After the build, stick around for a picnic. (Anacostia Park Recreation Center; 2 - 4 p.m.; $10 suggested donation)
