13 things to do around D.C. this weekend

The forecast may look troubling, but you know D.C. summers: Anything can happen! Pencil in an outdoor movie, block party, and forest bathing. If the skies open, don't worry – there's plenty of indoor fun to be had, too.

THURSDAY, JULY 10

Catch an outdoor movie
The Library of Congress' annual outdoor summer movie series starts Thursday night with a showing of "Grease" on the southeast lawn of the Thomas Jefferson Building. If a musical isn't your thing, Twisters (the 2024 version with Daisy Edgar Jones) is playing at The Wharf, and Clueless is showing in Mitchell Park. (Various locations and times; FREE)

Knits n' Yarns
Head to Solid State Books on H Street for a laid-back evening of crafting and chatting. Bring your knitting needles, crochet hooks, or whatever project you're working on, and be ready to discuss your to-read list. (Solid State Books H Street; 6 - 8 p.m.; FREE)

FRIDAY, JULY 11

The 51st summer happy hour!
Oh hey, that's us! Excuse the shameless plug, but we hope to see you at our little soirée on Friday. We'll be celebrating the first anniversary of the crowdfunding campaign that got The 51st off the ground. We'll also be unveiling our FIRST-EVER merch items! Stop by for a drink and a chat, and cheers to worker-led local news with us. Non-paying members, you can RSVP here. Paying members (thank you!), check your email for a special discount code. (Heurich House Biergarten; 6 - 8 p.m.; varying prices.)

Clothing swap at MLK Library
Take this as a sign to part with your jorts from ten years ago. Bring gently used clothing items to MLK Library and refresh your summer wardrobe. Participants can contribute up to 10 items in fairly decent shape. (Think: would someone want this?) Underwear, socks, swimsuits, and event t-shirts (among other items) won't be accepted. Coats and jackets are also not allowed – save those for the fall swap! You must contribute clothing in order to participate. (MLK Library; 12:30 p.m. drop-off, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. swap; FREE)

Book talk: I Want To Burn This Place Down
Have you completely lost faith in most institutions? Did your radical flower bloom a little late? You may want to hear what essayist Maris Kreizman has to say. She'll be at Solid State Books on H Street to talk about her debut essay collection, which follows her shift from a "good feminist Democrat" to an energized, angry, and even hopeful lefty. (Solid State Books H Street; 7 - 8 p.m.; FREE or $32.20 with book)

SATURDAY, JULY 12

Chinatown and Beyond guided tour
As a part of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center's new exhibit, "Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond," this guided tour will move through the gallery and end with a hands-on art activity (designing pins!) The exhibit explores Asian Americans' contributions to the physical and cultural landscape of D.C., from punk to ska. (Smithsonian American Art Museum; 12 - 3 p.m.; FREE)

Forest Bathing at the National Arboretum
Okay, you might think it sounds woo-woo, but forest bathing is genuinely proven to boost moods and improve attention spans. It involves walking slowly through nature while maintaining an easy awareness of your senses and the world around you. Lovely! This two-hour session will take place in the National Arboretum and end with a small tea ceremony. (National Arboretum; 9 - 11 a.m.; sliding scale)

Romanian Weekend at The Wharf
The Embassy of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York are hosting a three-day festival on the District Pier to celebrate Romanian culture. Head to the water for music, dance, food, performances, and more. It'll run all weekend, rain or shine. (District Pier; 12 - 8 p.m.; FREE)

Oxon Run Park Summer Block Party
DC Trail Rangers will kick off a series of summer block parties at Oxon Run this weekend with basketball, music, games, chalk art, and more. If you miss it, there will be three more over the next few weekends. (Livingston Road SE basketball courts; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; FREE)

Photography 101 workshop
Sick of trying to get a nice photo and ending up with 50 just okay ones? The Anacostia Arts Center is putting on a beginner photography course, covering composition, lighting, and camera techniques. If you don't have a fancy DSLR – no worries. The course will help you improve even iPhone photography skills. It's open to the public of all ages. (Anacostia Arts Center; 12 - 2 p.m.; FREE)

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

Jazzy Sunday in Anacostia
Grab a lawn chair and head to Marion Barry Avenue for the first of eight Sunday concerts put on by the Anacostia BID and DCity Smokehouse. There will be live jazz (obviously) and plenty of food vendors. If you can't make it Sunday, don't sweat it – they'll be running the concerts through September. (1234 Marion Barry Ave SE; 4 - 6 p.m.; FREE)

Gardening 102 at Edgewood Community Farm
Like a gardening 101 class but slightly elevated, this workshop will help beginner-to-intermediate gardeners learn the basics: soil health, watering, mulching, lighting, fertilizing, and more. After the workshop, participants will take a tour of Edgewood Community Farm to see their knowledge in action, observe plants, and ask any questions. (Edgewood Community Farm; 5 - 7 p.m.; $5)

Used book sale
Now that you've decluttered your closet at the clothing swap, you can fill it up with books you'll one day, maybe, get around to reading! The Friends of Georgetown Library is hosting a two-day used book sale, full of books in great condition. On Saturday, hardbacks are $4, paperbacks are $1-$2, and children's books are $2 and under. On Sunday, all books are half off, or you can bring a bag and fill it up for $10. (Georgetown Public Library; 1-3 p.m.; FREE entry)