Bring food or drinks for a potluck picnic at Edgewood Community Farm, and watch the neighborhood fireworks once it gets dark. (Courtesy of Edgewood Community Farm)
But the good news is, there’s also a lot going on around D.C. this long holiday weekend that has nothing to do with Freedom 250. If you’re not skipping town, you can enjoy late-night comedy and “summerween” at a tiki bar, a history walking tour and World Cup games, crafting events, community fundraisers, a creative writing workshop inspired by birds, and more. Do your best to stay hydrated and upbeat out there!
THURSDAY, JULY 2
Spend an evening taking in art at the Phillips Collection while listening to music and enjoying performances and activities at their Summer Fiesta. (Courtesy of the Phillips Collection)
Phillips After 5: Summer Fiesta 📍 The Phillips Collection (1600 21st St. NW) ⏰ 5 - 8:30 p.m. 💸 $20; free for members Escape the heat with a summer fiesta at the Phillips Collection’s monthly evening hours. While exploring the galleries, you can groove to live music from Puerto Rican musician Taisha Estrada, learn salsa dance with Baila DC, and see traditional dances performed by members of Alma Boliviana. There will also be hands-on events, like piñata-making and maraca-decorating, as well as a game of Lotería with the DC Public Library.
Poetry Open Mic: The Hour 📍 Politics and Prose Union Market (1324 4th St. NE) ⏰ 7 - 8 p.m. 💸 FREE Show up to support local artists — or maybe even share your work aloud — at this open mic hosted by award-winning D.C. poet María Fernanda. Whatever form your poetry exists in is welcome, from rough draft to published, spoken word to song, soliloquy to hip hop, and beyond. Each poet will have approximately three minutes to make room for as many readers as possible.
WRESTLEMAGNIA 📍 Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW) ⏰ 7:30 p.m. doors 💸 $25.40+ Live from 14th Street it’s … “Part wrestling event. Part civic hallucination. Part performance art fever spike.” The live show, hosted by comedian and social critic Chelsea Gods, will bring together activists and influencers including Robby Roadsteamer, Jolly Good Ginger, Dawoke Farmer, and more. It’s part of a full week of good trouble called Seven Days in D.C. Read more about it in our Civics Roundup.
The Kinda Late Show with Mike Kurtz 📍 Prima DC (900 Florida Ave. NW) ⏰ 9 - 11 p.m. 💸 $7.61 America’s late-night hosts may be under threat, but here in D.C. we’ve got our own to root for. Hosted by Mike Kurtz, this talk show and comedy hour involves a live house band, guest comedians, and … 8 to 10 p.m. happy hour. This time, the team will be showcasing their own version of America's 250th birthday party, which they promise “will look a little bit different than the president’s.”
Tiki Vinyl Night 📍 Tiki on 18th (2411 18th St. NW) ⏰ 7 - 11 p.m. 💸 FREE, reservations available Lean into the spookiness of the weekend with this "summerween" event: Sip on a Zombie cocktail while listening to DJ Cinema Hearts spin classic tiki, surf, exotica, world, and rock music. She’ll be dipping into her collection of rare Halloween vinyl from the 1950s-1960s, giving you a chance to hear deep cuts like "Monster Surfing Time," "The Blob," "Werewolf," and more. Dressing on theme is encouraged. Think retro summer camp, Aloha shirts, Scooby Doo, the Creature from the Black Lagoon (or maybe the reflecting pool).
FRIDAY, JULY 3
The National Building Museum will become a massive indoor playground this summer. (Rendering by Snarkitecture)
Walking Tour: The Lost History of Frederick Douglass in Old Anacostia📍 Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (1411 W St. SE) ⏰ 10 a.m. 💸 $12.24-22.85 Frederick Douglass lived in Anacostia from 1877 until his death in 1895, during which he became known as the “Lion of Anacostia.” Learn about those years on a walking tour of the neighborhood led by historian and author John Muller. The tour is about 1.5 miles, so wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water. Half-price tickets are currently on offer; snag them if you can!
Exhibit opening: THE PLAYGROUND 📍 National Building Museum (401 F St. NW) ⏰ 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 💸 $18.95 Remember back in 2015 when there was a big ball pit in the middle of the National Building Museum? How about in 2018 when there was a big white house (and another ball pit)? The folks at Snarkitecture who brought us THE BEACH and FUNHOUSE are back at the Building Museum for a new immersive summer installation called THE PLAYGROUND. The museum describes it as “an awe-inspiring, nontraditional environment centered on the mental and physical benefits of play” for people of all ages. The exhibit opens on Friday and will run through August 30.
World Cup at La Cosecha 📍 La Cosecha (1280 4th St. NE) ⏰ 1:30 - 11:30 p.m. 💸 FREE The Union Market District’s Latin American food hall continues to air World Cup matches. Stop by and grab some tacos, a glass of wine, or a soft serve from Frio Frio while you watch a game. There are three on Friday: Australia vs. Egypt kicks off at 2 p.m., Argentina vs. underdog favorites Cape Verde at 6 p.m., and Colombia vs. Ghana at 9:30 p.m.
Tarot Readings with Jane Prompeng 📍 People’s Book (7014 Westmoreland Ave. Suite A; Takoma Park, Maryland) ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. 💸 FREE See what the cards hold for you with a free 15-minute session with a local tarot reader. These short sessions can focus on a specific question or take a glimpse at your life more generally. Get there early to sign yourself up in person! If you’re inspired by the reading and want to learn more, People’s Book carries a selection of tarot decks and books.
It’s Our America: Now That’s What I Call a Dance Party 📍 Joe's Movement Emporium (3309 Bunker Hill Rd.; Mount Rainier, Maryland) ⏰ 6 - 10 p.m. 💸 $30, $40, or $50 (sliding scale) This adults-only, Independence Day-themed dance party will celebrate a vision of America that prioritizes community, joy, and mutual aid. It’s a fundraiser for the Prince George’s County Immigrants Rights Collective, supporting immigrant families impacted by recent federal immigration actions. Food and drinks will be available by donation!
Concert: JDHD, Alan Ward, and Dzh 📍 The Pocket (1508 North Capitol St. NW) ⏰ 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show 💸 $19 advance, $22 day of show Three rap and hip-hop artists from the mid-Atlantic are putting on a show this Friday night. The headliner, DMV rapper JDHD, infuses his songs with elements of the R&B and jazz that he grew up listening to. He’ll be joined by Alan Ward, a rapper from Baltimore, and Dzh, a rapper from New Jersey.
Indie Rock Karaoke (Fourth of July Edition) 📍 DC9 (1940 9th St. NW) ⏰ 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show 💸 FREE Head over to this bar just off U Street for their monthly indie rock karaoke night, where you can live out your dreams on the main stage singing everything from Belle & Sebastian and Elliott Smith to Le Tigre and Liz Phair.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
A morning race before the heat sets in. (DC Road Runners)
4th of July 4-Miler 📍Carderock Recreation Area (Across the Clara Barton Parkway from 9500 MacArthur Blvd. West Bethesda, Maryland) ⏰ 8 a.m. race (packet pickup starts at 7:15 a.m.) 💸 $11.60 It’s supposed to be a scorcher this weekend. If you want to get in a run before the heat really kicks in, consider this age-graded four-mile race with DC Road Runners. It’s a little different than a traditional race setup. Runners will start at a time determined by their gender and age. For example, women over 80 will start at 8 a.m. sharp, followed by women 75-79 at at 8:05 and 10 seconds. The winner is the first person to physically cross the finish line. Every runner receives a prize, and all participants are encouraged to contribute unique items to the prize pool.
Crafty Tales: Our Flag Was Still There 📍 Merry Pin (7350 Georgia Ave. NW) ⏰ 10 - 11 a.m. 💸 FREE For the Fourth of July, this Shepherd Park craft store and cafe is hosting a special holiday-themed craft and storytelling event — recommended for kids ages 3-8, but all are welcome. This week, storytellers will read Our Flag Was Still There by author and illustrator Jessie Hartland. It tells the story of the American flag made by seamstress Mary Pickersgill that inspired the poem and our national anthem. After the story, participants can make their own miniature star-spangled banners.
Sweet Land of Legacy: Ice Cream Social & Art Workshop 📍 Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE) ⏰ 12 - 3 p.m. 💸 FREE For Independence Day, the Anacostia Community Museum is hosting an afternoon of reflection, creativity, and ice cream. Visitors are invited to share memories of Fourth of July celebrations past and reflect on the traditions that shaped their own communities. After the sweet treat, families can participate in a “Scoops of Freedom” art activity — creating red, white, and blue ice-cream-inspired art exploring history, values, and dreams for the future.
No To Nationalism! A Community Solidarity Market, Concert, and Fundraiser 📍 Rhizome DC (6950 Maple St. NW) ⏰ 12 - 5 p.m. 💸 $15+ donation This Takoma DIY arts space is hosting an all-day festival to celebrate community solidarity. There will be music throughout the day from five bands and three DJs, as well as food, a market, crafts, and more. The event is hosted by Jewish Voice for Peace DC Metro chapter, and will raise funds for the group’s efforts as well as Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid and Gaza Soup Kitchen.
We Sing America: Planet Word Celebrates the 4th of July 📍 Franklin Park (1332 I St. NW) ⏰ 1 - 2:30 p.m. 💸 FREE In the afternoon, Planet Word is hosting a free, all-ages community sing-along outside the museum. WAMU Morning Edition host Esther Ciammachilli and D.C. composer Nolan Williams Jr. will lead the crowd in a celebration of songs and voices that have shaped America, from folk songs to protest anthems. Songs will be accompanied by a live band and Williams’ NEWorks Voices of America.
Fourth of July on the Farm 📍 Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St. NE) ⏰ 6 - 10 p.m. 💸 FREE Watch the neighborhood fireworks display while basking in the glory of the high summer season at Edgewood Community Farm. There will be vegetarian and non-vegetarian food on the grill, and anyone joining the festivities is encouraged to bring sides, drinks, and desserts to share.
SUNDAY, JULY 5
Birds like this Great Blue Heron, seen wading in the water near Peirce Mill, could inspire your creative writing on Sunday morning. (Diane Krauthamer / Flickr)
Words From Birds 📍 Meet at Peirce Mill (2401 Tilden St NW) ⏰ 7 - 9:30 a.m. 💸 FREE, donations suggested If you’re in the mood for a little peace and quiet on Sunday morning, head over to Rock Creek Park for a contemplative workshop led by local writer and environmentalist Foley O'Brien. The group will follow a hiking trail along the creek for about a mile. Along the way, you’ll use your observations of nature and birds to build a word bank, which will form the basis for a post-hike creative writing session. Will you see a bright red Scarlet Tanager or an elegant Great Blue Heron? Or maybe even a delicate Ruby-throated Hummingbird? Funds raised by this event will be donated to the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network.
Logan Market 📍 Kbird Bar DC (1333 P St. NW) ⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 💸 FREE It’s the first Sunday of the month, which means it’s time for this monthly creative and vintage market just off of Logan Circle. Local artists, makers, small businesses, and neighbors will come together along P Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW, perfectly located to coincide with an ice cream or a mid-afternoon mocktail!!
Indigo & Shibori 101 Workshop 📍 Rhizome DC (6950 Maple St. NW) ⏰ 1 p.m. 💸 $17.19-27.75 Channel any summer blues you might be feeling into this workshop, where natural dyer Sophie Kanter will teach you how to make and dye with indigo using the basics of shibori, a Japanese tie-dye technique. Each participant will receive a bandana, and are welcome to bring a few small items from home. You’ll learn how to care for the fabric to sustain its color. Be sure to wear clothing that you don't mind getting stained, because the process can get messy.
Birthday Party and Cookbook Swap 📍 Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St. SE) ⏰ 3 - 5 p.m. 💸 FREE, reservations encouraged A year ago, new owners Sarah Needle and Miles Hamilton took over operations at Hill’s Kitchen. To celebrate, they’re throwing themselves a birthday party and a cookbook swap. Whether you’re ready to bid adieu to your sourdough-baking books or seeking some inspiration in the kitchen, this is your chance. There will also be cake and wine to celebrate the occasion.
Bouquet Crafting & Flower Design 📍 Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St. NE) ⏰ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 💸 $20 End the holiday weekend by making something beautiful. At this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of harvesting and arranging flowers and foliage, from pairing blooms to balancing colors. All materials will be provided, including vases, flowers, and flower food, and you’ll leave with a bouquet of your own making. If weather demands, the event will be held inside the yellow house at Edgewood Community Farm.
Sunday Scaries Open Mic 📍 Fat Pete's BBQ (3407 Connecticut Avenue NW) ⏰ 7:30 p.m. comic sign-up, 8 p.m. show 💸 FREE, with a purchase from the bar The Sunday Scaries can hit especially hard at the end of a long weekend — why not keep them at bay with a bit of laughter? This bi-weekly Cleveland Park comedy show features local comics, often trying out some of their new material. If you want to get on stage, arrive by 7:30 p.m. to buy something from the bar and drop your name in the bucket. The host will set an order and go over best practices before the show officially starts.
Michelle is a writer and editor based in Washington, D.C. She writes about science, nature, culture, and art. Her work has appeared in Atlas Obscura, National Geographic, and other publications.
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